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Science News for February 23, 2012


Proteins behaving badly

Researchers have developed an algorithm to predict how and when proteins misfold, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. The algorithm helps scientists understand protein dynamics and may aid in developing treatments for currently incurable diseases.

Secondhand smoke results in graft rejection

A new study reveals that secondhand smoke results in graft rejection in transplant patients, with a specific enzyme's expression being key to the process. Researchers found that SHS suppressed an enzyme produced by innate immune cells, hindering long-term islet allograft survival.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 23, 2012

A rainbow for the palm of your hand

UB researchers develop one-step method to fabricate rainbow-colored polymer with extraordinary properties, reflecting many different wavelengths of light. The material could form basis of handheld multispectral imaging devices for applications in home improvement and biomedical imaging.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 23, 2012

Woodchucks and sudden cardiac death

Researchers found that hibernating woodchucks have a higher resistance to cardiac arrhythmias due to their unique calcium handling properties. This insight may suggest new strategies for protecting non-hibernating animals from fatal cardiac arrhythmias induced by hypothermic stresses and myocardial ischemia.

More is better: Frequent or extended dialysis treatments benefit kidney failure patients

Research suggests that daily or nightly dialysis sessions at home or in the clinic may provide more benefits for some patients with kidney failure, improving their health and survival. However, additional research is needed to determine if extended or more frequent treatments are beneficial for all dialysis patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2012

Slamming the brakes on the malaria life cycle

Researchers have discovered a vital player in the sexual phase of the malaria parasite's reproduction that could prove an effective target for new treatments. The new protein, CDC20, plays a crucial role in cell division and the development of male sex cells, essential for parasite transmission between humans and mosquitoes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 23, 2012

Study examines number of GP visits before cancer patients are referred to specialists

A new study has found that cancer patients with breast, melanoma, testicular, and endometrial cancers are more likely to be referred to a specialist after just one or two consultations. In contrast, patients with less common cancers such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic, stomach, and ovarian cancer require three or more visits before re...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 23, 2012

Lineage trees reveal cells' histories

Weizmann Institute scientists have disproved a claim about the origin of eggs in female mammals and created a new method for reconstructing lineage trees for cells. The study found that ova cannot be descended from bone-marrow stem cells, but older mice eggs undergo more cell divisions than younger ones.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2012

A change of heart

Researchers have discovered a crucial link between mitochondrial function and heart damage caused by chronic alcoholism. Using electron microscopic tomography, the team created the first 3D images of mitochondria, revealing tiny tethers linking them to another cell compartment where calcium is stored.

Blood mystery solved

Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for the Langereis and Junior blood types, shedding light on a long-standing medical mystery. The discovery may improve treatment options for breast cancer patients and enhance blood transfusion safety for rare blood type carriers.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2012

Earth siblings can be different!

A recent study analyzed the photospheric stellar abundances of planet-host stars, uncovering a wide variety of terrestrial planet compositions. The results suggest that extrasolar planets may be significantly different from Earth due to variations in elemental ratios and planetary formation processes.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 23, 2012

Getting a handle on chronic pain

Researchers developed a visual tool to help doctors assess patients' pain levels by analyzing their movement patterns, providing a more precise assessment than traditional questionnaires. The new 'barcode' tool offers a dynamic view of a patient's condition, enabling doctors to monitor progress and adapt treatment accordingly.

Metal nanoparticles shine with customizable color

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new type of tunable color filter that uses optical nanoantennas to control color output. The filters can produce a range of colors by changing the polarization of the light illuminating them, with potential applications in televisions and biomedical imaging.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 23, 2012

Disarming the botulinum neurotoxin

Sanford-Burnham researchers discovered the first 3D structure of the botulinum neurotoxin and its protein bodyguard. This reveals a weak spot that can be targeted to develop new therapeutics, including potential treatments for botulism and bioterrorism agents.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2012

Protein assassin

Scientists have found that the unfolded end of a protein, ColN-T, can still kill E. coli-like bacteria even after its toxic folded portion is removed. This discovery may lead to new, targeted ways to kill antibiotic-resistant microbes.

Fast-food menu calorie counts legally compliant but not as helpful to consumers as they should be

A study by Columbia University School of Nursing found that fast-food menu calorie counts are legally compliant, but the information is often unclear and difficult to interpret, particularly for low-income communities. The researchers developed a seven-item 'menu rating tool' to improve the usability of calorie postings.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateFeb 23, 2012

Making droplets drop faster

Researchers at MIT have discovered new ways to pattern collecting surfaces to encourage droplets to form more rapidly, leading to improved efficiency in power plants and desalination systems. The findings also have potential applications in improving the performance of solar-power systems and computer chips.

Higher risk of autism among certain immigrant groups

A Swedish register study reveals that children born to certain immigrant groups have an increased risk of developing autism with intellectual disability. The study suggests that environmental factors may contribute to the development of autism, particularly for children whose mothers migrated just before or during pregnancy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 23, 2012

Underage drinking laws reduce future criminal behavior

A recent study found that strictly enforcing possession of alcohol under the legal age reduces the likelihood of teenagers engaging in alcohol-related crime as adults. Teens who experienced strict enforcement were arrested less frequently for vandalism and assaults as young adults compared to those with more lenient laws.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateFeb 23, 2012

Voters overrate favorite candidates

A new study from Northwestern University suggests that people consistently believe their preferred candidate will win an election, even if they're behind in the polls. The false consensus effect, a psychological phenomenon, is thought to be driving this trend.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2012

Memory formation triggered by stem cell development

A study by RIKEN-MIT Center found that specific neurons in the dentate gyrus serve distinct roles in memory formation based on whether they were produced from young or old neural stem cells. This discovery could lead to new drug targets for treating memory impairments associated with PTSD and aging.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell·DateFeb 23, 2012