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Science News for February 26, 2012


How to rescue the immune system

Researchers developed a novel technique to turn immune system killer T cells into more effective weapons by delivering DNA into instructor cells. The method proved effective in jumpstarting defective immune systems in immuno-compromised mice and human killer T cells, paving the way for potential cancer therapy.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2012

Math can save Tylenol overdose patients

Researchers created a new method using calculus equations to estimate acetaminophen overdose patient prognosis, predicting those who can survive with antidote treatment versus those needing a liver transplant. The study analyzed 53 patients and showed the method's accuracy in determining survival outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 26, 2012

Dental pulp stem cells transformed by 'bad breath' chemical

Researchers have successfully differentiated human dental pulp stem cells into liver cells using hydrogen sulphide, producing high numbers of pure cells. This breakthrough offers promising results for future liver-cell therapy and transplantation without the risk of teratomas or cancers.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateFeb 26, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Elusive platelet count and limb development gene discovered

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for Thrombocytopenia with Absent Radii (TAR), a rare inherited blood and skeletal disorder. The discovery enables the development of a medical test for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling in affected families.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 26, 2012

Call for tough new targets on European Union energy reduction

Energy efficiency experts propose a new EU target of a 40% reduction in primary energy demand by 2050, arguing that radically improving building efficiency is crucial for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed target aligns with the ambitions of the new Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·DateFeb 26, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Some bacteria attack using spring-loaded poison daggers

Researchers discovered the structure of type VI secretion system apparatus and proposed how it works by firing spring-loaded molecular daggers. The nano-weapon can pierce cell membranes and inject proteins, evading detection for decades with traditional electron microscopy.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2012

Volcanoes deliver 2 flavors of water

Researchers found unique changes in hydrogen and boron isotopes in submarine volcanic glass near subduction zones, indicating ancient oceanic slabs can return to the upper mantle and interact with modern seawater. This discovery suggests hydrogen diffusion rates in the deep Earth may be slower than expected.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 26, 2012

MIT research: Delivering RNA with tiny sponge-like spheres

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel RNA interference method that delivers short interfering RNA (siRNA) using microspheres, overcoming the challenge of efficient delivery in the body. The new system shows promise for targeting specific genes in tumors and other diseased cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 26, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Scientists score 1 more victory over uncertainty in quantum physics measurements

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have successfully squeezed a property called the nematic tensor, describing rubidium atoms in Bose-Einstein condensates. This achievement improves measurement precision for atomic clocks and magnetometers, with potential applications to quantum information systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 26, 2012