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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 4


Page 4 of 24

The secret life of proteins

A Northwestern University study identifies a key player in the human immune system, revealing its crucial role in activating the immune response. The protein, STIM1, was found to regulate not only one function but also another critical step in immune activation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2012

ONline-learning must synch or sink, researcher says

A University of Alberta researcher found that online undergraduate classes using text-based formats lack reflective engagement and facilitate communication lacking in joy, passion, flavour and urgency. Kanuka recommends integrating audio-visual technologies to better support students and create a more engaging community of learners.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Computing in Higher Education·DateJan 27, 2012

Prejudices? Quite normal!

Research from Jena University reveals that prejudice development peaks between 5-7 years of age, but well-designed prevention programs can effectively reduce biases. The study highlights the importance of diverse contacts in reducing sweeping generalizations and discrimination, especially for children from social minorities.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalChild Development·DateJan 27, 2012

Mind over matter: Patients' perceptions of illness make a difference

Research suggests that patients' perceptions of their illness significantly impact health outcomes, including functioning, healthcare utilization, and mortality. Effective health care treatment plans require consideration of a patient's beliefs about their illness, as they guide decisions about health and treatment adherence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 27, 2012

Republicans and democrats less divided than commonly thought

A new study analyzing 40 years' worth of voter data suggests that Americans perceive more political polarization than actual differences exist between parties. Contrary to popular belief, those who perceive greater polarization are more likely to engage in politics, attend rallies, or donate to a party.

SourceSAGE·DateJan 27, 2012

Making memories last

Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research found that oligomers of a synapse protein are essential for forming long-term memory. The discovery supports a new theory about memory and may have implications for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and prion diseases.

Catalyzing new uses for diesel by-products

A new catalytic process at Cardiff University converts hydrocarbons from diesel production into oxygenated aromatics, including phthalic anhydride and coumarin. This breakthrough could lead to less waste and the creation of more useful chemicals for various industries.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 26, 2012

Viruses con bacteria into working for them

Researchers discovered that certain ocean bacteria are tricked into using their own machinery to activate genes carried by viruses. The viruses inject DNA into stressed bacteria, which then support the virus' replication cycle. This co-evolutionary relationship reveals a sophisticated mechanism of gene regulation and exploitation.

LED lights point shoppers in the right direction

Researchers from Penn State and Hallym University developed a system that uses LED lights to provide locational information, enabling shoppers to quickly find items in large stores. The hybrid system combines radio frequency transmitters with overhead LED lights to provide accurate location data.

Rap music powers rhythmic action of medical sensor

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of miniature medical sensor that uses acoustic waves from rap music to recharge and monitor pressure. The sensor can be used to diagnose incontinence and treat conditions such as aneurisms and paralysis, offering potential benefits over conventional implantable devices.

UK researchers shed light on magnetic mystery of graphite

Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered that commercially available graphite crystals contain micron-sized clusters of predominantly iron, which explain their weak signs of magnetism. This finding could be a breakthrough for utilising graphite as a bio-compatible magnet for medicine and biology.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJan 26, 2012

Stop taking steroids: Kidney transplant recipients may not need long-term prednisone

A new study found that patients who quickly stop taking immunosuppressive prednisone after receiving a kidney transplant avoid experiencing serious prednisone-related side effects. The study also showed that rapid discontinuation of prednisone does not jeopardize the long-term survival of patients and their new organs.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 26, 2012

How seawater could corrode nuclear fuel

A team of researchers has found a new method by which seawater can corrode nuclear fuel, creating uranium compounds that could potentially travel long distances in solution or as tiny particles. The discovery highlights the need to consider this phenomenon in future nuclear operations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2012

Prevalence of oral HPV infection higher among men than women

The study found that oral HPV infection was predominantly sexually transmitted and had peaks in different age ranges, with men having a significantly higher prevalence than women. Oral HPV prevalence was associated with several measures of sexual behavior, including the number of partners and current smoking habits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 26, 2012

Following the first steps out of Africa

A new study sheds light on the earliest stages of human migration, suggesting that modern humans first settled in Arabia on their way out of Africa. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA genomes provides evidence for an ancient ancestry within Arabia.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 26, 2012