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Science News for July 24, 2012


Lace plants explain programmed cell death

Researchers have documented the physiological events in lace plant leaves during programmed cell death (PCD), revealing how cells dismantle and disappear. The study used long-term live cell imaging and staining to observe the progression of PCD, which is essential for producing the characteristic holes in the leaves.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJul 24, 2012

Physicists study the classics for hidden truths

Physicists analyzed the interactions between characters in the Iliad, Beowulf, and Tain Bó Cuailngé, finding similarities with real-life social networks. The study revealed assortative and vulnerable network structures, indicating realistic societal dynamics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJul 24, 2012

Research discoveries to find commercial reality

The newly established Therapeutic Innovation Australia Queensland Node will provide a testing model to speed up the movement of inventions from laboratory to therapeutic products. The Node will focus on four initial projects, including migraine prevention and diabetes management, aiming to deliver tangible commercial returns within fiv...

New probe provides vital assist in brain cancer surgery

A new probe developed at Norris Cotton Cancer Center and Dartmouth College helps surgeons differentiate between cancerous tissue and normal tissue in low-grade tumors. The probe reads how light travels through tissue, producing a straightforward answer as to whether the tissue is cancerous.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 24, 2012

Some harmful effects of light at night can be reversed

A new study suggests that chronic exposure to artificial light at night can lead to depressive symptoms in rodents, which can be reversed by returning to a standard light-dark cycle. The study found that blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor, a protein involved in depression, prevented the development of depressive-like symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2012

Fine tuning cardiac ablation could lead to quicker results for patients with arrhythmias

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a safer method for steadying abnormal heart rhythms, using photodynamic therapy to target specific cells causing the arrhythmia. This cell-specific approach aims to decrease unwanted cell injury and inflammation, paving the way for more effective therapies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Heart Rhythm·DateJul 24, 2012

Under the right conditions, peptide blocks HIV infection at multiple points along the way

Researchers have discovered a human peptide that effectively blocks HIV entry into cells by targeting specific targets on both the virus and the cells. The peptide, human neutrophil peptide 1, prevents early and late stages of HIV-cell fusion and inhibits viral uptake without compromising cell function.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2012

Carnivores: Beware of ticks

Researchers discover tick bites trigger alpha-gal antibodies in patients, leading to delayed anaphylaxis after eating red meat. The study highlights a previously unknown food-induced severe allergic reaction due to a carbohydrate, not protein.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2012

Pulling CO2 from air vital, say researchers

Emerging techniques to pull carbon dioxide from the air can help stabilize the climate, but lower-cost technology is a stumbling block. The techniques address sources of CO2 that other types of carbon capture and storage cannot, and have the potential to lower atmospheric CO2 levels significantly.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2012

Hitting back at 'wiretapping' parasite

Researchers have discovered a way to make plants resistant to parasitic dodder vines by attacking the junctions where they tap into their hosts. The technique, using RNA interference, has shown promise in preventing dodder from spreading and can potentially be applied to other parasites like Striga.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 24, 2012

Scientists create artificial mother of pearl

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully synthesized a material with a similar structure, mechanical behavior, and optical appearance to natural nacre, also known as mother of pearl. The new coating has potential applications in coating applications due to its cheap ingredients and ability to be easily automated.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2012

Greater availability of neurosurgeons could reduce risk of death from motor vehicle accidents

A study found that higher population density of neurosurgeons in the US is associated with lower mortality rates from motor vehicle accidents, which are often caused by traumatic brain injuries. Rural areas tend to experience more MVA-related deaths due to slower medical response times and reduced access to trauma resources.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateJul 24, 2012

ESC says 50 percent of CVD deaths in Europe could be avoided with proper regulation

A population-level approach to preventing cardiovascular disease could reduce deaths by up to 50%, according to the European Society of Cardiology. The organization recommends changes in agricultural policies, taxation, and advertising to support healthy diets, physical activity, and reduced alcohol consumption.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 24, 2012