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Science News for July 6, 2012


Microscope probe-sharpening technique improves resolution, durability

A new microscope probe-sharpening technique has been developed to improve imaging resolution and durability for researchers studying tiny structures. The technique, described in Nature Communications, uses a matching voltage to deflect ions and sharpens the probe around the tip, preserving the point and increasing stability.

Concordia welcomes 4 new Vanier scholars

Four Concordia PhD candidates have secured Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships to conduct groundbreaking research in various fields. Brigitte Desharnais will investigate metabolizing enzymes in the liver to determine drug-related deaths, while Matthew Keough will study stress and alcohol use in young adults.

BWH researchers discover new vaccine candidate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a new vaccine candidate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes severe lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The vaccine is based on a new mechanism of immunity mediated by T helper 17 (Th17) cells and has been shown to protect mice from lethal pneumonia.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 6, 2012

Stop and go

A new protein called Lem4 has been discovered to direct a crucial step in cell division by preventing the addition of phosphate tags to BAF while promoting their removal. This process is essential for cellular growth and division, and its regulation may be key to understanding various cellular processes.

Keeping the flu away

EP67, a powerful synthetic protein, is able to activate the innate immune system within two hours of administration, preventing flu symptoms. The study found that EP67 functions similarly across different flu strains, offering a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2012

Prevention is better than cure for killer cardiovascular disease

The new 2012 Joint European Societies' Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice focus on lifestyle changes, public health initiatives, and individual preventive measures to address the growing burden of CVD. Experts stress the need for a co-ordinated society-wide effort to reduce mortality.

SourceSAGE·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 6, 2012

Aqueous iron interacts as strong as solid iron

Researchers developed a new method called inverse Partial Fluorescence Yield (iPFY) that allows them to examine the structure of metal ions-complexes in solution without sample damage. The study found that iron ions interact strongly with water, contradicting previous thoughts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 6, 2012

Heat, rainfall affect pathogenic mosquito abundance in catch basins

Researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that low rainfall and high temperatures increase the numbers of larvae in storm water catch basins. The study, published in Journal of Medical Entomology, highlights the importance of monitoring mosquito populations in these areas to track West Nile Virus disease cases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJul 6, 2012

UCLA researcher discovers epigenetic links in cell-fate decisions of adult stem cells

Researchers found two key epigenetic regulating genes that govern cell-fate determination of human bone marrow stem cells. The discovery may allow stem cells to differentiate specifically into bone cells while inhibiting fat cell differentiation, paving the way for therapies in regenerative medicine and osteoporosis treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 6, 2012

UC Davis study finds that above-normal weight alone does not increase the short-term risk of death

A new UC Davis study found that being overweight or obese alone is not linked to an increased risk of death in the short-term. However, severely obese individuals with diabetes or hypertension do face a higher risk of mortality, emphasizing the importance of weight loss and managing co-occurring health conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJul 6, 2012