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Science News for July 8, 2012


What happens when we sunburn

A new study reveals how sunburn occurs when UV radiation damages RNA in skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response that can lead to healing and potentially even cancer. The discovery may lead to the development of treatments that block this process without exposing patients to harmful UV light.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 8, 2012

Belching black hole proves a biggie

Astronomers have confirmed the first known 'middleweight' black hole, HLX-1, using observations with CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array. The black hole is estimated to be around 20,000 to 90,000 times the mass of the Sun and lies in a galaxy called ESO 243-49.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2012

Recovery from pediatric brain injury a lifelong process, experts say

Children's recovery from pediatric brain injury extends beyond medical care to involve the entire circle of family, friends, and healthcare providers. Recent research highlights the importance of 'family-centered' approaches and innovative interventions to promote self-worth, education as rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateJul 8, 2012

Overweight? There's a vaccine for that

Researchers developed two somatostatin vaccinations that reduce body weight and increase energy expenditure in diet-induced obese male mice. The vaccines induce antibodies to somatostatin, effectively removing inhibition on growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Animal Science and Biotechnology·DateJul 8, 2012

Urinary tract infections steal from hosts' defense arsenals

Researchers discovered that E. coli uses yersiniabactin to steal copper from host cells, allowing the bacteria to grow and reproduce. This finding could lead to new treatments for serious urinary tract infections. By blocking this thievery with a drug, patients' chances of fighting off infections may significantly improve.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 8, 2012