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Science News for June 7, 2012


Immune system 'circuitry' that kills malaria in mosquitoes identified

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have identified the function of a series of proteins within the mosquito that transduce a signal to trigger an immune response against the malaria parasite. The study found that manipulating these proteins through genetic engineering can create a malaria-resistant mosquito.

Breaking the limits of classical physics

A new experiment shows that light exhibits both electric and magnetic fields simultaneously, violating classical physics, and demonstrating its quantum mechanical nature. The study's findings have implications for understanding the behavior of other systems and developing quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 7, 2012

HIV superinfection in Uganda may be more common than previously thought, study finds

A new study in Uganda found that HIV superinfection may be more common than previously thought, occurring at a rate comparable to the annual incidence of new HIV infections. The research suggests that post-test counseling should emphasize the risk of superinfection and its implications for public health strategies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJun 7, 2012

Virgin male moths think they're hot when they're not

A University of Utah study found that virgin male moths quickly warm up after smelling female sex attractant, leading to premature takeoff. This behavior may compromise flight power and reduce chances of reaching females. Researchers are studying how odors influence moth behavior, which is critical for understanding insect biology.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 7, 2012

Vampire jumping spiders identify victims by their antennae

Researchers discovered that vampire jumping spiders prefer female mosquitoes with blood-fed abdomens over other insects due to their distinctive antennae. The spiders can identify the females by their antennae even when they are too small to be seen, and this unique ability may play a crucial role in their prey classification process.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 7, 2012

'Nanocable' could be big boon for energy storage

Researchers at Rice University have created a tiny coaxial cable that is about a thousand times smaller than a human hair and has higher capacitance than previously reported microcapacitors. The nanocable, made with carbon and copper, could be used to build next-generation energy-storage systems.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2012

Engineered robot interacts with live fish

A bioinspired robot has shown that live zebrafish can be influenced by engineered robots, providing a stepping stone for autonomous robots in open environments to monitor and control fish behavior. The robot's design mimicked the characteristics of a zebrafish, including shape and color patterns, to increase attraction.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateJun 7, 2012

Steel-strength plastics -- and green, too!

A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a super-strength polypropylene that could replace steel in everyday products, reducing pollution and increasing energy efficiency. The new material is cheaper to produce and more durable than traditional plastics, making it a promising alternative for industries such as car manufacturing.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 7, 2012

U of I study: Teachers may need training to respond to children's emotions

A University of Illinois study found that teachers often lack training on supporting young children's emotional regulation skills. The researchers suggest that teacher training programs should include strategies for modeling and managing challenging emotional moments in the classroom. By teaching children how to manage their emotions, ...

Bright X-ray flashes created in laser lab

An international team of scientists has successfully created bright coherent x-ray radiation using a new method developed at the Vienna University of Technology. This breakthrough enables the production of high-energy x-rays with short wavelengths, making it suitable for various applications such as materials science and medicine.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2012

Pre-existing problems

Researchers at Harvard University have found that pre-existing mutations in the HIV virus can cause it to develop resistance to drugs used to slow disease progression. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments and opens up possibilities for prevention of drug resistance.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 7, 2012

New property of flames sparks advances in technology

Researchers at University College London have discovered a new property of flames that allows for the control of reactions at solid surfaces, opening up new fields of chemical innovation. This breakthrough has significant implications for future technologies, including air quality detection and greenhouse gas management.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 7, 2012

Is berry picking forced labor?

Research by Charles Woolfson reveals that berry pickers from Asia and Eastern Europe may be subjected to forced labor in Swedish forests. The ILO's definition of forced labor is met, with threats of punishment and non-consensual working conditions.

SourceLinköping University·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative Labour Law and Industrial Relations·DateJun 7, 2012

Penn and Cornell researchers spearhead the development of new guidelines for veterinary CPR

Penn and Cornell researchers have created evidence-based guidelines for veterinary CPR, aiming to standardize treatment of cardiac arrest in pets. The guidelines recommend 100-120 chest compressions per minute, intubated ventilation at a rate of 10 breaths per minute, and administration of vasopressors every 3 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care·DateJun 7, 2012

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation increases survival in systemic sclerosis patients

A phase III trial showed that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) significantly increases long-term survival compared to conventional treatment for patients with poor prognosis early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The study found more deaths in the conventional group, with half of them being treatment-related.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 7, 2012

Pre-existing mutations can lead to drug resistance in HIV virus

A recent study found that pre-existing mutations in HIV patients can cause the virus to develop resistance to drugs used to slow its progression. The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, suggests that understanding how resistance evolves may lead to the development of more effective treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 7, 2012

Nearly two-thirds of American osteoporotic hip fractures are seen in the extreme elderly

A new American study shows that nearly two-thirds of osteoporotic hip fractures occur in people aged 80 years or older, highlighting a growing concern as this population segment is expected to comprise 25% of the US population by 2050. The study recommends more aggressive measures to prevent, diagnose and treat osteoporosis, including ...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 7, 2012