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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 31


Page 31 of 32

Video publication goes viral

A scientific method paper and video demonstrating a laboratory technique used to study mitochondrial dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease and other disorders has gone viral. The technique, which measures the electrical potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane, has been accessed by more than 14,000 scientists worldwide.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMar 2, 2012

Ozone treated water v. lethal microbial material

A University of Alberta research team discovered that ozone-treated water can eradicate infectious proteins from cattle brain matter, providing a potential solution for decontaminating wastewater and sterilizing neurosurgical equipment. This breakthrough technique offers improved prion removal methods in meat processing plants and surg...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 2, 2012

First model of how buds grow into leaves

Scientists developed a computer model to accurately emulate leaf growth from a bud, discovering simple rules controlling leaf shape. The model, created using molecular signals and an inbuilt orientation system, can now help identify genes controlling leaf shape and understanding plant development.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012

Pioneering research reveals bacterium's secrets

The study has provided novel insights into the regulatory processes that help Bacillus subtilis cells maintain their metabolism in prime condition. It identified 512 new potential genes in the bacterium and has implications for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMar 1, 2012

Sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy

A team of researchers identified a beta-1 integrin signaling pathway crucial for HNSCC resistance to radiotherapy. Inhibiting this pathway sensitized cells to radiation and delayed tumor growth in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2012

New method for stronger dental implants

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new method for stronger dental implants by using a drug coating that allows titanium screws to adhere to the bone better and faster. After six months, 15 out of 16 patients showed significantly improved fixation of their treated implants.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBone·DateMar 1, 2012

When one side does not know about the other one

Scientists study the impact of asymmetrical light input on cerebral hemispheric specialization and interhemispheric cooperation in bird embryos. The results show that information exchange is impaired without light-stimulation, which may help understand developmental disorders like ADHD or autism.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2012

UCLA scientists identify crucial cell and signaling pathway in placental blood stem cell niche

Researchers identified PDGF-B signaling in trophoblasts as a vital component of the placental niche, supporting blood stem cell generation and expansion without promoting differentiation. This discovery provides new insights into regulating EPO expression and governing the fates of blood stem cells during development.

Millennium Development Goals progress reports overestimate access to safe water

A study by University of Bristol researchers found that relying solely on improved water source type oversimplifies the measure of safety, leading to substantial underestimations in four developing countries. The adjustment increased estimates of people without access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and Nigeria by millions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateMar 1, 2012

Pasta-shaped radio waves beamed across Venice

A team of Italian and Swedish researchers has successfully transmitted two twisted radio waves across the waters of Venice, demonstrating a solution to the problem of radio frequency congestion. By twisting radio waves into fusilli pasta shapes, they were able to transmit multiple channels of information on the same frequency band.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 1, 2012

Postmenopausal women at greater risk of stroke from high trans fat intake

A large study found that postmenopausal women with higher trans fat intake have an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Aspirin use was shown to reduce this risk. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, highlights the importance of following a diet low in trans fats and adding an aspirin regimen to help women reduce their stroke risk.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 1, 2012

On the path to 1 terabit-per-second networks

Japanese researchers have developed a spectrally efficient, scalable elastic optical transport network architecture called SLICE to address growing IP traffic demands. The technology enables adaptive spectrum allocation, providing significant savings of network resources and increased capacity.

SourceOptica·DateMar 1, 2012

Mayo Clinic: Robotic surgery proves successful, less invasive way to treat HPV-related oral cancer

A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that robotic surgery offers a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments for oropharyngeal cancer, resulting in high survival rates and improved patient quality of life. The treatment preserved patients' ability to swallow and maintained excellent speech performance.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 1, 2012

Boys' cynicism towards school increases at upper secondary school

A recent study found that boys' initial enthusiasm for upper secondary school gives way to cynicism and negativity as they progress. Girls experience a sense of inadequacy, which may lead to depression later in life. The study highlights the importance of effective stress management and supportive environments to promote positive growth.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateMar 1, 2012

Radiation, business and health care policy curricula for US radiation residents show need for improvement

A recent study suggests that US radiation residents' curricula for business practice and health care policy are in need of improvement, with most programs offering variable topics and educational time. The study's findings indicate that current curricula may be suboptimal, highlighting the need for further commitment and innovation.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 1, 2012

Wine experts' ratings may be a wash for many consumers

Researchers found that wine experts were more sensitive to bitter tastes than non-experts, suggesting their ability to discern small differences in wine may be innate. This could mean that expert recommendations are too subtle for average consumers to sense.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Enology and Viticulture·DateMar 1, 2012