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Science News Archive November 2012 - Page 8


Page 8 of 23

Study advances use of stem cells in personalized medicine

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully used human stem cells to test how diseased cells respond to drugs, paving the way for faster and cheaper drug development. The study identified a promising compound for treating Riley-Day syndrome and demonstrated the potential for tailored treatments for individual patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 26, 2012

Possible new treatment for Ewing sarcoma

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new drug with high potential to treat Ewing sarcoma by targeting the EWS/FLI protein. The study found that an enzyme called lysine specific demethylase (LSD-1) interacts with EWS/FLI to turn off gene expression in Ewing sarcoma.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalOncogene·DateNov 26, 2012

Engineering plants for biofuels

Researchers successfully engineered Arabidopsis plants to reduce xylan content and improve breakdown of carbohydrate into simple sugars. The resulting plants exhibit improved saccharification properties, allowing for better production of biofuels from plant biomass.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateNov 25, 2012

Sensor detects bombs on sea floor

The CSIRO sensor uses technology similar to mineral deposit detection, providing valuable geological information and avoiding unnecessary drilling. The device has the potential to help clear landmines and renew exploration efforts at abandoned sites.

New insights into a virus proteome

Researchers have identified over 700 novel proteins in the herpesvirus genome, many of which are surprisingly small and complex. This discovery provides new insights into the biology of the herpesvirus and highlights the importance of analyzing the products actually produced from the genome.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2012

Improving 3-D image capture in real time

A team of researchers from the Public University of Navarre has developed a new algorithm for improving the real-time capture of 3-D images, enabling applications in fields like 3-D video recording and intelligent systems. The technique uses stereoscopic vision to compare pairs of images and yields better results than previous algorithms.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateNov 23, 2012

Star Trek Classroom: The next generation of school desks

A three-year project at Durham University has found that collaborative learning increases both fluency and flexibility in mathematics, while using interactive smart desks can have benefits over traditional paper-based activities. The new 'Star Trek classroom' also encourages active student engagement and equal access.

SourceDurham University·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateNov 22, 2012

The smell of white

Scientists have created a blended scent, known as 'Laurax,' which spans the entire range of human olfaction and is perceived as neutral. This breakthrough challenges conventional wisdom on how our sense of smell works.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2012

Better blood transfusions for preterm babies

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made a promising breakthrough in reducing adverse inflammatory responses to blood transfusions in preterm babies. By understanding the mechanisms behind these responses, they aim to improve blood transfusion safety and reduce complications.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPediatric Research·DateNov 22, 2012

Spanish scientists design a revolutionary data storage device

University of Granada researchers have developed an Advanced Random Access Memory (A-RAM) device that overcomes miniaturization challenges in DRAM cells, enabling long retention times and low battery consumption. The innovation has been patented and demonstrated experimentally, with companies like Samsung and Hynix showing interest.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateNov 22, 2012

'Repurposed' anti-parasite drug shows promise as new TB treatment: UBC research

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have discovered that a well-established family of anti-parasite drugs can be repurposed to effectively treat tuberculosis, including drug-resistant forms. The study highlights the potential for investing in research to find new uses for approved drugs and synergistic combinations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 22, 2012

Blind patient reads words stimulated directly onto the retina

Researchers successfully streamed braille patterns directly into a blind patient's retina using the Argus II device. The patient accurately read four-letter words and showed excellent spatial resolution, demonstrating the potential for improved reading capabilities with future iterations of the implant.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroprosthetics·DateNov 22, 2012

Team solves birth and migration mysteries of cortex's powerful inhibitors, 'chandelier' cells

A team led by Professor Z. Josh Huang has revealed the birth timing and embryonic origin of critical inhibitory brain cells called chandelier cells, tracing their specific paths into the cerebral cortex of mouse brains. This breakthrough sheds light on the genetic programming of brain development and the role of these cells in balancin...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2012

Stem cells develop best in 3-D

Scientists from the Danish Stem Cell Center found that stem cells grow better in three-dimensional environments, leading to improved insulin-producing cell development. This discovery holds promise for improving diabetes treatment with cell therapy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 21, 2012