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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 42


Page 42 of 352

A decline in creativity? It depends on how you look

A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that student creative writing is showing signs of decline over the past 20 years, while visual art is experiencing an increase in sophistication and complexity. The study analyzed 354 examples of visual art and 50 examples of creative writing by teenagers between 1990 and 2011.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateNov 15, 2013

Quantum state world record smashed

Researchers have achieved a world record by storing a fragile quantum state at room temperature for 39 minutes, overcoming a key barrier towards building ultrafast quantum computers. This breakthrough could lead to long-term coherent information storage and potential applications in ultra-secure authentication devices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2013

Persistent gene therapy in muscle may not require immunosuppression

Researchers found that a gene therapy approach using rAAV vectors can promote a regulatory immune response, allowing for sustained gene expression in muscle tissue without the need for immunosuppression. The study used M-type α-1 antitrypsin (M-AAT) and demonstrated long-term expression in patients with AAT deficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2013

Protein interplay in muscle tied to life span

A study at Brown University found a connection between protein quality control in muscle tissue and lifespan in fruit flies. Suppressing the activity of activin, a protein complex involved in muscle performance, increased life span by up to 20%. The researchers also discovered a potential link between this protein interplay and human a...

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 14, 2013

Starting dialysis after -- not before -- conception may improve birth rates in women with advanced kidney disease

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that women with advanced kidney disease who start dialysis during pregnancy have a higher live birth rate compared to those already on dialysis. This discovery may help guide care for young women who need dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2013

A*STAR scientists bring to light mechanism of drug for infections

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered the exact mode of action of plerixafor, a drug that stimulates immune responses in patients with neutropenia. The study found that the inhibition of CXCR4 by the drug plays a dual role, increasing neutrophil count in the blood and promoting retention in the bloodstream.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 14, 2013

SDSU launches InforMath collaborative

The InforMath Collaborative brings together university researchers and staff from local art and science museums to design new programs that connect visitors with mathematics in creative ways. The initiative aims to change the way communities perceive mathematics and establish a research center for informal mathematics learning.

A question for Jupiter

Scientists Pedram Hassanzadeh and Philip Marcus present a new model explaining the Great Red Spot's persistence, suggesting vertical flow plays a key role. The model also predicts radial flow pumping energy into the vortex, enabling it to last longer.

Are probiotics a promising treatment strategy for depression?

A new review article suggests that certain probiotics have the potential to exert behavioral and immunological effects in patients with depression. These psychobiotics can alter the intestinal microbial balance and regulate inflammatory responses, which may be involved in the modulation of mood and behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2013

Nano magnets arise at 2-D boundaries

Researchers at Rice University discovered that imperfections in two-dimensional materials can create nanoscale magnetic fields. The study suggests a new degree of freedom for electronics, allowing for enhanced efficiency and enriched functions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 14, 2013

Study finds social networks are key to city violence

A Yale University study reveals that a person's social network is a key predictor of becoming a victim of gun homicide, even more so than race, age, gender, or poverty. The research found that individuals within the same social network are more likely to engage in similar risky behaviors.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 2013