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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 6


Page 6 of 28

Some family physicians' offices discriminate against people with low socio-economic status

A study led by Dr. Stephen Hwang of St. Michael's Hospital found that family physicians' offices in Toronto tend to give preference to patients with chronic health conditions and high socio-economic status. The researchers telephoned office staff playing the role of individuals seeking primary care, and observed a significant differenc...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 25, 2013

Cortisone can increase risk of acute pancreatitis

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that cortisone increases the risk of acute pancreatitis. Patients treated with cortisone are recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking to minimize the risk. The study found a 70% higher risk of developing acute pancreatitis among those taking cortisone tablet form.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2013

Ability of brain to protect itself from damage revealed

Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified a natural biological mechanism that allows brain cells to survive during a stroke, enabling the development of potential neuroprotective drugs. The 'endogenous neuroprotection' discovered in rats has shown to increase cell survival by stimulating production of hamartin protein.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2013

Scientists find bone-marrow environment that helps produce infection-fighting T and B cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered an osteoblastic niche in the bone marrow that nurtures early lymphoid progenitors, specialized blood-forming cells responsible for producing T cells and B cells. This finding may lead to improved safety and effectiveness of bone-marrow transplants and treatments for illnesse...

UN sustainable energy initiative could put world on a path to climate targets

A new study suggests that achieving the UN's Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) objectives by 2030 could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help limit global temperature rise to 2°C. The initiative includes providing universal access to modern energy, doubling renewable energy globally, and improving energy efficiency.

Quantum algorithm breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Bristol successfully implemented a full quantum circuit to calculate unknown eigenvalues using a quantum algorithm without prior knowledge. This achievement marks an important step towards practical quantum computing, enabling applications in quantum simulations and metrology.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 24, 2013

Pain from the brain

Researchers found abnormal brain activity in individuals with psychogenic disease, which is caused by emotional or mental stresses. The study suggests that understanding these underlying mechanisms could lead to better treatment options and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateFeb 24, 2013

The ultimate chimp challenge

Researchers at the Zoological Society of London found that chimpanzees enjoy solving a challenging puzzle as much as humans do. The chimps used sticks to redirect red dice through pipes until they fell into an exit chamber, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to experience satisfaction without food rewards.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateFeb 23, 2013

How to mend a broken heart: Advances in parthenogenic stem cells

Researchers at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen used parthenogenic stem cells to create cardiomyocytes and engineered heart muscle with normal properties. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of parthenogenic stem cells for tissue engineering and could lead to new cell replacement therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

Pulmonary fibrosis: Between a ROCK and a hard place

Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs that causes shortness of breath and fatigue. Researchers identified a mechanosensitive cellular signaling pathway in myofibroblasts, which promotes survival and prevents normal cell disappearance after wound healing.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

Flipping the 'off' switch on cell growth

A Johns Hopkins research team has identified a protein called HIF-1α that helps cells slow down their growth in response to low oxygen levels. This process can potentially be used to treat diseases such as cancer and other conditions where cell growth is uncontrolled.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 22, 2013

Clean energy research targets idle engines

A new research project aims to develop sustainable air conditioning and refrigeration systems for vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The technology uses waste heat from engine exhaust to power the system, resulting in a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption.

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 22, 2013

Scientists successfully use parthenogenic stem cells to develop functional heart muscle and treat pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers find that inhibiting a protein called ROCK attenuates myofibroblast survival and prevents lung scarring.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

Light from silicon nanocrystal LEDs

Researchers from KIT and the University of Toronto have successfully manufactured highly efficient light-emitting diodes using silicon nanocrystals. The SiLEDs can produce light in various colors and have a surprising long-term stability, making them an attractive alternative to existing LEDs.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 22, 2013

Asteroid searchers take the high ground

The University of Calgary has launched a satellite to track near-Earth asteroids, enabling researchers to study these rare and difficult-to-detect objects. The NEOSSat satellite will enable scientists to take hundreds of sensitive images daily to search for moving dots of light that represent asteroids.