Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 25, 2013


Quantum communication: Each photon counts

A new single-photon detector has been developed, achieving a previously unattained detection efficiency of 91% and low error rate. The detector's high performance enables reliable detection of single photons, crucial for optical data transmission and quantum computation.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 25, 2013

Researchers found that stress accelerates prostate cancer development in mice, while a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene disrupts a cellular complex essential for hearing. Combining green tea extract with vardenafil enhances anti-cancer effects in a mouse model of multiple myeloma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

Prostate cancer cells thrive on stress

A recent study found that stress can accelerate prostate cancer development in mice, with adrenaline blocking cancer cell death. Conversely, drugs that inhibited adrenaline signaling ablated the effect of stress on prostate cancer. This suggests that beta-blockers could enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

BUSM study shows potential of differentiated iPS cells in cell therapy without immune rejection

Researchers at BUSM demonstrate that tissues derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are not rejected when transplanted back into genetically identical recipients. The study finds that differentiated iPS cells can mature into various cell types, including neuronal, hepatocyte, and endothelial cells, without i...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 25, 2013

More than 1 brain behind E=mc2

Austrian physicist Friedrich Hasenöhrl's work on blackbody radiation in a cavity may have influenced Einstein's famous equation E=mc2. However, the study also reveals that Hasenöhrl arrived at an incorrect energy/mass correlation due to failing to account for mass loss during radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateJan 25, 2013

Gene mutation immortalizes malignant melanoma

Researchers discovered an identical gene mutation in the telomerase gene in all family members with malignant melanoma, leading to overactive telomerase and virtual immortality. The mutation was also found in non-inherited melanomas, suggesting a link between sun exposure and cancer development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2013

INRS develops a nanohybrid with remarkable properties using a new laser-plasma process

Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Centre developed a novel nanohybrid structure combining carbon nanotubes and lead sulfide nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation technique. The new material exhibits strong photoresponse, fast photocurrent response time and spectrally wide photoactivity.

Groundwater fate and climate change

Researchers warn that climate change, combined with human-driven factors, could significantly reduce usable groundwater availability for agriculture worldwide. Inadequate monitoring and mismanagement of groundwater usage will exacerbate the issue, compromising global food security.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 25, 2013

Altering eye cells may 1 day restore vision

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine reprogrammed eye cells to prevent degeneration and allowed mice with retinitis pigmentosa to see. The study aims to develop therapies that can alleviate many forms of visual impairment by modifying existing cells in the eye.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2013

New method identifies genes that can predict prognoses of cancer patients

Researchers develop SAPS algorithm to identify significant prognostic gene sets associated with patient survival, overcoming limitations of previous methods. The study found new prognostic signatures in breast and ovarian cancer subtypes, suggesting shared therapeutic targets and potential for improved diagnostics and treatments.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 25, 2013

Analysis of Greenland ice cores adds to historical record and provide glimpse into climate's future

A new study analyzing Greenland ice cores suggests that melting of the Antarctic ice sheet may have contributed more to sea-level rise than the Greenland ice sheet around 100,000 years ago. The research findings indicate a warmer-than-expected climate during the Eemian interglacial period, with surface temperatures about 8 degrees Cels...

An important LINC in human hearing

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene, which disrupts the LINC complex and leads to hearing loss. The study highlights the importance of nuclear positioning for normal hearing.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

New tool for mining bacterial genome for novel drugs

Researchers have found a way to 'mine' bacterial genomes for new drug leads by exploiting the process of antibiotic resistance. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that bacteria can produce hundreds of compounds when exposed to antibiotics, many of which are potential secondary metabolites.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2013