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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 19


Page 19 of 27

Foot soldiers of the immune system

The IFIT protein recognizes foreign viral RNA and blocks viral infections by acting as a defender molecule. The discovery reveals the molecular mechanism behind how IFIT proteins capture only the viral RNA and distinguish it from normal molecules belonging to the host.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2013

What did our ancestors look like?

A new study uses DNA analysis to reconstruct hair and eye color from ancient human remains, confirming the blue eyes and blond hair of a Polish general. The HIrisPlex system was also able to identify details from medieval samples, including a mysterious woman buried in a 12th-14th century crypt.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInvestigative Genetics·DateJan 13, 2013

Experts aim to redefine healthcare and research ethics

A group of experts, led by Johns Hopkins bioethicists, rejects the traditional ethical paradigm guiding American healthcare and calls for a new framework that integrates clinical research and practice. The proposed 'learning healthcare system' prioritizes patients' needs, respects clinicians' judgment, and promotes continuous learning ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 11, 2013

Protein recognition and disorder: A debate

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) may still have functions without a rigid structure, while protein flexibility is crucial in molecular recognition. The debate highlights the complexity of protein behavior and the need for experiments to determine the true nature of protein recognition.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000 Biology Reports·DateJan 11, 2013

Fusion helped by collision science

Researchers applied Deutsch–Märk and Binary-Encounter-Bethe methods to beryllium and its derivatives. The calculations provide improved understanding of electron impact ionization cross sections (EICS) for the ITER fusion chamber.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJan 11, 2013

UGA discovery promises to improve drugs used to fight cancer, other diseases

Researchers at UGA have discovered a little-studied part of protein kinases that controls their function, promising to help improve existing drugs for life-threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. The discovery may lead to new therapies and modifications to existing drugs, boosting their effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2013

How to treat heat like light

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method to manipulate heat by employing engineered materials with nanostructured semiconductor alloy crystals. This approach enables the concentration of heat phonons within a specific frequency range, allowing for control over heat flow similar to light waves.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 11, 2013

Herbal treatments for postmenopausal symptoms can be recommended as an alternative to HRT

Herbal and complementary medicines can effectively treat postmenopausal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Soy, red clover, and black cohosh have been shown to ease hot flush symptoms and other menopausal issues, making them viable alternatives for women seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Obstetrician & Gynaecologist·DateJan 10, 2013

UMMS experts seek better flu vaccines

Researchers led by Dr. Robert W. Finberg are working on a $12 million project to improve flu vaccine effectiveness by predicting the influenza virus's evolution in response to anti-viral drugs and human immune systems. The approach could potentially boost protection rates, reducing severe illness cases.

Study finds poorer outcomes for obese patients treated for lumbar disc herniation

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese patients with lumbar disc herniation tend to have poorer outcomes with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The study included 854 non-obese patients and 336 obese patients, and compared their outcomes over a four-year period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 10, 2013

Virus caught in the act of infecting a cell

Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

A cloudy mystery

The G0.253+0.016 cloud defies conventional wisdom on star formation, with a dense gas content 25 times higher than the Orion Nebula but only producing small stars. The cloud's high velocities and presence of silicon monoxide suggest it may be two colliding clouds, preventing star formation due to its dynamic nature.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 10, 2013

Solving puzzles without a picture

A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2013

Decline in available liver transplants expected

A study found that non-use of donor livers rose significantly between 2004 and 2010, primarily linked to decreased donor liver quality and increased donation after cardiac death. This trend threatens a significant decline in liver transplant availability.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 10, 2013

Breath test identifies bacteria's fingerprint

Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateJan 10, 2013