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Science News for July 26, 2013


Human stem cell-derived hepatocytes regenerate liver function

Researchers have generated functional human liver cells from stem cells and transplanted them into mice with acute liver injury. The stem-cell derived human liver cells were able to function normally and increase the survival of treated animals. This breakthrough demonstrates a scalable method for producing these cells, which could lea...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 26, 2013

Traditional forest management reduces fungal diversity

Research in Navarre's beech groves reveals traditional forestry management reduces fungal diversity, with some species disappearing and families affected. The study highlights the importance of decomposing dead wood for fungal populations, contradicting current forest management practices.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJul 26, 2013

HIV-associated lymphoma survival has not improved during the antiretroviral therapy era

New study reveals stable survival rates for HIV-associated lymphoma patients during the antiretroviral therapy era. Despite increased incidence and changing demographics, recent diagnosis years are not associated with decreased mortality. The study highlights an ongoing need to improve treatments for this challenging population.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 26, 2013

Quantum of sonics: Bonded, not stirred

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a method to join nanoparticles together using ultrasound, forming strong agglomerates without changing their useful properties. This discovery could lead to the development of new hybrid materials with various everyday applications, such as improving catalytic converters in car exhausts.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 26, 2013

Overactive immune response blocks itself

Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research discovered natural killer cells have optimal immune response balance, having less active NK cells during early stages of infection improves survival. The overproduction of interferon IFN-γ can block recruitment of neutrophilic granulocytes, leading to fatal sepsis.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateJul 26, 2013

The arithmetic of gun control

A UC Irvine team measures how to best prevent bullet deaths by designing parameters for gun control. They found that reduced legal gun availability lowers domestic and one-on-one crime deaths, but armed citizens may save lives in rare mass shootings if trained to avoid accidentally shooting fleeing bystanders.

Pesticides contaminate frogs from Californian National Parks

Researchers have found pesticides commonly used in California's agricultural regions contaminating Pacific Tree Frogs in remote mountain areas, including national parks. The detection of pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, and simazine highlights the potential long-term impact on biodiversity.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2013

Sudden decline in testosterone may cause Parkinson's disease symptoms in men

A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that a sudden decrease in testosterone levels may cause Parkinson's-like symptoms in male mice. Testosterone supplementation reversed the pathology in the mice. The study suggests that preserving testosterone levels may be important to prevent Parkinson's disease.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 26, 2013

Is Facebook actually making communication about products and brands more interesting?

A new study by Jonah Berger and Raghuram Iyengar found that written conversations on Facebook lead to discussions of more interesting products and brands compared to oral conversations. This is because written communication allows consumers time to think before responding, enabling them to select more engaging topics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 26, 2013

Removing complexity layers from the universe's creation

Physicists propose that Einstein's special relativity emerges from a combination of quantum dynamics and gravity. This theory predicts the formation of charge asymmetry between particles and anti-particles at ultra-minute fractions of seconds after the Big Bang, in agreement with recent cosmological observations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJul 26, 2013

Gadget genius

Researchers at the University of Akron have developed new nanoscale materials that can be used to create ultra-lightweight electronics. These materials, known as 'giant surfactants,' have the potential to revolutionize the tech industry by enabling the creation of smaller and more efficient devices.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2013