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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 30


Page 30 of 31

Study finds biochemical role of crucial TonB protein in bacterial iron transport and pathogenesis

A Kansas State University-led study reveals that the TonB protein plays a central role in the uptake of iron by Gram-negative bacteria, which cause diseases like typhoid fever and meningitis. The research found that TonB acts as an electric motor that rotates in response to cellular energy flow, enabling iron acquisition into the cell.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

A nanotech fix for nicotine dependence

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a new DNA nanostructure-based vaccine to combat nicotine dependence. The approach uses precision control over the placement of antigenic components to stimulate an immune response and recruit antibodies capable of binding with nicotine, potentially improving efficacy and safety.

UCLA stem cell gene therapy for sickle cell disease advances toward clinical trials

Researchers at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center have successfully established a foundation for using hematopoietic stem cells to treat sickle cell disease. The breakthrough technique uses anti-sickling genes to create healthy red blood cells that do not sickle, offering a revolutionary alternative to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2013

Univ. of Maryland review finds mixed results for acupuncture to improve in vitro fertilization rates

A systematic analysis of acupuncture and in vitro fertilization (IVF) found that adding acupuncture to IVF treatment increased pregnancy success rates at fertility clinics with lower baseline pregnancy rates. The study, published in Human Reproduction Update, suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial as an add-on procedure for these ...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalHuman Reproduction Update·DateJul 1, 2013

Getting kids to eat their veggies: A new approach to an age-old problem

A new approach to getting kids to eat their veggies involves teaching them a conceptual framework for nutrition, which encourages understanding of why eating a variety of foods is ideal and increases vegetable consumption. The study found that preschoolers who were taught about nutrition showed more knowledge about nutrition and increa...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 1, 2013

Surprise superconductor

Scientists found superconductivity in carbon disulfide at -449°F, a highly disordered state that defies conventional understanding of superconductivity. The discovery could lead to new insights into the interplay between superconductivity, magnetism, and structural disorder.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

How the body aids and abets the spread of cancer

A new study by RI-MUHC researchers identifies a previously unknown mode of cancer progression, where infection-fighting white blood cells activate cancer cells and facilitate their spread to secondary tumours. Medications already used for other non-cancer diseases may prevent this mechanism of cancer spread or metastasis.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2013

WSU researchers create superconductor from solvent

Researchers at Washington State University have created a superconductor capable of transmitting electrical current with zero resistance. By compressing carbon disulfide under high pressure and cooling it to near absolute zero, they achieved a material that exhibits properties like magnetism and superhardness.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Mapping the benefits of our ecosystems

Ecologists Monica Turner and Jiangxiao Qiu mapped ecosystem services in the Yahara River watershed, finding complex interactions between provisioning, cultural, and regulating services. The study identifies areas with high levels of multiple services, suggesting a holistic approach to land management.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Wiggling worms make waves in gene pool

Researchers at Rice University analyzed thousands of mutant worms to identify genes controlling movement, revealing 87 new links in the process. The study also uncovered evidence for a protein-signaling pathway regulating locomotion, with implications for prioritizing genetic tests in humans.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Potential gene therapy for Sickle cell disease

Researchers have successfully used a genetic vector to efficiently transduce bone marrow cells from SCD patients, suggesting a potential treatment method. The study's findings support the use of autologous HSC transplant with genetically modified patient cells to treat sickle cell disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2013

Children with delayed motor skills struggle more socially

A new study published in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly found that children with autism who struggled with motor skills such as catching and throwing had more severe social and communication skills. Developing motor skills can be crucial for children, enabling them to participate in physical activities and socialize with peers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdapted Physical Activity Quarterly·DateJul 1, 2013

Psychology influences markets

Researchers found that partition dependence, where breaking down possible outcomes into specific intervals, leads people to overestimate the likelihood of certain events. This bias was observed in various prediction markets, including lab experiments and natural markets, such as horse racing.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013