Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 30

Do bats know voices of friends they hang out with?

Researchers found that bats react strongly to all contact calls, regardless of familiarity. However, when presented with a call from a known bat multiple times, they showed a stronger response to other partners from their social group. This suggests individual evaluation of the voice, indicating recognition of conspecifics by sound.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateMay 7, 2013

Measuring hidden HIV

Researchers developed a mathematical model to represent HIV-infected cell reproduction, revealing significant uncontrolled replication in sanctuary sites. The discovery implies current antiretroviral therapies may not be as complete in suppressing HIV as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInterface·DateMay 7, 2013

When women sell themselves short on team projects

A new study highlights how women credit themselves in joint success, finding that they undervalue their contributions when working with men but not with other women. The research contributes to a body of work on stereotypes affecting women in the workplace and underscores how gender influences individual performance expectations.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 7, 2013

Pitt discovery holds potential in destroying drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a potential treatment for deadly, drug-resistant bacterial infections that uses the same approach as HIV to infect cells. The new antibiotic, called engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs), has shown rapid destruction of bacteria resistant to standard antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMay 7, 2013

New technique can help nanoparticles deliver drug treatments

Researchers have developed a new technique to improve the use of nanoparticles as a drug delivery system. The study found that smaller particles degrade faster in the body than predicted by in vitro measurements. By understanding this degradation, a mathematical model can be developed to optimize nanoparticle-based therapeutic systems.

Protecting the heart health of diabetic patients

Researchers found that hyperglycemia promotes the production of inflammatory cells, which contribute to plaque build-up in blood vessels. Treating diabetic mice with a drug that lowers blood sugar levels reduced circulating monocyte and neutrophil numbers and allowed plaques to heal.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 7, 2013

1 big European family

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that Europeans are closely related, sharing nearly the same set of ancestors within a thousand years. The researchers used DNA data from over 2,000 individuals to detect subtle local trends and historic migrations, revealing patterns of demographic shifts and cultural influences.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 7, 2013

Nerve stimulation for severe depression changes brain function

Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation brings about changes in brain metabolism weeks or months before patients begin to feel better. The treatment was able to improve symptoms of depression in 9 out of 13 participants, with significant changes in brain metabolism occurring far in advance of any improvement in mood.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateMay 7, 2013

TB, HIV and malaria vaccine research gets major boost

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded a $2.9 million grant to Aeras, Oxford University, and Okairos to develop novel vaccines against tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria. The collaboration aims to create scalable methods for large-scale production of multiple chimpanzee adenovirus vector constructs.

SourceBurness·DateMay 7, 2013

Chaos proves superior to order

Researchers have demonstrated that chaotic systems can store more light than ordered ones in optical cavities, with applications for quantum optics and solar cells. The study found a six-fold increase in energy storage in chaotic cavities, outperforming classical counterparts.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 7, 2013