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Science News Archive January 2014 - Page 2


Page 2 of 28

Rice lab clocks 'hot' electrons

Researchers at Rice University measured the speed and efficiency of excited 'hot' electrons drawn from gold nanoparticles into a sheet of graphene. They found that graphene accelerated damping of plasmons, shortening its lifetime, and calculated the electrons' transfer time.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 30, 2014

Gastric banding patients should closely monitor nutrition following surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that gastric banding patients often fail to meet daily nutrient requirements despite supplements and counseling. To maintain health after bariatric surgery, patients are advised to consume more protein-rich foods, include fatty fish, and limit processed foods.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJan 30, 2014

Worry on the brain

A team of researchers at Caltech has identified a new neural circuit in the lateral septum that plays a causal role in promoting anxiety states. Activation of this circuit increases stress hormone levels, suggesting that it acts to increase anxiety rather than reduce it.

New data contradict current recommendations for management of breast biopsy abnormalities

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that atypical ductal hyperplasia and atypical lobular hyperplasia have similar potential to develop into breast cancer. The study followed over 700 women with biopsy-confirmed atypia for an average of 12.5 years, finding that the ratio of breast cancer development was the same in bo...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJan 30, 2014

Mount Sinai researchers identify UHRF1 as oncogene driving liver cancer

Researchers identified UHRF1 as a key driver of liver cancer in zebrafish models and human tumors, showing that high levels of UHRF1 can cause tumors to form rapidly. The study suggests that targeting UHRF1 could be an effective approach to halting cancer formation and offers new hope for treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma.

A detailed look at HIV in action

Researchers at Caltech used high-resolution electron microscopy to visualize HIV infection in the gut of an infected mouse model. The study revealed novel observations about HIV behavior, including semisynchronous wave patterns of virus release from infected cells and transmission through free pools of virus.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 30, 2014

Trick that aids viral infection is identified

Researchers discovered a stem-loop structure in viral RNA that blocks host cell immune proteins, allowing viruses to evade the immune system. By altering this structure, scientists hope to develop treatments that restore natural virus-fighting capabilities and stop or slow viral infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2014

Flying the not-so-friendly skies

A new MIT study found that passengers of low-cost upstarts tend to complain less about service quality than network carriers. In a study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management, Michael Wittman tallied airline-related complaints made to the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2002 to 2012.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Air Transport Management·DateJan 30, 2014

Diagnosis just a breath away with new laser

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new type of laser that can detect very low concentrations of gases in exhaled breath and the atmosphere. The laser's high power and efficiency make it suitable for detecting gases such as methane and ethane, which are important in global warming.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 30, 2014