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Science News for July 11, 2014


Opening-up the stem cell niche

A team of scientists led by Prof. Claudia Waskow has successfully generated a mouse model that supports human blood stem cell transplantation without irradiation, enabling the study of human blood development in a physiological setting. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options and disease research for patients with he...

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 11, 2014

Blame it on the astrocytes

A new study reveals that astrocytes regulate inhibitory synapse formation through the protein TGF β1 and CaMK2 signaling. This discovery has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders associated with impaired inhibitory synapses.

SourcePublicase International·JournalGlia·DateJul 11, 2014

'Expressive therapy' intervention assists women living with HIV

An expressive therapy group intervention, conducted by The Medea Project, assists women living with HIV in disclosing their health status and improving social support, self-efficacy, and relationship safety. The study reveals five core themes: sisterhood, catharsis, self-acceptance, safer relationships, and gaining a voice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateJul 11, 2014

Miriam Hospital study examines smoking prevalence

Researchers at Miriam Hospital found significantly higher smoking rates among individuals with mobility impairments, particularly those using special ambulatory equipment. The study highlights the need for tailored cessation strategies for this high-risk population.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 11, 2014

Drone lighting

Researchers at MIT have created a drone lighting system that automatically assumes the right positions for photographic lighting effects. The system uses an autonomous helicopter to produce rim lighting, adjusting in real-time to capture delicate edge effects.

When good gut bacteria get sick

A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that infection can significantly alter the gut microbiota, leading to new microbial signatures that may help detect early stages of inflammation. These findings could aid in better treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal infections and inflammation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2014

Molecular snapshots of oxygen formation in photosynthesis

Researchers from Umeå University have explored two ways to study the reaction sequence leading to oxygen formation in photosynthesis. The studies used different techniques, including slowing down the reaction and taking X-ray snapshots of the molecule's structure. The results show that small structural changes occur together with proto...

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2014

Do women perceive other women in red as more sexually receptive?

A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women perceive a woman in red as more sexually receptive. In experiments, participants rated the woman in red as more attractive for sex and showed increased derogation towards her fidelity but not financial resources compared to white or green.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 11, 2014