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Science News for March 23, 2014


Could diamonds be a computer's best friend?

Researchers at Ohio State University demonstrated that diamond wires can transmit spin, a magnetic effect that could revolutionize computing. The discovery challenges conventional methods of measuring spin dynamics and has the potential to make computers faster and more powerful.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2014

Mass. General study identifies path to safer drugs for heart disease, cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a path to safer drugs for heart disease and cancer. By analyzing the structure of an extracellular matrix protein and its interaction with an integrin, they have discovered a high-affinity version that can bind strongly without inducing unintended receptor activation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 23, 2014

Fast and reliable: New mechanism for speedy transmission in basket cells discovered

Basket cells convert excitatory signals into inhibitory outputs within milliseconds; researchers identify controlled increase in Na+ channels and conductance for fast transmission. Signal processing is made possible by high density of Na+ channels and increased conductance, compensating for small axon diameter and lack of myelination.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 23, 2014

The Lancet journals: World TB Day media alert

The Lancet journals publish a special collection on tuberculosis, highlighting emerging challenges like drug-resistant strains and poor treatment outcomes. New anti-tuberculosis drugs and host-directed therapies are being developed to improve treatment efficacy.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 23, 2014

MIT engineers design 'living materials'

Researchers at MIT have successfully designed and created living materials that incorporate non-living components, such as gold nanoparticles and quantum dots. These hybrid materials exhibit unique properties, including the ability to conduct electricity and emit light, making them suitable for various energy applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 23, 2014

Drugs fail to reawaken dormant HIV infection

Scientists at Johns Hopkins report that compounds designed to 'wake up' dormant HIV reservoirs have failed to work in laboratory tests of infected cells taken directly from patients. The failure challenges the idea that a single latency-reversing agent can uncover the hidden virus.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 23, 2014