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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 11


Page 11 of 34

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

Obesity and depression linked in teen girls says new Rutgers-Camden study

A new study by Rutgers University–Camden professor Naomi Marmorstein found that depression in early adolescence predicts obesity in late adolescence among female participants. Conversely, obesity in late adolescence predicts the onset of depression in early adulthood. The study suggests a reciprocal relationship between the two disorde...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 21, 2014

GDNF transfection promotes neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Researchers from Sichuan University found that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) transfection promotes the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. This enhancement is associated with increased expression of GDNF, nerve growth factor, and growth-associated protein-43. The study suggests a therape...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Playing as black: Avatar race affects white video game players

A new study suggests that playing as a black character in violent video games can lead to stronger explicit negative attitudes toward blacks and display stronger implicit attitudes linking blacks to weapons. White players who played as black avatars showed more aggressive behavior against partners, with 115% more hot sauce forced on them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 21, 2014

Electroacupuncture effect on depression and variation of polygenes expression

Researchers used a rat genomic gene-chip to profile hippocampal gene expression changes after electroacupuncture therapy. The results showed that electroacupuncture regulates the expression of specific genes involved in depression, including Vgf and Igf2. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture may be a useful treatment for depr...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Unique chromosomes preserved in Swedish fossil

Researchers at Lund University have discovered undestroyed cell nuclei and individual chromosomes in a well-preserved fern fossil from the Jurassic period. The unique preservation is attributed to the sudden burial of the plant in a volcanic eruption, providing valuable insights into ancient evolutionary stability.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2014

Cold snare polypectomy effective for removal of small colorectal polyps in patients on anticoagulants

A study published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that cold snare polypectomy significantly reduces the risk of delayed bleeding in patients taking anticoagulants. The procedure outperformed conventional polypectomy in removing small colorectal polyps without causing significant harm to submucosal vessels.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 21, 2014

Genetic factor contributes to forgetfulness

Researchers found a connection between the DRD2 gene variant and everyday lapses in attention, including forgetfulness. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic variation are more likely to experience short-term memory lapses and distraction, which can have consequences in daily life.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateMar 21, 2014

Stem cell findings may offer answers for some bladder defects and disease

Researchers at UC Davis successfully coax laboratory cultures of human stem cells into the specialized, unique cells needed to repair a patient's defective or diseased bladder. The breakthrough provides a pathway to regenerate replacement bladder tissue for patients whose bladders are too small or do not function properly.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMar 21, 2014