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Science News for October 24, 2014


A new dent in HIV-1's armor

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a new protein, Ssu72, that plays a critical role in HIV replication. The team found that Ssu72 binds to the Tat protein, revving up the engine of viral replication and potentially making it a target for drug therapy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 24, 2014

Cat dentals fill you with dread?

A survey of UK veterinary students found that over 50% lacked confidence in discussing oral health with clients. To address this, a two-part special issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to feline dentistry, featuring expert articles on examination techniques, periodontal disease, and anaesthetic protocols.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateOct 24, 2014

Growing a blood vessel in a week

Researchers at University of Gothenburg have successfully grown a functional blood vessel in just one week using autologous peripheral whole blood. The breakthrough procedure involves extracting stem cells from a patient's blood, which accelerates growth and enables the creation of a new vein. This technology has the potential to benef...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 24, 2014

Prognostic factors identified for peripheral squamous cell carcinomas of the lung

Low preoperative serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels and absence of tumor invasion into the pleura or blood vessels are independent prognostic factors for patients with peripheral squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. These factors are associated with longer overall survival and reduced disease recurrence.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 24, 2014

Three-dimensional metamaterials with a natural bent

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a method to manufacture highly symmetric, three-dimensional metamaterials with isotropic optical responses. The team created a large metamaterial, up to 4 mm x 4 mm2 in size, using a combination of top-down electron lithography and bottom-up self-folding mechanism.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateOct 24, 2014

New hope for drug discovery in African sleeping sickness

Researchers at Northeastern University have identified nearly 800 chemical compounds that could lead to a cure for African sleeping sickness, a deadly disease claiming thousands of lives annually. The discovery was made through screening and testing over 42,000 chemicals against the parasites that cause the disease.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 24, 2014

Endurance athletes at risk of swimming-induced pulmonary edema

Swimming-induced pulmonary edema is a potentially life-threatening condition affecting highly fit individuals who engage in strenuous or competitive swims, particularly in cold water. The unique combination of factors can lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, resulting in fatal consequences if not addressed.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateOct 24, 2014

Relationships benefit when parents and adult children use multiple communication channels

A study by Jennifer Schon found that adult children's relationship satisfaction with their parents is modestly influenced by the number of communication tools used, such as cell phones, email, and social networking sites. Adding another channel can lead to a modest increase in relationship quality and satisfaction, especially for paren...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEmerging Adulthood·DateOct 24, 2014