NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has made the first unambiguous detection of high-energy gamma-rays from an enigmatic binary system known as Cygnus X-3. The system pairs a hot, massive star with a compact object — either a neutron star or a black hole — that blasts twin radio-emitting jets of matter into space at more [...]
Continue reading about Nasa’s Fermi telescope peers deep into a ‘micro-quasar’
A major obstacle to HIV research is the virus’s exquisite specialization for its human host — meaning that scientists’ traditional tools, like the humble lab mouse, can deliver only limited information. Now, a team of researchers has made an ingenious assault on this problem by creating a mouse that has key features of HIV infection [...]
A new brain-imaging study shows that active cocaine abusers can suppress drug craving, suggesting new ways to help them quit and avoid relapse.
Continue reading about Brain scan study shows cocaine abusers can control cravings
Surgeons are now offering patients an incisionless alternative to laparoscopic and traditional surgery for treatment of acid reflux or GERD.
Continue reading about Surgeons offering new procedure for acid reflux, GERD
Scientists have demonstrated compact, multibeam, and multi-wavelength lasers emitting in the invisible part of the light spectrum (infrared). By contrast, typical lasers emit a single light beam of a well-defined wavelength. The innovative multibeam lasers have potential use in applications related to remote chemical sensing pollution monitoring, optical wireless, and interferometry.
A recent study suggests that increasing patient responsibility for making medical decisions may decrease their willingness to accept risky treatment options.
Continue reading about Patients say ‘no thanks’ to risky medical treatments
Like savvy Wall Street money managers, bacteria hedge their bets to increase their chances of survival in uncertain times, strategically investing their biological resources to weather unpredictable environments. In a new study, researchers describe how bacteria play the market so well.
Continue reading about Bacteria ‘invest’ wisely to survive uncertain times, scientists report
Scientists have identified the trigger that leads to the arteries becoming damaged in the disease atherosclerosis, which causes heart attacks and strokes. The authors of the study say their findings suggest that the condition could potentially be treated by blocking the molecule that triggers the damage. The research also suggests that bacteria may be playing [...]
Continue reading about Stroke and heart disease trigger revealed
The Naval Research Laboratory’s Ion Tiger, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell unmanned air vehicle, has flown 26 hours and 1 minute carrying a 5-pound payload, setting another unofficial flight endurance record for a fuel-cell powered flight.
The probiotic, Bacillus polyfermenticus, can help mice recover from colitis. Mice treated with B.P. during the non-inflammatory period of the disease had reduced rectal bleeding, their tissues were less inflamed and they gained more weight than mice that did not receive the treatment.
Continue reading about Probiotic found to be effective treatment for colitis in mice