admin on July 10th, 2010

Scientists using NASA’s Cassini spacecraft at Saturn have stalked a new class of moons in the rings of Saturn that create distinctive propeller-shaped gaps in ring material. It marks the first time scientists have been able to track the orbits of individual objects in a debris disk. The research gives scientists an opportunity to time-travel [...]

Continue reading about Saturn propellers reflect solar system origins

Researchers have discovered a monoclonal antibody that is effective against “avian” H5N1, seasonal H1N1 and the 2009 “swine” H1N1 influenza. Scientists have shown that this antibody potently prevents and treats the swine H1N1 influenza in mouse models of the disease.

Continue reading about Antibody may help treat and prevent influenza outbreaks

A new barrier design could protect reservoir levees from the erosive forces of wind-driven waves, according new research. These findings could help lower the maintenance costs for constructed ponds in the lower Mississippi Delta where levee repairs can average $3 per foot — and sometimes are needed just five years after a reservoir is built.

Continue reading about Better barriers can help levees withstand wave erosion

Researchers at Whitehead Institute and Children’s Hospital Boston have identified a protein, called Musashi 2, that is predictive of prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Diagnosed in an estimated 48,000 new patients annually, leukemia is blood cancer characterized by an overgrowth of certain blood cells. Musashi 2 and the cellular functions [...]

Continue reading about Protein that predicts prognosis of leukemia patients may also be a therapeutic target

Physicists have demonstrated an ion trap with a built-in optical fiber that collects light emitted by single ions, allowing quantum information stored in the ions to be measured. The advance could simplify quantum computer design and serve as a step toward swapping information between matter and light in future quantum networks.

Continue reading about Novel ion trap with optical fiber could link atoms and light in quantum networks

Whether mom’s golden child or her black sheep, siblings who sense that their mother consistently favors or rejects one child over others are more likely to show depressive symptoms as middle-aged adults, finds a new study.

Continue reading about Moms’ favoritism tied to depression in adulthood

What can a wide-eyed, talking robot teach us about trust? A lot, according to psychology professors who are conducting innovative research to determine how humans decide to trust strangers — and if those decisions are accurate.

Continue reading about Researchers use robot to determine how human strangers develop trust

Scientists researching a toxin extracted from the venom of the honey bee have used this to inform the design of new treatments to alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as muscular dystrophy, depression and dementia.

Continue reading about Honey bee venom may help design new treatments to alleviate muscular dystrophy, depression and dementia

Chemical engineers have discovered how to “greatly enhance” the delivery of DNA payloads into cells. Lu’s ultimate goal is to apply this technique to create genetically modified cells for cancer immunotherapy, stem cell therapy and tissue regeneration.

Continue reading about New spin on drug delivery: Chemical engineers discover an enhanced delivery method of DNA payloads into cells

Women who have the most serious form of angina are three times as likely to develop severe coronary artery disease (CAD) as men with the same condition, according to a new study.

Continue reading about Severe angina poses three times the coronary artery disease risk for women than men