Monday 16 July 2012

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Differences between human twins at birth highlight importance of intrauterine environment

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 04:38 PM PDT

Your genes determine much about you, but environment can have a strong influence on your genes even before birth, with consequences that can last a lifetime. Scientists have for the first time shown that the environment experienced in the womb defines the newborn epigenetic profile, the chemical modifications to DNA we are born with, that could have implications for disease risk later in life.

Unique properties of graphene lead to a new paradigm for low-power telecommunications

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 11:14 AM PDT

Engineers have demonstrated remarkable optical nonlinear behavior of graphene that may lead to broad applications in optical interconnects and low-power photonic integrated circuits. The researchers used graphene to transform the originally passive device into an active one that generated microwave photonic signals and performed parametric wavelength conversion at telecommunication wavelengths. Showing the power-efficiency of the device, they say, is an important advance in building all-optical processing elements essential to faster, more efficient, modern telecommunications.

Disruption of cytoskeleton pathways contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 11:14 AM PDT

A new genetic mutation that causes familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, has been identified. Mutations to the profilin gene, which is essential to the growth and development of nerve cell axons, points to defects in a neuron's cytoskeleton structure as a potential common feature among diverse ALS genes.

Elegant delivery: Sophisticated technique for delivering multiple cancer treatments may solve frustrating hurdle for combinatorial drug therapies

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 11:14 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a novel system to simultaneously deliver a sustained dose of both an immune-system booster and a chemical to counter cancer's defensive secretions, resulting in a powerful therapy that, in mice, delayed tumor growth, sent tumors into remission and dramatically increased survival rates.

Critical cell in fighting E. coli infection identified

Posted: 15 Jul 2012 11:13 AM PDT

Despite ongoing public health efforts, E. coli outbreaks continue to infiltrate the food supply, annually causing significant sickness and death throughout the world. But the research community is gaining ground. In a major new finding researchers have discovered a molecule's previously unknown role in fighting off E. coli and other bacterial infections, a discovery that could lead to new ways to protect people from these dangerous microorganisms.

large-animal biocontainment laboratory needed to protect animal and public health, experts urge

Posted: 13 Jul 2012 11:02 AM PDT

It is "imperative" that the US build a large-animal biocontainment laboratory to protect animal and public health, experts say.

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