Author Archives: Guest Post

Insulin, Nutrition Prevent Blood Stem Cell Differentiation in The Fruit Fly

UCLA stem cell researchers have shown that insulin and nutrition prevent blood stem cells from differentiating into mature blood cells in Drosophila, the common fruit fly, a finding that has implications for studying inflammatory response and blood development in response to dietary changes in humans.

Keeping blood stem cells, or progenitor cells, from differentiating into blood cells is important as blood stem cells are needed to create the blood supply for the adult fruit fly. (more…)

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Statue, Chapels and Animal Mummies Found in Egypt by U of T Team

Rare wood statue may be female pharaoh

A wooden statue of a king, a private offering chapel, a monumental building and remains of over 80 animal mummies found by a University of Toronto-led team in Abydos, Egypt reveal intriguing information about ritual activity associated with the great gods. (more…)

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American Public Opposes Israel Striking Iran: UMD Poll

U.S. Should Stay Out Militarily of any Israel-Iran Military Conflict, Poll Finds

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Only one in four Americans favors Israel conducting a military strike against Iran’s nuclear program, finds a new University of Maryland poll. Nearly seven in ten (69 percent) favor the United States and other major powers continuing to pursue negotiations with Iran, a position supported by majorities of Republicans (58 percent), Democrats (79 percent) and Independents (67 percent). (more…)

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Nerve Gas Litmus Test Could Sense Airborne Chemical Weapons

ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Nerve gases are colorless, odorless, tasteless and deadly. While today’s soldiers carry masks and other protective gear, they don’t have reliable ways of knowing when they need them in time. That could change, thanks to a new litmus-like paper sensor made at the University of Michigan. (more…)

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Surgical Treatment for Epilepsy Should Not be Viewed As a Last Resort, Study Shows

Most patients wait until it’s too late to prevent serious disability

While the thought of any type of surgery can be disconcerting, the thought of brain surgery can be downright frightening. But for people with a particular form of epilepsy, surgical intervention can literally be life-restoring. (more…)

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Study Shows Benefit of Gun Cabinets in Homes in Alaskan Villages

Installing a gun cabinet dramatically reduces unlocked guns and ammunition in the home, according to a study in rural Alaska villages where the residents are primarily Alaska Native people. Dr. David Grossman, Group Health Research Institute senior investigator and UW professor of health services, led the research published in the American Journal of Public Health March 8. Grossman is also a pediatrician and medical director for preventive care at Group Health. (more…)

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Touch of Gold Improves Nanoparticle Fuel-Cell Reactions

Chemists at Brown University have created a triple-headed metallic nanoparticle that reportedly performs better and lasts longer than any other nanoparticle catalyst studied in fuel-cell reactions. The key is the addition of gold: It yields a more uniform crystal structure while removing carbon monoxide from the reaction. Results published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Advances in fuel-cell technology have been stymied by the inadequacy of metals studied as catalysts. The drawback to platinum, other than cost, is that it absorbs carbon monoxide in reactions involving fuel cells powered by organic materials like formic acid. A more recently tested metal, palladium, breaks down over time. (more…)

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