US 'Materials Genome Initiative' takes shape

US 'Materials Genome Initiative' takes shape

More details have emerged about the intriguingly named Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), a US$100-million materials-research programme under which a variety of US science-funding agencies are working to halve the time it takes for newly discovered materials to reach the market.

Bacterial genes tell the tale of an outbreak’s evolution

Bacterial genes tell the tale of an outbreak’s evolution

Researchers at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Children’s Hospital Boston have retraced the evolution of an unusual bacterial infection as it spread among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by sequencing scores of samples collected during the outbreak, since contained. A significant achievement in genetic pathology, the work also suggests a new way to recognize adaptive mutations — to see evolution as it happens — and sheds light on how our bodies resist infection.

Banishing consciousness: the mystery of anaesthesia

Banishing consciousness: the mystery of anaesthesia

I WALK into the operating theatre feeling vulnerable in a draughty gown and surgical stockings. Two anaesthetists in green scrubs tell me to stash my belongings under the trolley and lie down. "Can we get you something to drink from the bar?" they joke, as one deftly slides a needle into my left hand.

I smile weakly and ask for a gin and tonic. None appears, of course, but I begin to feel light-headed, as if I really had just knocked back a stiff drink. I glance at the clock, which reads 10.10 am, and notice my hand is feeling cold. Then, nothing.

United Nations report global drop in HIV infections

United Nations report global drop in HIV infections

GREAT news just in time for World AIDS day on 1 December: new infections of HIV have fallen dramatically thanks to surging availability of antiretroviral drugs (ARTs), which reduce the chances of people passing on the virus.

A report published this week by UNAIDS, which coordinates the fight against HIV and AIDS, shows that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have both fallen by a fifth since their peaks in 1997 and 2005 respectively.

'Lethal' radiation doses can be treated with drugs

'Lethal' radiation doses can be treated with drugs

Mice can survive lethal effects of high radiation doses that are usually fatal when given a double-drug therapy – even when they get the drugs 24 hours after exposure.

Because these drugs are known to be safe in people, it could be worth stockpiling them in preparation for a nuclear accident or terrorist attack, say the researchers behind the new study.

A 'stay-sober' pill: Coming to a pharmacy near you?

A 'stay-sober' pill: Coming to a pharmacy near you?

Korea already sells supposedly hangover-free alcohol, but what if a pill could stop you from getting drunk in the first place? That's the premise of a new "stay sober" tablet reportedly under development in Australia. The pill, which limits the effect of alcohol on the brain, is being tested on mice — who showed no signs of becoming "tipsy," despite being administered enough alcohol to make them "fall over,"reports Britain's Telegraph. Would this just take the fun out of drinking? Here's what you should know:

Neuronal filters for broadband information transmission in the brain

Neuronal filters for broadband information transmission in the brain

As in broadband information technology, the nervous system transmits different messages simultaneously from one brain region to others. But how are messages retrieved at the other end without confusing them? Scientists from the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI) have discovered neuronal filters between the olfactory bulb and the cortex that can handle this problem. In a study published in Nature they show that neuronal filtering in the cortex can extract information about specific odors from the plethora of information that is broadcast by the olfactory bulb. This filtering is likely to be important for the perception and memory of odors, and may also be implemented in other brain areas.

Recipient's immune system governs stem cell regeneration

Recipient's immune system governs stem cell regeneration

A new study in Nature Medicine describes how different types of immune system T-cells alternately discourage and encourage stem cells to regrow bone and tissue, bringing into sharp focus the importance of the transplant recipient's immune system in stem cell regeneration.

The dope on mental enhancement

Link: The dope on mental enhancement

Yet another survey has revealed surprisingly large numbers of people using drugs to boost their mental powers. What should be done?

MOST of us want to reach our full potential. We might drink a cup of coffee to stay alert, or go for a run to feel on top of the job. So where’s the harm in taking a pill that can do the same thing?

Evidence supports ban on growth promotion use of antibiotics in farming

Link: Evidence supports ban on growth promotion use of antibiotics in farming

 In a review study, researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine zero in on the controversial, non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in food animals and fish farming as a cause of antibiotic resistance. They report that the preponderance of evidence argues for stricter regulation of the practice. Stuart Levy, a world-renowned expert in antibiotic resistance, notes that a guiding tenet of public health, the precautionary principle, requires that steps be taken to avoid harm.