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Saturday, April 5, 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


Light-activated neurons from stem cells restore function to paralyzed muscles

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 11:03 AM PDT

A new way to artificially control muscles using light, with the potential to restore function to muscles paralyzed by conditions such as motor neuron disease and spinal cord injury, has been developed by scientists. The technique involves transplanting specially-designed motor neurons created from stem cells into injured nerve branches. These motor neurons are designed to react to pulses of blue light, allowing scientists to fine-tune muscle control by adjusting the intensity, duration and frequency of the light pulses.

Does too much time at the computer lead to lower bone mineral density in adolescents?

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 11:02 AM PDT

In boys, higher screen time was adversely associated to bone mineral density at all sites even when adjusted for specific lifestyle factors. These were contrasting results to those found in girls -- and this could not be explained by adjustments for the different parameters measured.

Watching for a black hole to gobble up a gas cloud: Gas cloud's fate illuminates growth of supermassive black holes

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 05:58 AM PDT

G2, a doomed gas cloud, is edging closer to Sgr A*, the hungry supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center. The closest approach between the two is predicted to occur any day now. Astrophysicists have been watching closely, and the data do not show enhanced emission in the X-rays.

Young motorists lack self control

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 05:55 AM PDT

So now we have it in black and white – the emotional center in young men's brains overrides the area controlling their ability to make rational decisions. This leads to accidents among risk-seeking motorists. Last autumn thirty-four young people allowed their brains to be scanned while playing car race video games. The aim was to win. But the speeds were fixed and subjects only had the use of a start and stop button. A scanner recorded the activity in their young brains throughout.

Light-guiding gels provide new avenues for drug detection, delivery

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 05:54 AM PDT

With the ability to deliver light inside the body in a predictable manner and to host a variety of genetically engineered cells, hydrogels may help address current challenges with applying optogenetic approaches in clinical care. Optogenetics is a relatively new technique that harnesses light to activate or inhibit light-responsive proteins that control specific cell functions.

Materials, electronics that dissolve when triggered being developed

Posted: 04 Apr 2014 05:54 AM PDT

An research team is developing "transient materials" and "transient electronics" that can quickly and completely melt away when a trigger is activated. That could mean that one day you could send out a signal to destroy a lost credit card, or when soldiers are wounded, their electronic devices could be remotely triggered to melt away, securing sensitive military information. The field of study is very new, but progress is being made.

Advantages, potential of computer-guided spinal surgery

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:23 PM PDT

In a series of research studies, spinal surgeons show that a new method of computer-guided spine surgery is beneficial for spinal reconstruction and for treating complex tumors and degenerative spine problems, resulting in fewer complications and better outcomes for patients.

Diffeomorphometry, geodesic positioning systems for human anatomy

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT

New algorithmic technologies for the parametric representation of human shape and form have been recently demonstrated by researchers. Coupled with advanced imaging technologies, this presents opportunities for tracking soft-tissue deformations associated with cardiovascular studies, radiation treatment planning in oncology, and neurodegenerative brain illnesses.

Enhancing immune response through next generation polymeric vaccine adjuvants

Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT

Adjuvants, such as aluminum salts, have been integrated into vaccines for more than 70 years to augment the body's immune response to pathogens. Adjuvants are especially necessary to boost the immune response for subunit vaccines. However, conventional adjuvants are limited by their toxicity and limited cellular immune responses. Polymeric adjuvants in the form of nanoparticles, matrices or micelles have the ability to prompt strong adaptive immune responses without sacrificing biocompatibility.

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