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Injecting botox into stomach does not promote weight loss
Bioinspired fibers change color when stretched
Scientists discover a periodic and ringed cytoskeleton within axons
Buddhism in second life: Anthropologist studies spirituality in virtual reality
Better Survival Rates Seen with Lumpectomy Compared with Mastectomy for Early Breast Cancer
Islet transplant may slow progression of atherosclerosis
Organic ferroelectric molecule shows promise for memory chips, sensors
Facebook Activity Reveals Clues to Mental Illness, says University of Missouri Researcher
Film or droplets? Liquid on rough surface

Injecting botox into stomach does not promote weight loss

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:36 PM PST

Despite conflicting data in support of the practice, some overweight Americans looking for an easy fix have turned to gastric botox injections to help them lose weight. This month in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, researchers from the Mayo Clinic publish a definitive study finding that Botox doesn't promote weight loss.

Bioinspired fibers change color when stretched

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:34 PM PST

A team of materials scientists at Harvard University and the University of Exeter, UK, have invented a new fiber that changes color when stretched. Inspired by nature, the researchers identified and replicated the unique structural elements that create the bright iridescent blue color of a tropical plant’s fruit.

The multilayered fiber, described today in the journal Advanced Materials, could lend itself to the creation of smart fabrics that visibly react to heat or pressure.

Scientists discover a periodic and ringed cytoskeleton within axons

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:30 AM PST

The plasma membranes that give cells their shapes are typically upheld by linear meshworks of the protein actin. In contrast, Howard Hughes Medical Institute scientists have now discovered that periodic ring-shaped actin arrangements encircle the long axonal fibers of nerve cells.

Buddhism in second life: Anthropologist studies spirituality in virtual reality

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:09 AM PST

A Kansas State University researcher is studying how religion -- particularly Buddhism -- fits into new forms of virtual reality.

Jessica Falcone, assistant professor of sociology, anthropology and social work, studies South Asian cultures and religions, particularly Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism. Several of her current research projects focus on Buddhist communities, particularly the growing presence of Buddhism in the world of virtual reality.

Better Survival Rates Seen with Lumpectomy Compared with Mastectomy for Early Breast Cancer

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:04 AM PST

A new analysis has found that lumpectomy plus radiation for early breast cancer may provide patients with a better chance of survival than mastectomy. Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the results provide confidence in the efficacy of breast-conserving treatments even among patients with aggressive, early disease.

Islet transplant may slow progression of atherosclerosis

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:00 AM PST

Minimally invasive islet transplantation for patients with type 1 diabetes achieves insulin independence and reverses the progression of atherosclerosis in the first few years after transplant, according to a University of Illinois at Chicago study.

The research is published in the February issue of the journal Diabetes Care and is available online.

Organic ferroelectric molecule shows promise for memory chips, sensors

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 09:52 AM PST

At the heart of computing are tiny crystals that transmit and store digital information’s ones and zeroes. Today these are hard and brittle materials. But cheap, flexible, nontoxic organic molecules may play a role in the future of hardware.

Facebook Activity Reveals Clues to Mental Illness, says University of Missouri Researcher

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 09:27 AM PST

Facebook activity provided a window into the psychological health of participants in a study at the University of Missouri. Social media profiles could eventually be used as tools for psychologists and therapists, according to study leader Elizabeth Martin, doctoral student in MU’s psychological science department in the College of Arts and Science.

Film or droplets? Liquid on rough surface

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 09:21 AM PST

The phenomenon of liquids coating rough surfaces in the form of films or droplets is commonplace. The morning dew converts grass and leaves into scenes of magical beauty, while a thin film of rainwater on the road can pose a danger to every driver - especially if it freezes. But how can we tell in what conditions a liquid will form a continuous film or just isolated drops? Existing theories generally describe ideally smooth surfaces, which are not so relevant in the real world.