science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Πέμπτη 2 Ιανουαρίου 2014

Science News SciGuru.com

Cells' adaptations to low oxygen conditions inside tumors promote breast cancer’s spread
Making silicon devices responsive to infrared light
Embedding molecules in starch may help prevent Type 2 diabetes
High Blood Pressure Potentially More Dangerous for Women Than Men

Cells' adaptations to low oxygen conditions inside tumors promote breast cancer’s spread

Posted: 02 Jan 2014 05:06 AM PST

Biologists at The Johns Hopkins University have discovered that low oxygen conditions, which often persist inside tumors, are sufficient to initiate a molecular chain of events that transforms breast cancer cells from being rigid and stationary to mobile and invasive. Their evidence, published online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Dec. 9, underlines the importance of hypoxia-inducible factors in promoting breast cancer metastasis.

Making silicon devices responsive to infrared light

Posted: 02 Jan 2014 04:55 AM PST

Researchers have tried a variety of methods to develop detectors that are responsive to a broad range of infrared light — which could form imaging arrays for security systems, or solar cells that harness a broader range of sunlight’s energy — but these methods have all faced limitations. Now, a new system developed by researchers at five institutions, including MIT, could eliminate many of those limitations.

Embedding molecules in starch may help prevent Type 2 diabetes

Posted: 02 Jan 2014 04:48 AM PST

A Purdue University researcher has developed a novel method of modifying the digestion of starch, potentially offering a simple, cost-effective way of preventing Type 2 diabetes.

Srinivas Janaswamy, research assistant professor of food science, found that inserting "guest" molecules into the natural structure of potato starch causes glucose to be released more slowly during in vitro digestion. Slow, sustained glucose release could help stave off Type 2 diabetes and other health problems associated with elevated blood glucose levels.

High Blood Pressure Potentially More Dangerous for Women Than Men

Posted: 02 Jan 2014 04:37 AM PST

Doctors may need to treat high blood pressure in women earlier and more aggressively than they do in men, according to scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

In a new study, published in the December edition of Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, the researchers for the first time found significant differences in the mechanisms that cause high blood pressure in women as compared to men.