science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Παρασκευή 2 Μαΐου 2014

Science News SciGuru.com

Scientists advocate retention of existing smallpox stocks ahead of meeting of the World Health Assembly
10 year study shows ‘Lethal Factor’ could be X-factor for new anthrax vaccine
Humans Have A Nose for Gender
Sperm Precursors Made from Stem Cells of Infertile Men‏
Malnutrition During Pregnancy May Affect the Health of Future Generations

Scientists advocate retention of existing smallpox stocks ahead of meeting of the World Health Assembly

Posted: 02 May 2014 06:37 AM PDT

The majority opinion of advisory groups to the World Health Organisation (WHO) is that remaining stocks of live variola, the virus that causes smallpox, should be discontinued. The issue is on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA), which is the governing body of WHO.

10 year study shows ‘Lethal Factor’ could be X-factor for new anthrax vaccine

Posted: 01 May 2014 11:35 AM PDT

Researchers have identified a section of the anthrax toxin Lethal Factor that could help produce a more effective vaccine.

Anthrax is a potentially lethal disease caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria produce spores that when inhaled, ingested or absorbed into the skin release toxins. When anthrax affects the lungs or intestines it can cause death within a few days whilst infection of the skin (cutaneous anthrax) is less dangerous.

Humans Have A Nose for Gender

Posted: 01 May 2014 09:09 AM PDT

The human body produces chemical cues that communicate gender to members of the opposite sex, according to researchers who report their findings in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on May 1. Whiffs of the active steroid ingredients (androstadienone in males and estratetraenol in females) influence our perceptions of movement as being either more masculine or more feminine. The effect, which occurs completely without awareness, depends on both our biological sex and our sexual orientations.

Sperm Precursors Made from Stem Cells of Infertile Men‏

Posted: 01 May 2014 09:04 AM PDT

Researchers reporting in the Cell Press journal Cell Reports on May 1st have successfully coaxed stem cells made from the skin cells of infertile men into producing sperm cell precursors. These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) produced sperm precursors following transplantation into the testes of mice.

The findings help to explain a genetic cause of male infertility and offer a window into basic sperm biology. The approach also holds considerable potential for clinical application, the researchers say.

Malnutrition During Pregnancy May Affect the Health of Future Generations

Posted: 01 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT

New research reveals how environmental factors in the womb can predispose not only the mother's own offspring but also the grandoffspring to metabolic disorders like liver disease. Researchers reporting in the Cell Press journal Cell Metabolism found for pregnant mice that are malnourished—experiencing a 50% caloric restriction during the last week of pregnancy—that their offspring are at first growth restricted and have low birth weight but then go on to become obese and diabetic as they age.