EurekAlert! - National Institutes of Health

Public Release: 29-Nov-2012

Science
Harvard's Wyss Institute team creates versatile 3d nanostructures using DNA 'bricks'
Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University have created more than 100 three-dimensional nanostructures using DNA building blocks that function like Lego bricks -- a major advance from the two-dimensional structures the same team built a few months ago.

Office of Naval Research, Army Research Office, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Harvard/Wyss Institute

Public Release: 29-Nov-2012

Science
Molecular root of 'exhausted' T cells in chronic viral infection
In the case of such pathogens as hepatitis C, HIV, and malaria, the body and the pathogen essentially fight to a prolonged stalemate, neither able to gain an advantage. Over time, however, the cells become "exhausted" and the immune system can collapse, giving the pathogen the edge. A new study is showing how that happens, suggesting a novel approach that might shift the balance of power in chronic infections.

National Institutes of Health, Dana Foundation

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Nature
Most of the harmful mutations in people arose in the past 5,000 to 10,000 years
A study of the age of more than 1 million single-letter variations in the human DNA code reveals that most of these mutations are of recent origin, evolutionarily speaking. They arose as a result of explosive population growth, which provides more chances for new mutations to appear in offspring. Many of these mutations are harmful, some have no effect, and others are beneficial now or may provide an adaptive advantage for future generations.

NIH/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Exome Sequencing Project

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Nature
Rules devised for building ideal protein molecules from scratch
By following certain rules, scientists can prepare architectural plans for building ideal protein molecules not found in the real world. Based on computer renditions, previously non-existent proteins can be produced from scratch in the lab. In our imperfect world, proteins can be beset by bulges, kinks, strains, and improperly buried parts, and many diseases arise from protein malformations. The researchers achieved a library of several ideal structures. The principles could aid in designing drugs, vaccines, industrial enzymes, fuels, and pollutant removers.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department of Energy, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, National Institutes of Health, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Japan Society for Promotion of Science

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Environmental Science & Technology
Study IDs kerosene lamps as big source of black carbon
Kerosene lamps, the primary source of light for more than a billion people in developing nations, churns out black carbon at levels previously overlooked in greenhouse gas estimates, according to a new study led by researchers at UC Berkeley and the University of Illinois. The new findings result in a twentyfold increase to previous estimates of black carbon emissions from kerosene-fueled lighting. The good news is that affordable, cleaner alternatives exist.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US Agency for International Development, US Environmental Protection Agency

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Environmental Research
Women 16-49 at risk of multiple pollutants
In a new analysis of thousands of US women of childbearing age, Brown University researchers found that most exceeded the median blood level for two or more of three environmental pollutants that could harm brain development of fetuses and babies: lead, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls.

NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Sigma Theta Tau

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Double duty: Immune system regulator found to protect brain from effects of stroke
A small molecule known to regulate white blood cells has a surprising second role in protecting brain cells from the deleterious effects of stroke, Johns Hopkins researchers report. The molecule, microRNA-223, affects how cells respond to the temporary loss of blood supply brought on by stroke -- and thus the cells' likelihood of suffering permanent damage.

NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse, Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Journal of Lipid Research
Analysis of conflicting fish oil studies finds that omega-3 fatty acids still matter
A new analysis helps to sort through conflicting findings from literally hundreds of studies on use of omega-3 fatty acids for heart disease. It concludes that they still matter; they do work; and that modern therapies for cardiovascular disease help to mask the benefits omega-3 consumption might otherwise provide.

US Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Health

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Journal of Biological Chemistry
Scripps Florida scientists uncover a novel cooperative effort to stop cancer spread
Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have uncovered a group of what have been considered relatively minor regulators in the body that band together to suppress the spread of cancer from its primary site.

National Institutes of Health

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Science Translational Medicine
Johns Hopkins scientists pair blood test and gene sequencing to detect cancer
Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have combined the ability to detect cancer DNA in the blood with genome sequencing technology in a test that could be used to screen for cancers, monitor cancer patients for recurrence and find residual cancer left after surgery.

National Institutes of Health

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012
Potentially toxic flame retardants found in many US couches
More than half of all couches tested in a Duke University-led study contained potentially toxic or untested chemical flame retardants that may pose risks to human health.

NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Nature
Chemists invent powerful toolkit, accelerating creation of potential new drugs
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have invented a set of chemical tools that is radically simplifying the creation of potential new drug compounds.

National Institutes of Health, Pfizer

Public Release: 28-Nov-2012

Environmental Science and Technology
New study: Many flame retardants in house dust -- unsafe levels
In Silent Spring Institute's new peer-reviewed study of the largest number of flame retardants ever tested in homes, we found that most houses had levels of at least one flame retardant that exceeded a federal health guideline.

NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, New York Community Trust, Fine Fund, Art beCAUS