Brain, behavior may have changed as social insect colonies evolved
Brain and behavior relationships may have changed in a profound way as larger, more complex insect societies evolved from smaller, simpler ones, according to a new study.
Forest
Wild gorillas carriers of a SIV virus close to the AIDS virus
An article in Nature on Thursday 9/11 reports the discovery of gorillas living in the wild in Central Africa infected with an HIV-1 related virus, called SIVgor, genetically close to an HIV-1 variant called group O. This discovery ask the crucial question on the source and route for infection of the gorillas. It broadens substantially the scope of research on the ability of these viruses to cross over from one species to another.
Developing uses for sugar-cane bagasse: Biotechnology applied to the paper industry
Sugar-cane bagasse is a fibrous waste-product of the sugar refining industry, which can be recycled as a raw material for paper manufacture. IRD researchers have elaborated a new bioprocess that transforms the bagasse into paper pulp and also produces an industrially useful enzyme, laccase. The process is based on the metabolism of a filamentous fungus. Preliminary laboratory trials show that this integrated bioprocess can be adapted to other potential fibre-yielding materials, opening up promising applications for the paper industry.
Ecology :: Experts advance new way to size up global forest resources
An increasing number of countries and regions are transitioning from deforestation to afforestation, raising hopes for a turning point for the world as a whole, according to researchers advancing a more sophisticated approach to measuring forest cover. The novel approach looks beyond simply how much of a nation’s area is covered by trees and considers the volume of timber, biomass and captured carbon within the area.
High-Tech Spectroscopy May be Used to Monitor Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) may provide a noninvasive way to monitor neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with lupus, according to results from research in mice at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Lupus :: High-tech spectroscopy may be used to monitor neuropsychiatric symptoms
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may provide a noninvasive way to monitor neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with lupus, according to results from research in mice at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Atherosclerosis :: Two drugs may stabilize plaques in atherosclerosis
Two drugs that a Wake Forest University School of Medicine research team has been investigating for lupus for several years may stabilize atherosclerotic plaque in the walls of arteries and help avert heart attacks and strokes.
Health :: Colorado Company to Sell Medical Food Products Based on Wake Forest Discovery
A Colorado-based company is launching a line of ‘medical- food’ products for the dietary management of asthma, eczema and other allergic conditions based on discoveries by Floyd H. ‘Ski’ Chilton, Ph.D., of Wake Forest University Health Sciences (WFUHS).
Brain Cancer :: Researchers study effects of Aricept in pediatric brain cancer survivors
A pediatric oncologist at Brenner Children’s Hospital is evaluating whether a drug typically used to treat Alzheimer’s patients will help brain cancer survivors avoid the learning and memory problems that are common after radiation therapy.
Education :: Poor readers have higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
Teenagers with reading problems are at significantly higher risk for suicide and for dropping out of school than typical readers, according to a study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center researchers.