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DNA :: First molecular simulation of a long DNA strand shows unexpected flexibility

Virginia Tech researchers used novel methodology and the university’s System X supercomputer to carry out what is probably the first simulation that explores full range of motions of a DNA strand of 147 base pairs, the length that is required to form the fundamental unit of DNA packing in the living cells — the nucleosome. Contrary to a long-held belief that DNA is hard to bend, the simulation shows in crisp atomic detail that DNA is considerably more flexible than commonly thought.

Dental :: Fibers used in bullet-proof vests quadruple toughness of dental composites

Vistasp Karbhari, a professor of structural engineering at UC San Diego, has developed fiber-reinforced polymer composites as strong, lightweight materials for aerospace, automotive, civil and marine applications, so he thought, “If they work so well in highway bridges, why not dental bridges.”

DNA :: Brown scientists map structure of DNA-doctoring protein complex

Mobile DNA, which inserts foreign genes into target cells, is a powerful force in the march of evolution and the spread of disease. Working with the lambda virus and E. coli bacteria, Brown University biologists have solved the structure of a six-protein complex critical to performing this gene-grafting surgery. The technique they developed could be used to reveal the structure of other critical protein complexes, landing the work on the cover of Molecular Cell.

Immigrant :: Immigrants of a feather don’t necessarily flock together

The traditional idea that immigrants cluster together in neighborhoods with their countrymen after coming to the United States and move away after achieving economic success is far from universal. New research indicates that who immigrants marry or partner with has a strong influence on where they live.

Long the fixation of physicists worldwide, a tiny particle is found

After decades of intensive effort by both experimental and theoretical physicists worldwide, a tiny particle with no charge, a very low mass and a lifetime much shorter than a nanosecond, dubbed the “axion,” has now been detected by the University at Buffalo physicist who first suggested its existence in a little-read paper as early as 1974.

Psychology :: Effects of national trauma on Americans’ health

A study by psychologists at the University at Buffalo and the University of California, Irvine, has found that people’s gender and ethnicity predicted their immediate response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and their general state of health over the next two years.

Alcoholism :: Sleep problems get in the way of alcoholism recovery

The first few months of recovery from an alcohol problem are hard enough, and they’re often made worse by serious sleep problems. Now, a new study gives further evidence that insomnia and other sleep woes may actually get in the way of recovery from alcohol problems.

Allergy :: All itches not created equal – Different parts of brain activated depending on cause

Different reactions in the brain to two common allergy triggers — allergens (pollen and dust) and histamine (allergy cells within the body caused by foods, drugs or infection) — may shed some light on the itch-scratch cycle. Allergen-induced itch intensity ratings were higher compared to histamine and perception of itch and changes in blood flow were significantly greater when allergen induced. Itch intensity and changes in blood flow were perceived to exist for significantly longer periods.

PCOS :: Diabetes gene linked to polycystic ovary syndrome

A study of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) provides further evidence that calpain-10, the “diabetes gene,” is related to PCOS susceptibility. PCOS affects up to five percent of the female population, and those diagnosed with the disease have a 2- to 7-fold risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The data suggest that one area of the gene, the SNP ins/del-19, may be related to both PCOS and type 2 diabetes.

Physiology :: Brain wave changes in adolescence signal reorganization of the brain

Brain wave changes in adolescence are related to age, but not sexual maturation, occur earlier in girls than boys and may be associated with one of the brain’s major reorganization projects: synaptic pruning, a new study finds. During adolescence, the brain reorganizes and eliminates many synaptic connections, making the brain’s information processing more efficient and powerful while consuming less energy.