The genetic heritage of the new H7N9 influenza virus is 100% of bird origin; to this day April 16, 2013, this virus has caused 60 influenza cases and made 13 victims, at least according to official data provided by Chinese authorities. Spreading from the eastern regions around Shanghai, it has already reached Beijing. The in-depth genetic analysis of the first three cases,
The brain is probably the most complex structure in the known universe, complex enough to coordinate movements, gather and organize lots of sensorial data, perform abstract reasoning and develop new ideas. Understanding the mechanisms underlying brain function is therefore one of the biggest challenges of contemporary science. A deeper comprehension of the brain is not only a central issue for pure science but would have an enormous impact for the whole society. In fact, the knowledge of brain complex machinery will allow finding new therapies for diseases like Alzheimer or
What can be simpler than a pencil? What dark secrets are hidden in the traces it leaves behind? Why should we begin to start studying graphite, which is the heart of the pencil? Why should scientists studying the physics of matter waste their time on something so common and ordinary? And yet physics is becoming increasingly interested in pencils. There are those who are using graphite and adhesive tape to try to find new material and those who are trying to understand how to use a pencil to get something that might end up in the display screen of a smart phone. Using your fingers
H7N9 is a previously little known bird flu found mainly in chickens. On 29 March 2013, the first cases involving human fatality ever known were reported.
As doctors and researchers we have been following with great dismay the news and statements regarding the possibility of treating patients who have severe nervous system diseases using "stem" cells, without any scientific evidence and through procedures that are not accepted by national and international rules. Our first concern is protecting patients and their families, who bear a large burden of suffering and are naturally and understandably open to any element of hope for their loved ones. As a result of this primary concern
The burden of diseases (BoD), i.e. the impact of diseases in terms of mortality and disability, has gained unprecedented visibility as a health topic on such a prestigious scientific journal as Lancet. The entire December 2012 issue, a total of 7 articles and 8 editorials, was in fact dedicated to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010). At the beginning of March 2013, other data were subsequently published, in particular
