Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2007 - Page 47


Page 47 of 203

In human grid, we're the cogs

Researchers from UC San Diego propose a grid system that utilizes human computation to label images and perform tasks for the benefit of others. The 'Soylent Grid' uses CAPTCHAs to engage humans in the loop, allowing for efficient data labeling and various applications such as assistive technology for visually impaired individuals.

COPD rates, higher than expected in China, will continue to grow

A large-scale study in China reveals that COPD prevalence is significantly higher than previously thought, affecting over 8% of the population over 40. The risk factors identified include smoking, particularly among women, and exposure to biomass fuels, highlighting a need for preventative measures and improved diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 12, 2007

Study examines parent-child interactions in at-risk families

A five-year study will investigate patterns of interaction between parents and preschool children to better understand the effects of child maltreatment. The research seeks to identify relationship patterns underlying the severity and type of maltreatment, aiming to inform the development of more effective family therapies.

International team of scientists warns of climate change's impact on global river flow

A global analysis of climate change's impact on rivers indicates that many will require significant management interventions to protect ecosystems and people. The study projects changes in river discharge under different climate and water withdrawal scenarios, highlighting basins at risk of water stress or increased flood flows.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 12, 2007

Statins reduce loss of function, keeping old lungs young - even in smokers

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that statins reduce the annual loss of lung function in elderly individuals, including those who smoke. The researchers suggest that statins' ability to reduce inflammation and smoking-induced injury in the lungs may be responsible for this effect.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 12, 2007

Innovative 3D-imaging technique captures brain damage linked to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers used a novel 3D mapping technique to analyze MRI data from Alzheimer's patients and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study found progressive brain atrophy in both groups, but MCI patients showed more cortical damage characteristic of Alzheimer's. This innovative method outperforms existing 3D imaging techniques.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 11, 2007

A tiny pinch from a 'z-ring' helps bacteria cells divide

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a mathematical tool that computed the mechanical force exerted by the Z-ring when it helps bacteria cells split. The calculation revealed a surprisingly small force of 8 piconewtons, which could aid scientists in developing new antibiotics and understanding cell division.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2007

Patients can't recall their medications to tell doctors

A Northwestern University study found nearly 50% of patients taking antihypertensive drugs can't accurately name a single medication, highlighting the need for improved medication reconciliation. Patients with low health literacy were more likely to be prescribed multiple medications and have higher blood pressure.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2007

Modeling pathogen responses

A new study by David Heckerman and colleagues developed a statistical framework to model HLA-dependent T cell response data. The approach identified 12 correct predictions out of 16, providing significant implications for understanding and developing an HIV vaccine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 11, 2007

JCI table of contents: Oct. 11, 2007

New research on glutaric acidemia type I reveals that young mice are more susceptible to brain damage due to lysine uptake, which can be mitigated with a novel treatment strategy. Mast cells play a role in abdominal aortic aneurysm development, and blocking LAG-3 might enhance cancer vaccine effectiveness.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2007

Enzyme promotes fat formation

A recent study found that TPPII stimulates the formation of fat cells in worms and mammalian cells, leading to decreased fat stores. Mice with lower levels of TPPII were thinner than their wild-type littermates despite comparable food intake.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateOct 11, 2007

Quantum mechanics predicts unusual lattice dynamics of vanadium metal under high pressure

Researchers have discovered a new type of phase transition in vanadium metal under extreme pressure, which contradicts the behavior of most other elements. This unusual lattice dynamics is driven by a huge change in electronic structure, providing a new explanation for the record-high superconducting temperature.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2007

Bottomless bowls are an Ig Nobel winner

Brian Wansink's research on bottomless bowls of creamy tomato soup found that people eating from soup bowls with hidden refills ate 73% more soup than those in normal bowls, without feeling fuller. The study suggests that cues around us influence not only what we eat but also how much and when we feel full

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity·DateOct 11, 2007

The benefits of 80 million years without sex

Researchers find that bdelloid rotifers, an asexual organism, have evolved different gene functions to protect themselves during dehydration. This discovery provides insight into the benefits of asexuality and challenges the assumption that sexual reproduction is always necessary for survival.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2007

New insight into childhood metabolic disease

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying injury and age-dependent susceptibility to glutaric acidemia type I. By using a mouse model of the disease, scientists discovered that limiting lysine uptake can substantially decrease brain damage caused by exposure to the amino acid.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2007