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Science News for March 14, 2007


Genes may determine success of hip replacement surgery

Research suggests that genetic variations in MMP1 and vitamin D synthesis genes are associated with a higher risk of complications after hip replacement surgery. Patients with specific genetic variations were more likely to experience aseptic loosening and deep infection.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMar 14, 2007

Tracing broken wiring in stroke patients

Functional connectivity MRI studies revealed that lower brain connectivity regions correlate with impaired visual field perception in neglected stroke patients. The study provides new insights into the neurological details of spatial neglect, highlighting the value of MRI in studying behavioral symptoms.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 14, 2007

Study challenges idea that schizophrenia is distinct in developing and developed regions

A new study challenges the World Health Organization's idea that schizophrenia is relatively more benign in developing societies. The research compares biological and cultural indicators of schizophrenia in urban, Western societies with data from Palau, which has one of the highest rates of schizophrenia diagnosis in the world.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMar 14, 2007

Making memories that last a lifetime

Neurobiologists have found that DNA methylation is necessary for forming memories and regulates the activity of genes involved in memory formation. The study suggests that epigenetic regulation has a significant impact on behavioral changes brought about by environmental stimuli.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 14, 2007

Homing pigeons get their bearings from their beaks

A new study reveals that homing pigeons have a complex three-dimensional pattern in the sensory dendrites of their beak skin that reacts to the Earth's magnetic field vector. This allows them to identify their geographical position without relying on visual cues.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateMar 14, 2007

Using brain scans, researchers find evidence for a 2-stage model of human perceptual learning

A two-stage model suggests that humans learn novel tasks by first processing stimulus shape and then discriminating between shapes to categorize objects. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity while participants learned to group cars into categories, revealing a complex interplay between lower and higher brain processes.

Does God answer prayer? ASU research says 'yes'

A comprehensive analysis of 17 major studies on intercessory prayer found a positive effect, suggesting that prayer offered for the benefit of another person yields positive results. However, the study also notes that standard treatments should be used as the primary method of treatment for conditions like depression.

SourceArizona State University·JournalResearch on Social Work Practice·DateMar 14, 2007

Ultrasound could help couples undergoing IVF

Researchers developed a new ultrasound-based test that can accurately predict ovarian response and IVF success. The antral follicle count was found to be an effective predictor of egg production, providing a less costly and invasive alternative to current hormone-based tests.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology·DateMar 14, 2007

Chemical cues turn embryonic stem cells into cerebellar neurons

Researchers at Rockefeller University successfully differentiated embryonic stem cells into fully functional granule neurons, the most plentiful neuron in the cerebellum. This breakthrough study marks a significant step toward understanding how to regulate embryonic stem cells and potentially use them for cell replacement therapy.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2007

No carrier necessary: This drug delivers itself

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a novel drug delivery system using nanocrystals of hydrophobic drugs, which can target tumors with comparable efficacy to conventional surfactant-based systems. The system eliminates the need for separate carriers, reducing toxicity and improving drug penetration.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateMar 14, 2007

Associative memory -- learning at all levels

Scientists have successfully traced associative learning to early stages of the visual processing pathway, suggesting a more general property of the brain. By training monkeys to associate objects with specific signals, researchers found that neurons in the middle temporal area responded to both the original stimulus and the associated...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateMar 14, 2007

Study suggests wearing no-line bifocals slows myopia progression in some children

A new study found that children with two myopic parents wearing progressive-addition lenses showed slower myopia progression compared to those wearing single-vision lenses. The five-year study identified parental refractive error as a key factor in myopia progression, suggesting that special lenses may be beneficial for certain children.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 14, 2007