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Science News for June 16, 2008


Age at puberty linked to mother's prenatal diet

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that a mother's prenatal diet high in fat can lead to an early onset of puberty in her child, increasing the risk of adulthood obesity. The research also showed alterations in sex hormones and higher body fat levels in adult offspring.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 16, 2008

Olfactory bulb size may change as sense of smell changes

Research reveals that olfactory bulb volume changes in response to individual sense of smell changes. Patients with reduced or lost sense of smell show varying increases and decreases in olfactory bulb size. The correlation between olfactory bulb volume and function may aid in predicting disease prognosis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJun 16, 2008

Health varies widely across different regions of Mexico

A new study found that Mexico's southern region has the highest rates of infectious and nutritional diseases, as well as non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The study also identified being overweight, high blood glucose, and alcohol use as major risk factors for these diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2008

Better treatments for malaria in pregnancy are needed

A recent study highlights the need for better treatments for malaria in pregnancy, where the use of new medicines is often restricted due to limited clinical data. The authors argue that this 'catch-22' situation can lead to inferior drugs being prescribed, putting pregnant women's lives at risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2008

The APCs of nerve cell function

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identify adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) as a central organizer of neuronal cholinergic synapse assembly. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms directing synapse formation, potentially shedding new insights into learning and memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schi...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalMolecular and Cellular Neuroscience·DateJun 16, 2008

A trio of super-Earths

A team of European astronomers has discovered a triple system of super-Earths around the star HD 40307 using the HARPS instrument. The planets have masses between 4.2 and 9.4 times that of Earth, and orbit the star with periods ranging from 4.3 to 20.4 days.

SourceESO·DateJun 16, 2008

Team finds key mechanism of DDT resistance in malarial mosquitoes

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a key detoxifying protein in Anopheles mosquitoes that metabolizes DDT, a synthetic insecticide used to control malaria-spreading mosquitoes. The protein CYP6Z1 belongs to a class of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases that play key roles in insect defenses against plant toxins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

First semiconductor-based PET scanner demonstrates potential to aid in early diagnosis of disease

The first semiconductor-based PET scanner demonstrates improved spatial resolution and reduced noise, enabling better characterization of diseases such as partial epilepsy and nasopharyngeal cancer. This technology holds promise for advancing early-stage diagnoses and assessing patient responses to therapies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 16, 2008

Perfecting a solar cell by adding imperfections

Carbon nanotubes have been engineered to improve the properties of solar cells by introducing defects, resulting in increased catalytic activity and reduced costs. The new material has the potential to replace traditional layers used in solar cells, leading to improved performance and more affordable energy technologies.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 16, 2008

Gesture interface device developed by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers have developed a hand gesture recognition system that enables doctors to manipulate digital images during surgeries by motioning instead of touching screens. This system reduces sterility risks and prevents the spread of infection, which is particularly important in hospital operating rooms.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 16, 2008

A promising step towards more effective hydrogen storage

A team of international researchers led by Professor Rajeev Ahuja has discovered an atomic-level mechanism for releasing hydrogen from magnesium nanoparticles, which could lead to more efficient hydrogen storage. The finding opens up new possibilities for fuel cells using hydrogen as a clean and environmentally friendly energy source.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

Pharmacology of crystal meth

Research into crystal meth addiction has been limited to animal studies, but potential therapeutic agents targeting dopamine and non-dopamine systems are in clinical testing. The article highlights the need for accelerated clinical trials to address the public health importance of this issue.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 16, 2008

Geisinger study: Inflammatory disease causes blindness

Research shows that people with temporal arteritis, an inflammatory artery disease, are three times more likely to experience blindness due to swollen arteries restricting blood flow. The disease is often accompanied by symptoms like headaches and jaw soreness, and if left untreated can lead to severe vision loss or stroke.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Pathology·DateJun 16, 2008

Novel compound may treat acute diarrhea

Scientists have discovered a novel compound that targets acute secretory diarrhea caused by E. coli and other enterotoxigenic strains of bacteria, reducing fluid secretion without apparent toxicity. The compound could be an inexpensive, easy-to-take treatment for debilitating illnesses leading to child deaths in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2008

Fair trade

Researchers have found a way to effectively recycle toxic chlorinated compounds using a lanthanum chloride catalyst. The new reaction enables the exchange of chlorine atoms for hydrogen atoms, producing desired products without byproducts.

SourceWiley·DateJun 16, 2008