Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 6, 2008


Data presented at the APA Annual Meeting

Data presented at the APA Annual Meeting demonstrate iloperidone's efficacy and safety in treating schizophrenia, with low rates of movement disorders and metabolic adverse events. Pharmacogenetic findings suggest potential for individualized treatment based on genetic markers.

Sounding out Congo Red

Researchers have developed an approach to degrading Congo Red using ultrasound technology, transforming it into less toxic intermediates. This method combines the power of sonolysis with conventional industrial waste water biodegradation treatment, effectively removing the color and reducing toxicity from dye-contaminated effluent.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Waste Management·DateMay 6, 2008

Why face symmetry is sexy across cultures and species

Research finds symmetry and sexual dimorphism in human faces are related to attractiveness, supporting the idea that they signal genetic quality. The study also reveals similar patterns in non-human primates and different human populations, indicating universal signals of quality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

Prions show their good side

Normally functioning prions prevent neurons from self-destruction by inducing overactive brain cells that respond longer and more vigorously to stimulation. This hyperactivity eventually leads to neuron death, potentially explaining why misfolded prions cause dementia.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 6, 2008

Child abuse may 'mark' genes in the brains of suicide victims

A study by McGill University scientists found that child abuse may cause differences in epigenetic marking on genes in the brains of men who killed themselves. The researchers also discovered that simple maternal behavior during early childhood has a profound effect on genes and behavior, which can be reversed through treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

Priority regions for threatened frog and toad conservation in Latin America

A PLOS study highlights key conservation areas for threatened frogs and toads in Latin America, emphasizing the importance of considering life-history traits. The research reveals that regions with aquatic larval stages are crucial for species like Phyllomedusa ayeaye, while those without tadpoles require targeted conservation efforts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

Life without TORC is 1 big struggle

A team of researchers found that the protein TORC2 is crucial for glucose production and fat storage in Drosophila, a genetic switch that regulates metabolism in both flies and human livers. Without functional TORC, fly lifespan was cut in half and their ability to store energy was impaired.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 6, 2008

Smoke-free laws have no impact on employee turnover

A new study examines the impact of smoke-free laws on restaurant labor markets and finds a decline in turnover rates after implementation. The study supports existing evidence that smoke-free laws are positive for businesses, with no consistent pattern of increase or decrease over time.

SourceBurness·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateMay 6, 2008

Arable land can have a negative impact on air quality

Researchers found that arable land and steppe-formation processes can significantly affect global air quality, as evidenced by a dust cloud from southern Ukraine that caused extreme particulate matter concentrations in Central Europe. The study highlights the need for better understanding of dust transport and formation processes, part...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMay 6, 2008

Gut hormone makes food look even yummier

A new study found that ghrelin increases the response to food pictures in brain regions involved in reward and motivation, suggesting a link between pleasure signals and metabolic drives. The findings may have implications for treating obesity and could inform policies aimed at reducing fast food consumption.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 2008

Not all fat created equal

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that subcutaneous fat, typically found in the hips and thighs, can lower insulin levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. This discovery offers a new avenue for finding substances produced by subcutaneous fat that may improve glucose metabolism.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 2008

Lab in a drop

Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip PCR test that combines sample preparation with PCR on a single chip, reducing analysis time from hours to minutes.

SourceWiley·DateMay 6, 2008

Finding the real potential of no-till farming for sequestering carbon

A recent study found that no-till farming can increase soil organic carbon concentrations in the upper layers of some soils. However, the total soil organic carbon pool to a depth of 60 cm is often similar or even lower than plow tillage systems. The study highlights the importance of analyzing the entire soil profile for accurate conc...

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 6, 2008

Expert predicts 'Monsoon Britain'

Climate change is predicted to increase flooding in the UK, with periods of high rainfall and river flow patterns lasting several decades. The current perception of flood risk has been lower than in previous centuries, making it difficult to prepare for the increased frequency and intensity of floods.

SourceDurham University·JournalGeography Journal·DateMay 6, 2008

Seed dispersal in mauritius -- dead as a dodo?

A recent study in PLOS ONE investigates the loss of seed dispersal interactions on Mauritius and its impact on regeneration. The Janzen-Connell model suggests that seeds need to be dispersed away from adult trees, but many fleshy-fruited plant species lack crucial seed dispersal interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 6, 2008

Is bipolar disorder overdiagnosed?

A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers found that bipolar disorder is being overdiagnosed, with 43.4% of patients not receiving a valid diagnosis. This can lead to unnecessary medication side effects, highlighting the need for standardized diagnostic methods.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateMay 6, 2008

First steps toward autonomous robot surgeries

Researchers at Duke University have made significant advancements in autonomous robot surgeries, demonstrating the feasibility of robots performing complex procedures under real-time 3-D ultrasound guidance. The technology has the potential to improve patient safety by reducing radiation exposure and enhancing surgeon precision.

Fat transplantation can have metabolic benefits

Researchers found that transplanted subcutaneous fat into mice visceral cavity showed improved blood sugar and insulin levels, while visceral fat had detrimental effects. The findings suggest fat cells in different depots have intrinsically different properties.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 6, 2008