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Science News for November 17, 2008


Are ants that specialize better at their job?

A new study by Anna Dornhaus found that individual rock ants specializing on one task are no more efficient than those performing multiple tasks. Despite concentrating their work on a specific job, specialized ants do not perform better or faster, but instead spend more hours working.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

Effective global regulation

A study by Professor Demetriades and colleagues suggests that government-owned banks are a safe haven for depositors when regulatory institutions are perceived as weak. The research challenges the 'political view' of state banks, arguing that privatisation can lead to financial instability and dis-intermediation.

What cures you may also ail you: Antibiotics, your gut and you

A new study finds that antibiotics like ciprofloxacin significantly affect the diversity and abundance of health-associated bacteria in the human gut. The study reveals that even after treatment is stopped, some strains of beneficial bacteria may take up to four weeks or longer to return to pre-treatment levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

World's earliest nuclear family found

Researchers found evidence of a mother, father, and two sons aged 8-9 and 4-5 years buried face-to-face with arms interlinked. The graves also showed signs of violent raids and injuries, indicating a tragic event in prehistoric Central Europe.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2008

Cancer in Canada

Mortality rates for most Canadian cancers are declining, while others are increasing, including liver and lung cancer. Research shows that at least half of all cancers are preventable, emphasizing the need for effective cancer control measures.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 17, 2008

Gaps in adhesion

Scientists have reproduced the protein responsible for mussel adhesion in a synthetic material, showing that adhesion is independent of link number. The findings could lead to manufacturing polymers with binding sites for different materials.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 17, 2008

'Orphan' genes play an important role in evolution

A team of scientists discovered that novel genes are responsible for morphological differences between two closely related species of freshwater polyps called Hydra. The study found that a secreted protein encoded by one such gene controls the pattern in which the tentacles develop, leading to species-specific traits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

Acinetobacter baumannii -- dangerously increasing its profile as a health-care-associated infection

The Lancet Infectious Diseases review highlights the growing concern of Acinetobacter baumannii infections, which can be caused by environmental exposure, skin colonization, or hospital-acquired conditions. Researchers emphasize the need for strict hygiene compliance and further research on antibiotic treatment options to prevent major...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 17, 2008

'Let the sunshine in' to protect your heart this winter

A new review article in Circulation highlights the link between vitamin D deficiency and heart disease, with rates of severe disease or death potentially 30-50% higher among sun-deprived individuals. Treatment options such as vitamin D supplements may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateNov 17, 2008

Scientists self-censor in response to political controversy

A survey of researchers found that many engaged in self-censorship after public debate about NIH grant funding, removing politically sensitive language and stopping certain topics. The study also showed that some researchers strengthened their commitment to complete their research despite controversy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 17, 2008

Pain and itch responses regulated separately

Scientists have determined that pain and itch are regulated by different molecular mechanisms. Researchers at WashU Medicine separated itch and pain sensations in mice, a finding that could have important implications for treating both pain and chronic itching. GRPR gene plays key role in transmitting itching sensations.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new ACP clinical practice guideline states that second-generation antidepressants are equally effective in treating depression but have different adverse effects. The guideline recommends assessing patient status and modifying treatment if necessary, to maximize therapeutic response while minimizing side effects.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2008

Forests may play overlooked role in regulating climate

Scientists at the University of New Hampshire have discovered a link between forest foliage nitrogen levels and canopy albedo, which could influence climate change predictions. The study suggests that trees with high foliar nitrogen have a two-fold effect on climate by absorbing more CO2 and reflecting more solar radiation.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2008

Indigo ointment may help treat patients with psoriasis

A randomized trial found that indigo naturalis ointment significantly improved scaling, erythema, and induration in patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis. After 12 weeks, the treated plaques showed an 81% improvement compared to a 26% improvement for non-medicated ointment-treated lesions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 17, 2008

Can an ant be employee of the month?

A new study published in PLoS Biology found that ants specializing in specific jobs are not more efficient than 'generalist' ants, challenging the idea that job specialization contributes to their success. The research tested individual ants performing various tasks and found that specialists put in more hours of work but did not outpe...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008

How should we assess new anti-malarial drugs?

A team of researchers argues that the success of ACT in curing malaria demands a new approach to assessing new antimalarial drugs. The authors discuss the design and interpretation of clinical trials for new antimalarial drugs, emphasizing the need for improved efficacy and public health utility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 17, 2008

New gene-silencing pathway found in plants

A team led by Craig Pikaard discovered a new mechanism by which plant cells silence potentially harmful genes, involving the non-coding region of DNA and two plant-specific RNA polymerases. The research has major implications for gene therapy, where RNA-centric approaches show promise for controlling diseases such as cancer and HIV.

Management Accounting Research article receives prestigious Management Accounting Research Award

The paper 'CEVITATM: the valuation and reporting of strategic capabilities' by Janek Ratnatunga, Norman Gray, and Kashi R. Balachandran has been awarded the Management Accounting Section (MAS) Greatest Potential Impact on Practice Award for its potential to bridge the gap between academic research and professional management accounting...

SourceElsevier·JournalManagement Accounting Research·DateNov 17, 2008

Acid soils in Slovakia tell somber tale

A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals the devastating impact of increased nitrogen deposition on Slovakian soil acidity, compromising plant fertility and surface water quality. Researchers warn that many soils are already susceptible to this process due to decades of human-influenced pollution.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 17, 2008

A big bunch of tomatoes?

A new study identifies a genetic pathway that determines the pattern of flower growth in tomato plants. The researchers found that manipulation of this pathway can turn a single stem into hundreds of branch-bearing shoots, increasing crop yields.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 17, 2008