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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 201


Page 201 of 277

OHSU School of Dentistry finds some orthodontic appliances are more prone to bacteria

A new study by OHSU School of Dentistry found that patients with self-ligating orthodontic brackets retained significantly fewer oral bacteria in plaque compared to those with elastomeric brackets. The researchers also developed a rapid and reliable method for quantifying oral bacteria using ATP-driven bioluminescence.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics·DateApr 14, 2009

Fatty liver disease: The next big thing

Research connects poor fitness to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), highlighting a crucial link between obesity-related illnesses. Exercise may potentially treat or prevent NAFLD by protecting against metabolic diseases.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 14, 2009

Using PET/CT imaging, UCLA researchers can tell after a single treatment if chemotherapy is working

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a non-invasive method to determine whether chemotherapy is working after a single treatment cycle, allowing oncologists to discontinue ineffective treatments sooner. This breakthrough enables faster decision-making and potentially improves patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 14, 2009

A cure for honey bee colony collapse?

Researchers discovered Nosema ceranae, a Microsporidia parasite, is the primary cause of honey bee colony depopulation syndrome in professional apiaries. Treating infected colonies with flumagillin resulted in complete recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology Reports·DateApr 14, 2009

People's misperceptions cloud their understanding of rainy weather forecasts

A new study from the University of Washington found that people's understanding of rainy weather forecasts is hindered by misconceptions about probability and uncertainty. Researchers tested over 450 college students and found that many incorrectly assumed deterministic forecasts, leading to unnecessary precautions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateApr 14, 2009

Cuts in greenhouse gas emissions would save Arctic ice, reduce sea level rise

A new analysis suggests that drastic emission cuts could stabilize climate change, saving Arctic ice and reducing sea level rise. Global temperatures would still rise, but the most dangerous impacts could be partially avoided with a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Researchers study signaling networks that set up genetic code

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified and visualized signaling pathways in protein-RNA complexes to understand how the genetic code is set in all organisms. The study uses molecular dynamics simulations and visualization software to analyze the optimal communication pathways, revealing modules and local communities ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2009

Biofuels could hasten climate change

A new study reveals that biofuels could hasten climate change due to the destruction of tropical rainforests. The study found that it will take over 75 years for carbon emissions saved through biofuel use to compensate for the carbon lost when these forests are converted into plantations.

SourceWiley·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 14, 2009

Study reveals we seek new targets during visual search, not during other visual behaviors

A study by Michael D. Dodd and colleagues found that inhibition of return occurs during visual search tasks, but not during other visual behaviors. Volunteers were tracked while viewing scenes to identify eye movements, revealing a 'facilitation of return' effect where previously fixated locations are shifted faster than new ones.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 14, 2009

Eat, drink and be merry?

Research finds that fast food and soft drinks contribute to childhood obesity, but paradoxically also reduce unhappiness. The study highlights the need for policies and programs that balance children's physical health with their emotional well-being.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateApr 14, 2009

'Natural' nitrogen-fixing bacteria protect soybeans from aphids

Researchers found that soybean plants colonized with naturally occurring rhizobia had lower aphid densities than those with commercial or artificially fertilized plants. The plants produced the same level of nitrogen regardless of the type of rhizobia used, suggesting a potential tool for protecting plants from insect herbivory.

SourcePenn State·JournalPlant and Soil·DateApr 14, 2009

Where you live may affect your state of mind

A new study found that Frequent Mental Distress (FMD) prevalence varies significantly across the US, with high rates in Appalachian and Mississippi Valley regions and low rates in the upper Midwest. FMD prevalence increased by at least 1 percentage point in 27 states over two periods.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 14, 2009

Creating ideal neural cells for clinical use

Researchers at the Burnham Institute developed a protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into committed neural precursor cells, which can be used for transplantation. The C-NPCs were transplanted into mice and became active neurons without generating tumor outgrowth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateApr 13, 2009

Nobler instincts take time

A new study led by USC neuroscientists found that admiring others' virtues or feeling compassion for physical or social pain takes time to fully respond to, unlike faster reactions to fear and pain. The research suggests a need to allow for reflective moments in digital media culture.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2009

UQ research reclaims the power of speech

Researchers at UQ have found a new treatment approach for dysarthria patients who have suffered a stroke or brain injury. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program has shown positive effects on voice clarity and communication confidence, improving quality of life for those affected by the disorder.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·DateApr 13, 2009

Guam rhino beetles got rhythm

Researchers used acoustic equipment to analyze the spectral patterns of stridulations produced by Guam's coconut rhinoceros beetle, revealing distinct temporal patterns that aid in communication among beetles. The method allows for early detection of feeding grubs, saving money and lives of coconut trees.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalFlorida Entomologist·DateApr 13, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: April 13, 2009

A team of researchers has identified a class of drugs that may enhance the therapeutic effects of imatinib mesylate in treating chronic myeloid leukemia. They also developed a zebrafish model for screening potential therapies for Alzheimer's disease and identified a molecular mechanism underlying aggressive prostate cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 13, 2009

Tracing resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine across Africa

Resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine has emerged independently in multiple sites across Africa over the past decade. The study suggests that coordinated control campaigns may be more effective in reducing the African malaria burden by addressing regional differences in parasite strains and levels of resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 13, 2009

SIRT1 takes down tumors

Researchers found SIRT1 curbs cell division by speeding up the destruction of the tumor promoter c-Myc, a key finding that may aid cancer treatment. This study supports previous research suggesting SIRT1's anti-cancer effects while also identifying its role in regulating c-Myc levels.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2009

When cancer cells can't let go

FAK coordinates movement of migrating cancer cells by balancing the number of invadopodia that create a path for migration and the number of focal adhesions that hold the cell back. In its absence, breast cancer cells sprout extra invadopodia and form large, sticky focal adhesions.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2009