Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 16, 2009


Watching Lyme disease-causing microbes move in ticks

Scientists at the University of Connecticut Health Center have visualized the movement of Lyme disease-causing microbes within feeding ticks. The study found that these microbes undergo a biphasic mode of dissemination, first forming networks of nonmotile organisms and then becoming motile invasive organisms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2009

Protecting the future: How plant stem cells guard against genetic damage

Research by Nick Fulcher and Robert Sablowski found that plant stem cells are sensitive to DNA damage and can detect defects, triggering cell death to prevent them from being passed on. This mechanism helps protect plants against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses such as drought, high salinity, and hazardous chemicals.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Unrealistic optimism prompts risky behavior

Research on 800 college students found that those with smaller drinking problem chances were more likely to experience problems, contrary to the idea that optimism motivates health care. The study suggests that unrealistic optimism may actually curb risky health behaviors.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 16, 2009

Women suffering sudden cardiac arrest have lower prevalence of structural heart disease than men

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women are less likely to exhibit signs of structural heart disease, which is a precursor to fatal cardiac arrest. This means that fewer women may be eligible for current treatments that can prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 16, 2009

First ever large-scale study of ketamine users published

A large-scale study of ketamine users found that heavy users experienced impaired verbal memory, forgetfulness, and difficulty recalling conversations. The study also revealed that occasional ketamine use does not lead to prolonged harms to cognitive function, but frequent use can have negative effects.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateNov 16, 2009

Glimpsing a greener future

A University of California, Irvine computer model forecasts improved air quality in the Greater Los Angeles area if 75% of drivers switch to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2060. The model suggests a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of soot and ozone.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 16, 2009

Study shows link between influenza virus and fever

A study by University of Bonn researchers has found a link between the influenza virus and fever, revealing that the immune system's RIG-I protein plays a key role in triggering high temperatures. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating severe viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 16, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against routine breast cancer screening for women under 50 due to insufficient evidence. However, women between 40-49 at high risk should discuss biennial mammography with their doctor. The task force also suggests changing the screening interval from one year to two until age 74.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 16, 2009

First near-total face and upper-jaw transplant appears successful

A groundbreaking face and upper-jaw transplant has successfully integrated donor tissue with no long-term rejection, enabling the recipient to regain senses of smell and taste. The procedure, performed on a patient with extensive damage from postoperative scarring and blood vessel depletion, demonstrates the feasibility of facial trans...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Ancient high-altitude trees grow faster as temperatures rise

A recent study found that ancient high-altitude bristlecone pines in the western US are experiencing unprecedented growth rates due to rising temperatures. Trees growing near treeline, typically at elevations above 11,000 feet, showed wider annual growth rings from 1951 to 2000 compared to previous centuries.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Skin color gives clues to health

The study found that rosier skin appears healthier due to increased blood flow, while golden or 'yellow-toned' skin may indicate higher antioxidant levels from a healthy diet. This discovery suggests that nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving the most desirable complexion.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateNov 16, 2009

K-State patents enabling technology for spread-spectrum systems

Researchers at Kansas State University developed an algorithm that enables next-generation smart adaptive radios and makes radars more effective by customizing the coding used in transmitting signals. The algorithm can be applied to various systems employing spread spectrum techniques, including cellular, satellite, and wireless networks.

SourceKansas State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications·DateNov 16, 2009

Uninsured more likely to die after trauma

According to a recent study published in Archives of Surgery, uninsured patients are more likely to die after trauma than those with health insurance. The study analyzed records from the National Trauma Data Bank and found that uninsured patients had a higher mortality rate even after controlling for age, sex, race, and injury severity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 16, 2009

Researchers have identified a microRNA (miR-2861) that regulates bone formation, and its mutation is linked to primary osteoporosis. In addition, studies on Lyme disease transmission revealed a biphasic mode of dissemination by Borrelia burgdorferi microbes within ticks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2009

New climate treaty could put species at risk

A new UN climate treaty may inadvertently increase the risk of extinction for some species as governments prioritize reducing deforestation in high-carbon forests. The REDD scheme aims to curb carbon emissions by financially rewarding tropical countries that reduce forest clearance.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 16, 2009

The future of private equity

Steve Kaplan predicts lower default rates and higher recoveries in private equity deals due to increased efficiency and operating value. The industry can prevent overpriced deals by promoting larger equity commitments from financial sponsors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Corporate Finance·DateNov 16, 2009

HIV vaccine failure probably caused by virus used, says new research

Researchers found that people who had previously built up immunity to the adenovirus used in the trial had a higher risk of infection with HIV after receiving the vaccine. The study suggests that other adenovirus-based vaccines, such as those for tuberculosis and malaria, may also be at risk due to the same immune system reaction.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Immune system of healthy adults may be better prepared than expected to fight 2009 H1N1 influenza

A new study found that healthy adults have a level of protective immune memory against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. This immunity can blunt the severity of infection and provide some protection. The findings may explain why younger children are more severely affected by the pandemic.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2009

Imaging techniques may help predict response to head and neck cancer treatment

A study found that combining positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scans six to eight weeks after chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer can identify patients who will respond to treatment. The test also showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting residual disease and distant metastases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Structured reporting software creates less complete and accurate radiology reports than free text

A new study published in Radiology found that using standardized words and phrases from a pull-down menu actually decreased the completeness and accuracy of radiology reports. Researchers tested two groups of residents on different reporting methods, finding that structured software resulted in less complete and accurate reports.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalRadiology·DateNov 16, 2009