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Science News for November 2, 2009


Study examines associations between antibiotic use during pregnancy and birth defects

A study examined associations between antibiotic use during pregnancy and birth defects, finding that certain antibiotics like sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins may be associated with severe birth defects. Many commonly used antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, were not linked to an increased risk of birth defects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 2, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Family health history disclosure may not improve clinical decision making, according to researchers. Meanwhile, community-based interventions in developing countries have been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also benefit from conventional DMARD therapy or biologics, but their cost...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2009

Flipping a photonic shock wave

A team of physicists has directly observed a reverse shock wave of light in a specially tailored structure known as a left-handed metamaterial. This is the first unambiguous experimental demonstration of reversed Cerenkov radiation, a phenomenon predicted over forty years ago.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2009

Many US children may live in families receiving food stamps

According to a study, nearly half of all American children will reside in households receiving food stamps between ages 1 and 20. The analysis found that poverty and food insecurity are detrimental to a child's health, with the receipt of food stamps serving as a marker of both conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 2, 2009

ACC/AHA revised guidelines for the perioperative use of beta blockers to minimize cardiac risk

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association release updated guidelines recommending the use of beta blockers in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to minimize cardiac risk. The guidelines emphasize careful patient selection, dose adjustment, and monitoring throughout the perioperative period.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 2, 2009

Breakthrough in industrial-scale nanotube processing

Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in industrial-scale nanotube processing, creating a method to produce pure carbon-nanotube fibers that could lead to advances in materials science and nanoelectronics. The process uses chlorosulfonic acid as a solvent, enabling the efficient production of high-quality nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 2, 2009

New clues to the Falklands wolf mystery

Researchers compare DNA from museum specimens to that of living canids, revealing the Falklands wolf's closest living relative is the maned wolf. The team also finds a common ancestor at least 70,000 years ago, suggesting the wolves arrived in the islands before humans entered the New World.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 2, 2009

New therapy gives hope for very severe depression

A new study from University of Bonn suggests that deep brain stimulation can significantly improve depression in half of patients, who had previously not responded to other therapies. The treatment involves implanting electrodes in the nucleus accumbens, a key area of the brain's reward system.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 2, 2009

Study of alternate bearing presents recommendations for citrus growers

Researchers find that removing fruit from 'Pixie' mandarin trees reduces floral intensity of return bloom by inhibiting budbreak. Growers can investigate degrees of fruit thinning or pruning to mitigate alternate bearing, which is exacerbated by holding fruit on the tree to extend commercial harvest period.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateNov 2, 2009

Spider mite predators serve as biological control

Researchers are using two tiny insects, the predatory mite and the lady bug, to control European red mites and two-spotted spider mites in Pennsylvania apple orchards. By reducing pest mite numbers, biological control saves growers millions in integrated pest management costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Control·DateNov 2, 2009

Multicenter study led by pitt finds early results of therapy for preemies not sustained

A multicenter study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that inhaled nitric oxide therapy did not significantly improve long-term outcomes for premature newborns with respiratory failure. Despite early promising results, the study revealed no significant improvement in survival rates or neurological function at one year of age.

Study reveals second pathway to feeling your heartbeat

Researchers found two independent pathways contributing to feeling one's own heartbeat, contrary to prior assertions. The study used a rare neurological patient and healthy comparison participants to confirm the existence of these pathways, which could have implications for emotion and self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 2, 2009

Women who exit welfare just as likely to marry as women never on welfare

Research shows women exiting welfare have similar marriage rates to those without welfare. The temporary disincentive to marry while receiving benefits may be reduced by allowing spouses' earnings not affect eligibility. Researchers observed over 3,000 women and debunked long-standing debates on the impact of poverty on family values.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateNov 2, 2009

Slimming gene regulates body fat

Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a previously unknown gene in fruit flies that controls fat metabolism. The gene, called 'schlank', is structurally similar to genes found in humans and may play a role in energy metabolism. Introducing mouse Lass genes into mutant flies showed promise for new obesity treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 2, 2009

Nicotine patch plus lozenge appears best for smoking cessation

A randomized clinical trial of five different smoking cessation therapies found that a nicotine patch plus a nicotine lozenge was the most effective combination in helping smokers quit. The combination resulted in higher success rates and longer periods of abstinence from smoking compared to other treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 2, 2009

Robot fish could monitor water quality

Scientists at Michigan State University are developing robotic fish that use advanced materials to swim like fish and monitor water quality. The robots will carry sensors recording temperature, dissolved oxygen, pollutants, and harmful algae, providing a high spatial and temporal resolution of data.

The new myths of gifted education

Researchers re-examined 15 myths of gifted education first identified in 1982 and found that all still exist, with several new ones emerging. The study aims to stimulate critical thinking and creative research in the field by helping to 'shake loose' common myths.

SourceSAGE·JournalGifted Child Quarterly·DateNov 2, 2009

Sights and sounds of emotion trigger big brain responses

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified a brain region that strongly reacts to emotional faces and voices. The research found that the posterior superior temporal sulcus responds supra-additively to simultaneous visual and auditory emotional stimuli.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2009

New activity found for a potential anti-cancer agent

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that PatA inhibits nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a mechanism that degrades damaged mRNA. This inhibition may lead to cancer cell apoptosis. The study also reveals the potential of a simplified derivative of PatA, DMDAPatA, as an anti-cancer agent.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2009

New genetic cause of a fatal immune disorder

Researchers have discovered a new genetic cause of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 5, a fatal immune disorder. The condition is caused by mutations in the Munc18-2 gene, leading to impaired release of death-inducing molecules from immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

The terrible teens of T. rex

Researchers discovered that adolescent tyrannosaurs, including the late juvenile T. rex Jane, engaged in intense combat, as evidenced by puncture wounds on her face. The injuries suggest that Jane was attacked by a fellow young dinosaur, possibly over dominance or territorial disputes.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalPalaios·DateNov 2, 2009

Green is cool, but US land changes generally are not

A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Purdue University found that most land-use changes contribute to warming, except for conversion to agricultural use, which results in relative cooling. The study used a novel analytical approach called OMR and confirmed its robustness.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateNov 2, 2009

Obesity significantly increases side effects of stereotactic body radiation therapy in lung cancer patients

A new study finds that obesity and diabetes increase the risk of chest pain and skin reactions after stereotactic body radiation therapy. Patients who receive a high dose of radiation to cancer close to the chest wall are more likely to experience these side effects, highlighting the need for further research into reducing radiation-re...

Glaciers subject of 3 Penn State grants

Researchers aim to correlate seismic activity with glacier slip using pump tests and measurements of natural seismicity. The projects focus on stability of ice stream grounding zones and role of active subglacial lakes in ice sheet loss.

Disrupting male fertility

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying the harmful effects of DES on male testis development and function. Neonatal exposure to DES leads to reduced fertility in mice, with NR0B2 deficiency protecting against these effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

Navy researchers apply science to fire fighting

Navy scientists have successfully tested high expansion foam as a fire suppression system, finding it effective in fighting fires in obstructed spaces. The Navy is also developing alternative firefighting agents, including propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT), to replace halon systems and provide weight-saving options for fu...

New insights into Australia's unique platypus

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have published unique research data on the world's only monotremes, providing new light on the platypus sex chromosome system. The team discovered a complex mechanism where sex chromosomes pair during sperm development in platypus.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian Journal of Zoology·DateNov 2, 2009

Modified Bluetooth speeds up telemedicine

A modified version of the Bluetooth wireless protocol enables faster patient data transfer, reducing connectivity problems in telemedicine. This allows for quicker medical image transfers, such as CT scans, to healthcare providers' personal digital assistants.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateNov 2, 2009

Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery

Meniscal tears in children can often be repaired successfully with appropriate treatment, with a high success rate of 75-90%. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications and promote long-term health. Diagnosing meniscal tears requires simple physical exams and imaging tests, such as MRI, to accurately assess the injury.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateNov 2, 2009

Sleep apnea therapy improves golf game

A new study found that golfers with obstructive sleep apnea who received nasal positive airway pressure (NPAP) treatment improved their daytime sleepiness scores and lowered their golf handicap by as much as three strokes. The study suggests that the possibility of improving one's golf game may be a significant motivator to improve NPA...

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 2, 2009

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying DES-induced male infertility in mice, which may be linked to increased incidence of human reproductive disorders. The study found that neonatal exposure to DES disrupts the protein NR0B2, leading to reduced fertility and protected males against negative effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

Pitt, US Army team designs new strategy to find drugs to treat neglected infection

A team of researchers from Pitt and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have identified compounds that hold promise for treating leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection affecting millions worldwide. The newly developed strategy, called HILCES, uses high-throughput screening to identify effective drug candidates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 2, 2009

Rice U. lab leads hunt for new zeolites

A Rice University lab has discovered over 2.7 million possible structures for molecular sieves, also known as zeolites, which have potential applications in industries such as gasoline production and laundry detergents.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 2, 2009