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Science News for April 12, 2010


Boehman to receive fuel science award

André Boehman, professor of fuel science at Penn State, will receive the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers' John Johnson Award. He co-authored a paper on increased NOx emissions from fueling heavy-duty compression-ignition engines with soy biodiesel.

Latest maternal mortality data show accelerated decreases in China, Egypt, Ecuador and Bolivia, but surprising increases in US, Canada and Denmark

The latest data on maternal mortality show significant progress in reducing deaths in countries like China, Egypt, Ecuador, and Bolivia. However, unexpected increases were found in the US, Canada, and Denmark. The analysis revealed that the number of women dying from pregnancy-related causes has dropped by over 35% globally since 1980.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 12, 2010

HPV vaccination more likely if mothers approve

College women are more likely to be vaccinated against HPV if their mothers communicate with them about sex and approve of the vaccine. Young women who thought their mothers would approve were more interested in getting vaccinated, while those whose mothers discussed values in relation to sex showed less interest.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 12, 2010

Work pressures lower nicotine dependence

A study published in Tobacco Induced Diseases found that work pressures can actually lower a smoker's nicotine dependence. Employees who experience stress at work are likely to smoke less than they otherwise would, suggesting that heavy workload may drive employees to smoke only in their spare time.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTobacco Induced Diseases·DateApr 12, 2010

Bringing the world of agriculture to the classroom

A new approach to teaching agriculture in the classroom uses case studies to motivate students and inspire changes in attitude. The study found that engaging students with real-world examples improved their understanding and presentation skills, but some felt that more time was needed for discussions and activities.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateApr 12, 2010

Health fair referrals shown to help improve blood pressure among low-income immigrants

A UCLA study found that health fair referrals, especially those assisted by phone, significantly improved blood pressure in middle-aged low-income immigrants. This approach helped these individuals make timely appointments with doctors and adjust their medications, leading to a notable reduction in systolic blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 12, 2010

A different kind of mine disaster

Researchers at Indiana University have found that the world's largest antimony mine has extremely high levels of antimony in its water, making it a significant source of environmental pollution. The study's lead author notes that antimony is an emergent contaminant and people have not paid enough attention to it.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateApr 12, 2010

May/June 2010 GSA Bulletin highlights

Research on Martian impact craters reveals a complex geologic history involving liquid water, ice, volcanism, tectonism, and aeolian processes. Additionally, studies of floods from Pleistocene Glacial Lake Missoula and volcanic activity in Guatemala provide insights into Earth's crust formation and plate tectonic processes.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateApr 12, 2010

Cortical response to biliary sensation

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that biliary balloon stimulation activates the insular cortex, prefrontal cortex, and somatosensory cortex. This suggests the presence of pressure-sensitive vagal afferents in the biliary tract and potential cortical relay beyond the brainstem.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 12, 2010

U of I study: Lack of omega-3 fatty acid linked to male infertility

A University of Illinois study found that a lack of omega-3 fatty acid is linked to male infertility. Sperm counts were extremely low and sperm shape was abnormal, but fertility was restored when DHA was introduced into the diet. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in male fertility.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateApr 12, 2010

Scientists find gene linked to schizophrenia

A new study by Université de Montréal scientists finds that mutations in the SHANK3 gene are linked to schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disorder. The research also provides clues about the causes of this complex disorder, suggesting a molecular genetic link between schizophrenia and autism.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 12, 2010

Chronic stress accelerates tumor growth in ovarian cancer patients by protecting cells from anoikis, a process that allows tumor cells to survive and grow. Stress hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine activate the protein FAK, leading to accelerated mortality.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 12, 2010

Immune molecules target swine- and avian-origin influenza

Researchers found that individuals vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine produce antibodies targeting H5 HA, protecting mice from pandemic H1N1 and several H5N1 viruses. However, more work is needed to determine antibody levels and vaccination effectiveness against different influenza virus subtypes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 12, 2010

Factors increasing the risk of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia

Research found that IL-8 and MIF gene polymorphisms significantly increased the risk of severe atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, particularly when H. pylori infection was present. This study provides a basis for therapeutic decisions, such as H. pylori eradication therapy, to prevent gastric cancer progression.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 12, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- April 12, 2010

Research papers published in Geophysical Research Letters reveal changing precipitation patterns in Europe, increased gully activity on Mars indicating liquid water, and thick water ice observed in lunar craters near the Moon's north pole. These findings suggest potential impacts on flooding and climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 12, 2010

Clinical trial drug exacerbates tuberculosis in mice

The study found that Poly-ICLC treatment increased lung bacterial load and damage in mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This was attributed to the recruitment of myeloid immune cells, which supported bacterial growth and exacerbated lung damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 12, 2010

Targeting the blood-brain barrier may delay progression of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have discovered that targeting the blood-brain barrier can slow the accumulation of a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study shows that activating a certain receptor in the brain can increase the expression of a blood-brain barrier protein that transports beta-amyloid out of the brain.

Ancient Americans took cold snap in their stride

A new study suggests that the first Americans were better equipped to handle the challenges of the Younger Dryas period, which saw a rapid return to glacial conditions. The researchers found that cooling temperatures and environmental changes did not pose significant adaptive challenges to Paleoindian groups.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of World Prehistory·DateApr 12, 2010

Measuring the suicidal mind

A study published in Psychological Science found that people who have a stronger association between death and self are more likely to attempt suicide. This association can be measured using an Implicit Association Test (IAT), which may provide a new tool for identifying and predicting clinical behaviors that are not reported verbally.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 12, 2010

UTHealth stem cell scientists explore treatments for blood disorders and lung diseases

Researchers at UTHealth are developing new strategies to derive hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent stem cells, which could potentially treat blood diseases. Additionally, they are exploring gene-corrected induced pluripotent stem cells for treating two pediatric lung diseases, Surfactant Protein B Deficiency and Cystic Fibrosis.

Demonstrated in vivo the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus

A study demonstrated the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus in vivo, critical for fetal development. This finding clarifies indirect evidence of maternal thyroid hormone passage to the fetus during pregnancy, with significant implications for the development of the nervous system and overall quality of life.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateApr 12, 2010

Scripps Research scientists solve mystery of fragile stem cells

Researchers solve the decade-old mystery of fragile human embryonic stem cells by discovering two novel synthetic small molecule drugs that promote cell survival. The team also unravels the mechanisms behind e-cadherin's role in cell signaling, providing a new understanding of stem cell biology and paving the way for potential therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2010

How to halt the pre-K to prison trend for African-American youth

African-American male youths are disproportionately represented in US prisons due to early-life conditions and educational system limitations. Implementing practices like parental engagement, teaching motor skills, and community mentorship can help counteract these challenges and promote a sense of acceptance and responsibility.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateApr 12, 2010

Ultrasensitive imaging method uses gold-silver 'nanocages'

Researchers developed an experimental imaging technique using gold-silver nanocages to detect hollow nanocages and solid nanoparticles in the bloodstream, enabling clear images without background fluorescence. This method shows improved performance with higher contrast and brightness than conventional fluorescent dyes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 12, 2010

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may lose muscle mass

A study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience lean mass loss, which is associated with decreased brain volume and cognitive performance. This loss of muscle mass may be an early indicator of the progression of dementia, highlighting its potential as a sensitive measure for changes in body composition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 12, 2010