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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 16


Page 16 of 23

Why (smart) practice makes perfect

A study by neuroscientists at USC found that volunteers practicing a challenging arm movement with related tasks showed better retention of the skill. The prefrontal cortex was necessary for consolidating the memory, while constant practice focused on a single task did not retain the skill as well.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: July 12, 2010

A study published in JCI Online found that targeting acetylcholine-producing nerve cells in the pedunculopontine nucleus may alleviate gait disorders and falls in Parkinson's disease patients. Meanwhile, another study suggests that blocking TIM-1 protein could provide therapeutic benefits for asthma patients.

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

Pain, dry mouth may play role in sleep quality of head and neck cancer patients

A recent study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that head and neck cancer patients with poor sleep quality had more symptoms of chronic pain and complaints of dry mouth related to radiation treatments. The researchers suggest that reducing these factors may be warranted to improve sleep hygiene and enha...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJul 12, 2010

Discovery points to new approach for diabetes therapy

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that stimulating the production of fatty acid elongase-5 enzyme in mice can cure mild diet-induced diabetes. The study suggests a new approach to diabetes therapy, with potential applications for human treatment and management of related conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJul 12, 2010

Unique program boosts safe-sex habits among high-risk African-American couples

A new study found that a culturally specific intervention program based on the African concept of Eban increased condom use and reduced acts of unprotected sex among heterosexual African American couples with differing HIV status. The program aimed to improve communication, relationship health, and community respect.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2010

The brain of the fly -- a high-speed computer

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology successfully establish conditions for decoding fly brain's motion vision mechanisms. They use fluorescence molecules and state-of-the-art microscopes to observe nerve cell activity, revealing that L2-cells transform data and relay information about light intensity reductions to subseq...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 2010

Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly

A study by Dr. David J. Llewellyn found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of substantial general cognitive decline and new problems with mental flexibility. The research involved over 850 older adults, showing that those with severe vitamin D deficiencies were 60% more likely to experience cognitive decline.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2010

Preventable bloodstream infections still a problem in hospitals, infection prevention group finds

A survey of infection preventionists found that half agree catheter-related bloodstream infections are a problem in their facilities due to lack of time, resources, and leadership commitment. Many hospitals have seen dramatic declines in rates but still report difficulty implementing best practices to avoid these infections.

For speediest athletes, it's all in the center of gravity

Researchers argue that differences in body types among blacks and whites, including the location of their center of gravity, contribute to racial disparities in athletic performance. The study found black sprinters are 1.5% faster than whites due to a higher center of gravity.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics·DateJul 12, 2010

Fungi's genetic sabotage in wheat discovered

Scientists have discovered how fungi subvert a single gene in wheat, triggering programmed cell death, which protects plants from pathogens. Researchers also developed DNA molecular markers to rapidly screen commercial cultivars for the gene, allowing for its elimination through selective breeding.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

'Dawning of a new age' in bacteria research

Researchers at Loyola Medicine have discovered protein acetylation, a common molecular reaction in bacteria that affects protein function and gene regulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding bacterial physiology and developing new drugs to combat harmful bacteria.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalMolecular Microbiology·DateJul 12, 2010

Open golfers should putt with a 'Quiet Eye'

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that using the Quiet Eye technique can significantly improve putting accuracy in golfers. This method involves focusing on a specific spot on the ball for up to 3 seconds before and during the stroke. By doing so, golfers can reduce pressure and increase their chances of sinking crucial putts.

Avatars as lifelike representations and effective marketing tools

Researchers found that avatars can portray lifelike and accurate depictions of their creators' personalities within virtual worlds. The study used Second Life as its model, where community members form impressions based on avatar traits, which may accurately match the true personality behind the avatar.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateJul 12, 2010

1 in 4 not covering coughs, sneezes

Research presented at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases found that less than 5% of people covered their mouth using recommended methods during the H1N1 pandemic. Medical students observed a low prevalence of respiratory hygiene behaviors in public areas, with most people covering their mouths with their hands.

Low vitamin D levels associated with cognitive decline

Researchers found that low vitamin D levels are associated with cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in executive function. The study, which assessed 858 adults over six years, showed a 60% increased risk of substantial cognitive decline among those with severely deficient vitamin D levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2010

UCLA scientists create army of tumor-fighting immune cells and watch as they attack cancer

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center created a large battalion of tumor-seeking immune system cells that can locate and attack melanomas in real-time. The genetically engineered lymphocytes were injected into mice and found to kill the cancer within two to three days, paving the way for potential treatment in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

Archaeology find sheds new light on family pets

A University of Leicester archaeologist has discovered a bone belonging to a late 19th-century tortoise from Stafford Castle, providing the earliest archaeological evidence for pet tortoises. This find sheds light on the changing attitudes towards family pets in British society during the late 19th century.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPost-Medieval Archaeology·DateJul 12, 2010