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Science News for June 2, 2010


Harvard's Wyss Institute uses nature's design principles to create specialized nanofabrics

Bioengineers at the Wyss Institute have developed a new technology to regenerate heart and other tissues by replicating natural design principles. The resulting protein nanofabrics can be customized to generate specific properties, making them ideal for tissue engineering scaffolds and high-performance textiles.

Financial literary bailout for the younger generation

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found that only 27% of young adults (23-28 years old) can answer basic questions about interest rates, inflation, and risk diversification. This lack of financial literacy is influenced by parental education levels and financial habits.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateJun 2, 2010

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell physician-scientists present at 2010 American Urological Meeting

Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center present several studies at the 2010 American Urological Meeting, including a potential breakthrough in using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to improve PSA test accuracy for prostate cancer diagnosis. Additionally, they present results on robotic surgery ...

Results from a study testing methylphenidate for cancer-related fatigue

Researchers tested methylphenidate, a psychostimulant medication, to treat cancer-related fatigue. While the study found no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups, there was a trend of improved satisfaction with treatment among patients receiving methylphenidate, particularly those with stage III/IV cancer.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 2, 2010

BSSA tip sheet for June 2010 issue

A revised seismotectonic model for the California Central Coast identifies new faults and reinterprets known ones, highlighting the need for further study to understand seismic hazards. The study also examines how large earthquakes can trigger other large earthquakes on nearby faults, a phenomenon observed in paleoseismic records.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 2, 2010

Pride, prejudice and the 'Darcin effect'

A team of researchers from the University of Liverpool identified a male pheromone called darcin, which attracts females and is responsible for learned preference for specific males in mice. Darcin consistently doubled the time spent near a male's scent and was shown to stimulate female memory and attraction.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 2, 2010

Burger diet boosts kids' asthma and wheeze risk

A large international study found that a burger diet may boost children's risk of asthma and wheeze, particularly in developed nations. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish appears to reduce this risk. The study, published in Thorax, analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 8-12 from 20 countries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateJun 2, 2010

A doctor's referral for better fitness

Research by NiCole Keith highlights the need for physicians to consider physical activity levels a vital sign, similar to height and blood pressure. Regular discussions about exercise habits can help reduce stigma and promote healthy behaviors, leading to better weight management outcomes.

Single-molecule manipulation for the masses

A new instrument, Centrifuge Force Microscope (CFM), uses centrifugal force to manipulate molecules, offering a low-cost and simple approach to single-molecule manipulation. This technique enables researchers to study the interactions of thousands of molecules simultaneously.

SourceHarvard University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 2, 2010

Mutant gene link to West Nile virus in horses

A study by University of Adelaide scientists has confirmed that a mutated OAS1 gene increases the vulnerability of horses to the West Nile virus. The findings suggest that genetic mechanisms play a similar role in humans and horses, highlighting the potential for screening valuable horses for the presence of the mutation.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 2, 2010

Age gap really does matter

A Northwestern University study reveals that successful academics struggle to mentor students during the latter half of their careers. The research, analyzing 60 years of mathematicians and their advisees, found that mentors who advised fewer students had more successful protégés.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2010

Marmots can teach us about obesity

A Colorado State University biologist discovered a nutrient that activates a neurological pathway driving food intake in hibernating marmots. By releasing the molecule AICAR, researchers found the animals' appetite is stimulated when energy levels within cells are low, mimicking human obesity and eating disorders.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 2, 2010

Despite efforts, not all Latino immigrants accepted as 'white,' sociological study shows

A new sociological study reveals that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, with relatively darker-skinned individuals earning less than their lighter-skinned counterparts. The study found that some Latinos attempt to assert a white racial identity, but those with darker skin and higher levels of int...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 2, 2010

New medics in death spike

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that fatal medication errors peak in July at teaching hospitals where new medical residents are on duty. The authors suggest re-evaluating responsibilities and increasing education on medication safety to reduce errors.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 2, 2010

Findings suggest optimal dose

A national study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment may be a viable alternative to routine intubation and surfactant administration in preterm infants. Infants treated with CPAP required less frequent intubation, fewer days on ventilators, and fewer steroid drugs after birth.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 2, 2010

UT Southwestern investigators perform head-to-head comparison of incontinence treatments

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center compared the outcomes of two surgical procedures designed to alleviate symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Both procedures, transvaginal sling and transobturator midurethral sling, appear to be similarly effective in women up to 12 months after the procedures were performed.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 2, 2010

Arctic ice at low point compared to recent geologic history

Researchers compiled a comprehensive history of Arctic ice using sediment cores and proxy data, concluding that the current extent is at its lowest point for at least the last few thousand years. The study's findings suggest the volume of ice is shrinking much faster than its surface area, highlighting a troubling trend in climate change.

SourceOhio State University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJun 2, 2010

Tidy house, fitter body?

A new Indiana University study reveals that the inside of a person's home has a significant impact on their physical activity levels. Researchers found that home conditions, such as dusting and cleaning, were more strongly linked to physical activity than external factors like sidewalks and lighting.