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Science News for June 29, 2010


Deaths in the family cause bacteria to flee

Researchers found that bacteria release extracellular DNA (eDNA) when relatives die, which inhibits the sticky holdfasts of living cells from adhering to surfaces. This allows surviving cells to escape established colonies and outcompete each other for better conditions.

SourceIndiana University·JournalMolecular Microbiology·DateJun 29, 2010

Diamonds and the holy grail of quantum computing

Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics have made a breakthrough in developing diamond nitrogen vacancy materials for room-temperature quantum computing. The team's discovery could lead to significant advances in condensed matter physics, quantum information science, and diamond making technology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 29, 2010

Pay-for-performance for hospitals

A study found that US hospitals in disadvantaged areas lag behind in treating heart failure and heart attack, despite improvement over time. The pay-for-performance program may exacerbate existing inequalities in the healthcare system.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 29, 2010

Irish hares fall foul of modern farming trap

Research from Queen's University Belfast suggests that Irish hare populations are declining due to changes in farming practices. Hares require a specific patchwork of grassland and tall vegetation for feeding and hiding, but silage fields are mistakenly identified as suitable habitats, leading to traps and population declines.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJun 29, 2010

Beating doctor burnout and protecting patients

A five-year pan-European research project is investigating whether working conditions in hospitals contribute to doctor 'burnout' and affect patient care. The study aims to identify issues within the workplace that lead to burnout and develop strategies to improve organisational culture, reduce stress, and enhance patient safety.

Can you make a snail forget?

Researchers found that predator scent enhanced the ability of pond snails to form memory following training, while overcrowding and reduced calcium had a blocking effect. The scientists believe that the ability to remember unfamiliar environments, new predators and food sources is vital to the survival of the pond snail in the wild.

Experiencing different cultures enhances creativity

A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that students who lived abroad showed more evidence of creativity than those who didn't. Multicultural learning is believed to be a critical component of the adaptation process, acting as a creativity catalyst.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 29, 2010

Impulsive, weak willed or just too much dopamine?

A recent brain study published in the Journal of Neuroscience has found that increased levels of dopamine in the brain make individuals more likely to choose instant gratification over longer-term rewards. This is linked to conditions such as ADHD, where high dopamine levels contribute to impulsive behavior.

Fast-tracking the manufacture of glasses

Researchers have developed a new method to manufacture highly stable glass films with properties equivalent to those of conventionally aged glasses. This breakthrough uses physical vapor deposition and alternating current nanocalorimetry, enabling the production of 'impossible materials' in a matter of minutes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 29, 2010

Turning back the cellular clock

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have successfully tracked the progression of adult stem cells through live imaging, gaining insight into how they are reprogrammed and evolve over time. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and effective cell reprogramming techniques for treating diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 29, 2010

New UGA temperature table may help reduce heat-related deaths of children in closed cars

Researchers developed a new easy-to-use table to quantify vehicle temperature changes, helping public officials and parents understand the deadly consequences of leaving children unattended in hot weather. The table provides clear warnings of the risks involved, shedding light on the dangers of hyperthermia in closed cars.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 29, 2010

Key component indentified that helps plants go green

A team of researchers from Duke University and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has identified a key intermediary between the light system for information and the light system that makes fuel in plants. The discovery, led by Meng Chen, could help increase agricultural yields or improve photosynthesis of biofuel crops.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2010

Interventions to promote repeat breast cancer screening with mammography

A recent meta-analysis found that there is no single best intervention for promoting repeat breast cancer screening with mammography. The studies were heterogeneous, differing in their conclusions about similar interventions due to a lack of standardization among interventions or different populations and settings.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 29, 2010

Ovarian transplantation restores fertility to old mice and also lengthens their lives

Scientists have discovered that ovarian transplants from young mice can restore fertility and increase lifespan in aging female mice. The procedure, which has been performed with limited success in women so far, may also have a rejuvenating effect on their behavior. Researchers believe that similar procedures could be used to preserve ...

Smoking-related colorectal cancer in older women is associated with molecularly defined DNA changes

A study found that smoking is associated with molecularly defined DNA changes and a subtype of colorectal cancer that emerges more frequently among older women. The researchers suggest that epigenetic modifications may play a role in the development of smoking-related colorectal carcinogenesis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 29, 2010

Putting muscle into birdsong

The study found that male zebra finches use their stronger vocal muscles to control the pitch of their songs, while females rely on lung pressure. This discovery sheds light on how birds learn to sing and the complex mechanisms behind birdsong.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 29, 2010

Cheap, simple, noninvasive blood test may replace invasive diagnostic techniques in early pregnancy

Researchers have developed a simple, non-invasive blood test that can detect chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus using molecular genetic probes. The test has already shown promise in identifying DNA from the Y chromosome and is being investigated for detecting trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome) and other conditions.

'Galactic archaeologists' find origin of Milky Way's ancient stars

Researchers at Durham University use huge computer simulations to recreate the beginnings of the Milky Way, finding that many ancient stars originated from smaller galaxies torn apart by galaxy collisions. The simulations provide a blueprint for galaxy formation and reveal clues to the early history of the Milky Way.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 29, 2010

Key mechanism in the brain's computation of sound location identified

Researchers at NYU identified a key mechanism in the brain's computation of sound location, finding that neurons are sensitive to rise times and detect differences between input shapes on a microsecond scale. This contradicts previous theories, which held that biophysical properties were identical for both ears.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 29, 2010

WIC might prevent mothers from feeding cow's milk too early

Women who enrolled in WIC during their first or second trimester were less likely to introduce cow's milk too soon than those who enrolled later. This study highlights the importance of timely nutrition reinforcement for low-income mothers and their children's health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJun 29, 2010

Novel approaches to R&D in Africa needed

The African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation aims to stimulate health product research and development in Africa. Successful implementation requires sustainable capacity, infrastructure, funding, leadership, and understanding of health R&D in the African continent.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 29, 2010

Intensive therapy improves some outcomes for patients with established type 2 diabetes but also increases risk of death, weight gain, and hypoglycemia (from ACCORD study)

The ACCORD study found that intensive glucose treatment delayed albuminuria onset but didn't reduce microvascular complications like eye disease or kidney failure. However, it increased mortality, weight gain, and severe hypoglycemia risk, prompting a shift to standard therapy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 29, 2010

Fish with chips

Researchers used Robofish to study the collective behavior of three-spined sticklebacks in groups. The findings show that individual fish are more influenced by neighboring fish than distance from the leader, providing insights into fish group dynamics and collective animal behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 29, 2010