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Science News Archive March 2010 - Page 14


Page 14 of 27

Timing is (almost) everything

Researchers at the University of Washington found that memory for visual scenes is not determined by attention level or scene content, but rather by when the scene is presented. This suggests a brain mechanism that automatically encodes certain visual features into memory at behaviorally relevant points in time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 15, 2010

Fruit flies and test tubes open new window on Alzheimer's disease

A team of scientists discovered a molecule that can prevent a toxic protein involved in Alzheimer's disease from building up in the brain. Using fruit flies engineered to develop a fly equivalent of Alzheimer's disease, they showed that the same molecule effectively cures the insects of the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 15, 2010

3-D cell culture: Making cells feel right at home

A new 3-D cell culture technique using magnetic forces has been developed, allowing for the growth of cells in 3-D. This method promises to provide more accurate preclinical drug tests and better cancer research outcomes by mimicking the body's natural tissue structures.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 15, 2010

How plants put down roots

Scientists have discovered how plants form their first roots by identifying key genes and hormones involved in the process. The discovery of transcription factor MONOPTEROS and its role in activating genes TMO5 and TMO7 could lead to breeding plants with improved root systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2010

Study: Grass, fungus combination affects ecology

A six-year study by ecologists at Rice University and Indiana University found that a symbiotic fungus living inside fescue can have far-reaching effects on plant, animal, and insect communities. The research suggests that cooperative microorganisms play a significant role in ecological diversity.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 15, 2010

A better genetic test for autism

A large study finds that chromosomal microarray analysis has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. The test detects tiny sub-microscopic deletions or duplications of DNA sequences, offering greater resolution than standard karyotyping.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 15, 2010

Autism Consortium study in Pediatrics shows CMA finds more genetic abnormalities than current tests

The Autism Consortium study reveals that chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has the highest detection rate among clinically available genetic tests for autism spectrum disorders. CMA identified 18.2% of patients with deletions or duplications, compared to 2.23% and 0.46% for standard testing methods. The study recommends CMA as part...

SourceAutism Consortium·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 15, 2010

Trauma of war doubles asthma risk among civilians

Research suggests that trauma from war increases asthma risk, with twice the likelihood of development in those most traumatised. A study of 2000 Kuwaiti civilians aged 50-69 found a direct correlation between trauma and asthma risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 15, 2010

How muscle cells control fatty acid uptake

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified the role of VEGF-B protein in regulating fatty acid transport proteins in blood vessel walls, leading to increased fat intake and potential new treatments for metabolic diseases. The study found that blocking VEGF-B signalling may reduce insulin resistance and blood glucose levels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2010

Insurance status of gunshot trauma patients affects mortality outcomes

A study published in the Journal of American College of Surgeons found that uninsured gunshot trauma patients had a higher mortality rate than insured patients. After adjusting for demographics and injury severity, the odds of dying from a gunshot trauma were 2.2 times greater for uninsured patients. This disparity underscores the need...

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 15, 2010

Robot teaches stroke survivors

Researchers developed a 'Braccio di Ferro' robot to assist patients in learning arm movements again. The interactive robot helps patients perform correct movements, promoting motor system learning and improving movement ability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateMar 15, 2010

Study: Today's youth aren't ego-driven slackers after all

A study analyzing nearly half a million high school seniors over three decades challenges the notion that today's youth are selfish and egotistical. The research, co-authored by Michigan State University psychologist Brent Donnellan, finds that teens today share similar levels of happiness and satisfaction with previous generations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 15, 2010

Researchers identify a gene that may play a key role in atherosclerosis and other diseases

A study identifies HuR as a critical regulator of an inflammatory response in cells experiencing mechanical and chemical stresses, promoting the expression of genes that support atherosclerosis. Reducing HuR levels inhibits the inflammatory response and may lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases associated with inflammation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2010