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Science News Archive March 2010 - Page 15


Page 15 of 27

To the Antarctic or Brazil for new feathers

Researchers discovered that thin-billed prions visit the Antarctic waters for 90% of their molting period, while some individuals moulting further north off South America's coast. This flexibility allows them to adapt to unpredictable weather conditions and survive in vast ocean areas.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 15, 2010

Surgeons use neck muscle, surrounding tissue as lip implant

A new procedure using grafts of muscle and connective tissue from the neck has resulted in improved appearance for at least two years. The amount of vermilion showing increased by an average of 20 percent to 24 percent, while the average projection of the upper and lower lip increased by an average of 0.9 to 0.99 millimeters.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMar 15, 2010

1 gene lost = 1 limb regained?

Researchers from The Wistar Institute demonstrate that mice lacking the p21 gene can regenerate lost tissue, forming a blastema and replacing damaged cells with healthy ones. This discovery provides evidence of a link between cell division control and tissue regeneration, opening up possibilities for accelerating healing in humans.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found a persistent excess risk of death after hip fractures, especially in men, which does not return to pre-fracture levels even after 10 years. Additionally, an empirical study explored the ethics of payment for kidney donation, finding no association between price and willingness to donate across income levels, but highl...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2010

Wealth buys health -- even in China

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that the health gap between rich and poor people in China is getting narrower across generations, unlike the US where it widens. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 adults to track changes in health over 13 years.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 15, 2010

Driving retirement for seniors

As one in four Canadians will be 65 or older by 2025, the need for safe driving retirement programs is growing. Municipalities and governments can develop solutions such as car pooling incentives, subsidized shuttle services, and urban planning to help seniors continue driving safely.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 15, 2010

Inappropriate uses of frozen plasma

A recent commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights inappropriate uses of frozen plasma, with 45% to 48% of audited transfusions found to be misuse. Experts recommend introducing measures to promote alternative use and screen orders against guidelines to improve practice.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 15, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: March 15, 2010

Researchers have made significant progress in treating spinal muscular atrophy with targeted gene therapy, improving muscle strength and coordination. Additionally, a new approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy heart disease has been discovered using membrane-sealing poloxamer. Furthermore, a cancer drug has shown promise in m...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2010

Monkeys choose variety for variety's sake

In a series of experiments, capuchin monkeys were given tokens to choose between their favorite food or a buffet of options. They consistently opted for the variety tokens, even when the favorite food was included in the assortment. This suggests that these animals have an innate desire to seek variety in their diet. The findings have ...

Accelerating decisions to adopt routine vaccination; COPD a growing problem

The study analyzed data from 147 countries to identify factors that influence the time taken to introduce routine vaccination. Vaccine price and GAVI eligibility were found to be associated with quicker decisions to adopt vaccination, speeding up the process by 63% and 50%, respectively. Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Barnes discusses the growin...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 15, 2010

Emerging interventional radiology treatment with drug-eluting stents saves limbs

Drug-eluting stents have shown promising results in treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with critical limb ischemia, rivaling bypass surgery in primary patency rates of up to 81.8% and freedom from major amputation of up to 90.6%. The treatment offers a safe and effective solution for tiny blocked arteries below the knee.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 15, 2010

Urged on by urchins: How sea lilies got their get-up-and-go

Researchers found that sea urchins prey on crinoids, a type of marine animal known as sea lilies, and suggested that these interactions drove the development of motility in sea lilies. The study, published in PNAS, provides evidence for an evolutionary arms race between predators and prey dating back over 200 million years.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2010

Unlocking the opium poppy's biggest secret

Researchers have discovered the unique genes responsible for codeine and morphine production in the opium poppy, opening doors to alternative methods of producing these painkillers. The findings could lead to more efficient and cost-effective synthesis of pharmaceuticals using microorganisms.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 14, 2010

Superconductors on the nanoscale

A team of researchers has discovered that in copper-based superconductors, tiny areas of weak superconductivity can hold up at higher temperatures when surrounded by regions of strong superconductivity. This finding could lead to the creation of new materials with improved superconducting properties.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 14, 2010

Lithium-ion anode uses self-assembled nanocomposite materials to increase capacity

A new high-performance anode structure based on silicon-carbon nanocomposite materials has been developed, significantly improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The self-assembly technique creates rigid spheres with open internal channels that allow for rapid entry of lithium ions and accommodate expansion without cracking.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 14, 2010