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Science News for September 27, 2010


LA BioMed researcher to receive prestigious honor

Dr. Casaburi will receive the award on Oct. 8 at the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's annual meeting in Milwaukee, recognizing his many contributions to the field of respiratory research and pulmonary rehabilitation. He is a leading researcher at LA BioMed, directing the Rehabilitation Clinical Tria...

Mayo collaboration finds source of breast drug side effect

A Mayo Clinic collaboration identified four genetic variants on chromosome 14 associated with aromatase inhibitor-induced arthritis. These findings provide a new clue for identifying women at risk and developing treatments, allowing more women to take lifesaving breast cancer therapy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 27, 2010

Red light regulates nectar secretion

Lima bean plants produce extrafloral nectar to attract ants, which defend against herbivores. Red light influences the production of this nectar through phytochrome, a photoreceptor that regulates the signaling molecule jasmonic acid. This light-dependent regulation enhances defense when herbivory is most likely.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Insecticides from genetically modified corn present in adjacent streams

A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

New oil detection technique

A new technique allows for fast and accurate detection of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and rock using a portable infrared spectrometer. This method reduces labor-intensive sampling and processing requirements, saving time and costs associated with assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

Fungal spores travel farther by surfing their own wind

A new study reveals that fungal spores travel farther by forming a plume that reduces drag to nearly zero, creating a wind that carries them up to 100 millimeters. By hydrodynamic cooperation, thousands of spores are ejected simultaneously, reaching speeds of 60 centimeters per second and covering distances of over a centimeter.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Help for new food-zapping process

CSIRO has partnered with German organizations to develop low-energy electron beam processing technology, preserving food's flavor, odor, and nutrients without heat or chemicals. The technology has been successfully applied to Stahmann Farms, Australia's largest pecan nut processor.

'Gold' fish thrive, cancers die

Researchers at Rice University used gold nanoparticles with laser pulses to create tiny vapor bubbles that selectively destroyed cancer cells in zebra fish implanted with live human prostate cancer cells. This technique avoids damaging healthy tissue and demonstrates a new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 27, 2010

Complexity not so costly after all, analysis shows

A new analysis by Jianzhi Zhang and coworkers reveals flaws in models predicting the cost of complexity and finds that moderate complexity best enables organisms to adapt. The study challenged assumptions underlying traditional mathematical models, suggesting that a moderate amount of complexity is beneficial for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Baby boomers raise midlife suicide rate

Research by sociologists Ellen Idler and Julie Phillips found significant increases in middle-aged suicide rates, particularly among unmarried individuals and those without a college degree. The study suggests that chronic diseases and substance abuse may be contributing factors to the rising trend.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateSep 27, 2010

JCI table of contents: Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Outcomes of communication about end-of-life care appear to differ between black and white patients

A recent study found that black patients are less likely to experience end-of-life care that accurately reflects their preferences compared to white patients. Black patients with more education were marginally more likely to report having end-of-life discussions, but still received more aggressive care regardless of their values.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis

A team of researchers has identified a key player in maintaining bone balance, finding that the protein Maf promotes bone formation and prevents osteoporosis. By understanding this age-related switch in cell type generation, new approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis may be developed.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Quantum physics: Flavors of entanglement

Physicists at University of Innsbruck successfully expose four entangled ions to a noisy environment, demonstrating the variety of flavors or properties in their entanglement. This study forms an important basis for understanding entanglement under environmental disturbances and the boundary between quantum and classical worlds.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 27, 2010

A shot to the heart: Nanoneedle delivers quantum dots to cell nucleus

University of Illinois researchers have created a tiny needle that can deliver quantum dots directly into a cell's nucleus, allowing for the study of internal environments and cellular processes. This breakthrough technique uses electrical potential to control the release of molecules and offers precise monitoring capabilities, opening...

Study shows patient-specific vaccines for metastatic melanoma may induce durable complete regression

A recent clinical study has shown that patient-specific vaccines can sometimes induce durable complete regression of progressing soft-tissue melanoma metastases. The vaccine was found to be effective in one particular patient who remained in complete remission for over two years, more than four years after her initial diagnosis.

SourcePorter Novelli, Life Sciences·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateSep 27, 2010

No cardiovascular benefit observed for pine-bark extract

A 12-week randomized clinical trial found that pine bark extract did not improve risk factors for heart disease, despite its potential biological benefits. The study included 130 participants at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, who took either pine bark extract or a placebo once daily.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 27, 2010

Climate change hits southeast Australia fish species

Significant changes in coastal fish species distribution are observed in south-eastern Australia, partly due to climate change. The study identified 43 species exhibiting shifts thought to be climate-related, including warm temperate surf-zone species and range increases for Snapper and Rock Flathead.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateSep 27, 2010

Diving deeper into the gene pool

Tel Aviv University researchers developed miRNAkey software to analyze microRNA patterns in healthy and diseased tissues, improving understanding of human diseases at a genetic level. The software enables scientists to identify relevant microRNAs, determine their levels, and generate statistically valuable information.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBioinformatics·DateSep 27, 2010