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Science News for April 15, 2011


Molecular messages from the antennae

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology sequenced the antennal transcriptome of the tobacco hornworm moth, revealing specific proteins involved in olfaction. The study identifies 18 odorant binding proteins and 21 chemosensory proteins, providing new insights into the insect's ability to detect and process odor molecules.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2011

Breast cancer prognosis goes high tech

Researchers at the University of Calgary developed a new digital tool using fractal dimension analysis to assess breast cancer tumours. The method provides an objective and reproducible measure of tissue abnormality and aggressiveness, promising more accurate risk assessment and therapeutic decisions.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2011

Twitter and natural disasters

The study found that Twitter users in disaster-stricken areas tended to tweet about their unsafe situation, while those in remote areas posted updates to let their followers know they were safe. The researchers also identified numerous unreliable retweets and low signal-to-noise ratio for messages using hashtags.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Web Based Communities·DateApr 15, 2011

Preserving a world favorite flavour

Scientists at the University of Nottingham's Malaysia campus are working on a new method to improve the commercial production of vanilla plants through tissue culture. The research aims to overcome issues with genetic instability in micropropagated sub-clones, which can lead to reduced quality and yield.

Another reason not to binge drink

A Loyola University Health System study found that binge drinking can change the body's immune system response to orthopaedic injury, complicating trauma care. This means that measuring chemical markers in the blood may be misleading when alcohol is involved.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 15, 2011

SLU neurosurgeon pushes brain bypass to new heights

SLU professor of neurosurgery Saleem Abdulrauf's high-flow brain bypass procedure improves treatment outcomes by reducing invasive procedures and maintaining blood flow in the brain. The technique is built upon the original brain bypass surgery developed in the 1960s and has been recognized for its potential to minimize recovery time.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNeurosurgery·DateApr 15, 2011

Israeli media increase division between people

A study by Matt Evans finds that Israeli media frame information to separate secular and religious Jewish communities, using techniques such as selective reporting and emotive language. This division is not limited to Israel, with similar framing tactics observed in the US media.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Middle East Journal·DateApr 15, 2011