Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 8, 2011


NIH researchers identify cause and new treatment for common recurrent fever in children

Researchers identified a new treatment for periodic fever syndrome, targeting the body's immune response. The therapy shows promise in reducing fever and inflammation symptoms without increasing flare-ups, differing from current corticosteroid treatment. A larger clinical trial is planned to validate the findings.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2011

Dopamine controls formation of new brain cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that dopamine controls the formation of new neurons in the adult brain by acting as a switch for stem cells. The study used salamanders, which can recover from Parkinson's-like conditions, to understand how dopamine regulates neural regeneration.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 8, 2011

'Naked' penguins baffle experts

Researchers have observed a rise in 'naked' penguin chicks with feather-loss disorder in both Argentina and South Africa, causing concern among scientists. The disorder is thought to be related to increased energy spent on thermoregulation, potentially linked to pathogens, thyroid disorders, or nutrient imbalances.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalWaterbirds·DateApr 8, 2011

Are invasive plants a threat to native biodiversity? It depends on the spatial scale

A meta-analysis found that invasive plant species cause large losses in biodiversity at small scales but have a negligible impact at broader scales. This contradicts the common view of invasive plants as major threats to native biodiversity. The study suggests that the effect of invasive plants on native species extinctions decreases w...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 8, 2011

This year's Johan Skytte Prize winners announced

Ronald Inglehart and Pippa Norris awarded for their systematic investigation into human values and value change impacting political behavior, with a focus on religion, gender equality, and global media influence. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work in highlighting the importance of citizens' values in shaping societal life.

Breast-cancer awareness now in national consciousness

New research from the University of Oregon found that breast cancer awareness campaigns have reduced fluctuations in diagnoses, with most cases now linked to routine screenings. The study suggests that increased awareness and advocacy efforts have led to better screening rates among American women.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateApr 8, 2011

What sea squirts can teach us about the heart

Researchers study sea squirts' simple body structure to unravel complex mechanisms of heart formation, shedding light on GATA's role in congenital heart defects. Disrupting GATA function independently in the developing gut preserves heart cell identity, while disrupting it in heart precursor cells causes limbo-like state.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateApr 8, 2011

Nanoparticles increase biofuel performance

A new study reveals that alumina nanoparticles enhance biodiesel combustion, increasing fuel efficiency while decreasing nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. Researchers are now exploring other types of nanoparticles for potential engine lubrication and cooling systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateApr 8, 2011

Cookies or careers?

A recent study published in Gender & Society reveals that scouting manuals steer girls towards arts and crafts while discouraging scientific pursuits. Meanwhile, boys are encouraged to pursue careers like engineering and science. The findings highlight the perpetuation of gender stereotypes in scouting organizations.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateApr 8, 2011

A world first: The discovery of a common genetic cause of autism and epilepsy

A new gene, SYN1, has been identified as a predisposing factor for both autism and epilepsy in individuals from Quebec. Mutations in this gene lead to impaired synaptic function, causing communication between neurons to break down. This study provides a key to understanding the comorbidity of these devastating diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateApr 8, 2011

IPF drug fails in new trial

A new study found that taking bosentan did not improve health outcomes for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Researchers suggest a subset of IPF patients may still benefit from the drug, but further studies are needed to confirm this.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 8, 2011