Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 22, 2011


Saffron shows promise in preventing liver cancer

Researchers found that saffron significantly reduced the number and incidence of liver nodules, with complete inhibition observed at the highest dose. Saffron also inhibited the elevation of proteins indicating liver damage and blocked inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 22, 2011

Researchers find increase in infection rates in patients with cardiac electrophysiological devices

Researchers found a significant increase in CIED-related infections, with a 210% rise over 16 years. Comorbidities such as renal failure and diabetes may contribute to the higher infection risk. The study highlights the need for better understanding of infection risk factors and mitigation therapies.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 22, 2011

Etch-a-sketch with superconductors

Scientists at University College London and Sapienza University of Rome have developed a method to manipulate high-temperature superconductivity in materials. By illuminating with X-rays, researchers can create and control tiny superconducting structures, enabling the creation of new electronic devices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2011

Good ruminations or bad ruminations in the depressed brain?

Research reveals that depression-related rumination is associated with a brain network imbalance, where the default mode network (DMN) dominates over the task-positive network (TPN). This imbalance leads to maladaptive thinking and less effective coping mechanisms, exacerbating depressive symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 22, 2011

Scale models

Scientists Profs. Naama Barkai and Ben-Zion Shilo have developed a theoretical model explaining how scaling works in developing fruit fly wings, where the vein structure stays proportioned. Their findings suggest that this mechanism can be applied to various examples of development, including human embryonic development.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2011

Locating the elusive

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have engineered a material that exhibits both electrically charged (ferroelectric) and magnetic (ferromagnetic) properties, controlled by electricity. This 'multiferroic' material has potential for multi-state data storage in computers, offering cost-effectiveness compared to existing materials.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2011

Small molecules shed light on cancer therapies

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified 25 microRNAs associated with glioblastoma survival and discovered 20 new microRNAs linked to initiation or growth of other cancer types. These findings suggest common pathways that can be targeted with similar drugs, offering hope for improved treatment options.

Is marriage good for the heart?

A study published by the University of Rochester found that happily married people are more than three times as likely to survive bypass surgery for 15 years compared to unmarried individuals. The study also found that marriage quality is crucial for women's survival, with satisfying unions increasing their survival rate almost fourfold.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 22, 2011

Eco-labeled seafood is not always what it seems

Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2011

Galaxies are running out of gas

A CSIRO study reveals galaxies have less molecular hydrogen gas than in the past, leading to fewer stars forming. The decline in gas availability is linked to Dark Energy's acceleration of the Universe's expansion.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 22, 2011

Effects of prenatal smoking on infant neurodevelopment may be worse than feared: study

A large study found substantial delays in early neurological development among babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. Poor families were particularly vulnerable to the effects of prenatal smoking, which may be stronger than previously thought. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce pre...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Human Capital·DateAug 22, 2011

Experience puts the personal stamp on a place in memory

Researchers found that rats' place cells behave like new environments when they don't explore, highlighting the importance of direct experience in creating stable episodic memories. This discovery translates to humans, where recalling past experiences relies on autobiographical memory and direct recollection of events.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

'Redirect' by Timothy D. Wilson

This book explains a new, scientifically based approach called story editing that can make you happier and turn you into a better parent. Wilson argues that conventional approaches are ineffective and shows what works, highlighting the strategies outlined in his practical advice chapters.

Nano bundles pack a powerful punch

Rice University scientists have developed a solid-state, nanotube-based supercapacitor that combines the benefits of batteries and capacitors. The new device is stable, scalable, and suitable for extreme environments, with potential applications in electronics, sensors, and renewable energy systems.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateAug 22, 2011

The ignored virus that causes liver cancer

Research suggests Hepatitis G virus may cause liver damage and cancer, contrary to FDA's initial declaration in 1997. A review of scientific literature shows the virus is prevalent globally, linked to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Immunological Studies·DateAug 22, 2011

Low oxygen triggers moth molt

A study by Duke University scientists found that low oxygen levels in caterpillars trigger a molt to the next stage of development, as their respiratory system is fixed in size. This discovery reveals a new factor regulating body size during specific developmental stages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Hospital readmission rates not accurate measure of care quality

A recent study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that avoidable hospital readmissions are relatively uncommon and do not accurately reflect hospital care quality. Only 2.2% of discharged patients were deemed avoidably readmitted, suggesting that urgent readmission rates may be an overestimated measure of quality.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 22, 2011

Not so fast -- researchers find that lasting evolutionary change takes about 1 million years

A new study combining short-term and long-term data found that rapid evolution does not always persist, and major changes tend to take around 1 million years to occur. The research supports the concept of 'punctuated equilibrium' and suggests that natural selection forces must be widespread for changes to accumulate.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Antennas in your clothes? New design could pave the way

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new antenna design that can be integrated into clothing, offering a range four times larger than traditional antennas. The system overcomes previous problems of body absorption and interference by surrounding the body with multiple antennas working together.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateAug 22, 2011

Poverty and national parks: Decade-long study finds surprising relationship

A decade-long study of people living near Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households improved their prosperity, despite conventional wisdom suggesting parks contribute to poverty. The study suggests that parks provide a source of insurance for poor families, allowing them to hunt or sell park resources.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

Nanowires get into the groove

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a method to grow semiconductor nanowires on a surface, producing relatively long, orderly, aligned structures. This breakthrough enables the production of enhanced electronic and optical properties suitable for various applications.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2011

Study finds narcolepsy cases in China peak in early spring

Researchers found a seasonal pattern of narcolepsy onset in China, most frequent in April, with a significant spike following the H1N1 pandemic. The study suggests that flu vaccination was unlikely to cause the increase and points towards an autoimmune disease trigger.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 22, 2011

Nature: How the N2O greenhouse gas is decomposed

A study published in Nature journal has identified the structure of the enzyme that decomposes nitrous oxide, a harmful climate gas with a 300 times stronger impact than carbon dioxide. The discovery provides insight into the decomposition mechanism and its dependence on environmental conditions, which may help prevent N2O emissions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2011