Babies remember even as they seem to forget
Researchers found that infants retain an 'inkling' of object existence without remembering its shape. The study's findings shed light on brain mechanisms supporting memory in infancy and beyond.
Science News for December 19, 2011
Quantum computing has applications in magnetic imaging, say Pitt researchers
Researchers have developed a method using quantum computing to measure magnetic fields accurately, enabling the creation of nanoscale MRI instruments. This breakthrough could lead to non-invasive studies of molecules and living cells without destroying them.
Kessler Foundation neuroscientist Jordan Grafman receives Humboldt Research Award
Jordan Grafman, director of traumatic brain injury research, has received the prestigious Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to understanding brain function and behavior. The award recognizes his work on cognitive neuroplasticity and its applications in medicine, rehabilitation, and psychology.
Wolfson Foundation awards £20 million to UCL for experimental neurology center
The Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre will accelerate the development of treatments and identify future therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, aiming for earlier intervention for patients. The centre will be based at UCL's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
University of Nevada, Reno using new technology to record Antarctic Ocean, ice temperatures
The University of Nevada, Reno is using a new fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing system to monitor sea and ice temperatures in Antarctica. The system will provide continuous data on the effects of climate change on glacial ice and sea levels.
In hot water: Ice Age findings forecast problems
Researchers analyzed changes in ocean oxygenation at the end of the last Ice Age, finding a dramatic decline in dissolved oxygen concentrations. This suggests that climate change may lead to significant oxygen depletion in oceans, harming marine life.
Breast cancers at lower-risk detected with widespread use of mammograms
A novel study led by UCSF found that mammograms detect slower-growing breast cancers in women over 50, increasing the likelihood of good prognosis without treatment. The research provides a basis for integrating molecular profiling to avoid overtreatment and improve care.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateDec 19, 2011
Blood pressure drug limits cigarette smoke-induced lung injury in mice
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that losartan, a blood pressure medication, reduces lung disease caused by cigarette smoke exposure. The study suggests other TGF-beta targeted therapeutics might be viable candidates for COPD treatment.
1 trait has huge impact on whether alcohol makes you aggressive
A new study found that individuals with a present-focused personality are more aggressive when intoxicated, while those who consider future consequences show minimal increase in aggression. The study involved 495 adults and used a computer-based speed reaction test to measure aggression.
ESC calls for European studies exploring readmissions to hospital following PCI
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of measuring rates of rehospitalization following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. A US study found that 12.4% of PCI patients need unplanned readmissions, highlighting the need for improvements in care and better data in Europe.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 19, 2011
Study reveals gender bias of prospective parents
A Queen's University study found that men prefer sons while women want daughters, despite cultural norms of gender neutrality. The results suggest an intrinsic desire to leave a legacy, with men envisioning this through male heirs.
Targeting EETs to treat cardiovascular disease may prove a double-edged sword
Researchers found that increasing EET levels promotes tumor growth and metastasis, even in cancers that rarely spread. Blocking EETs, however, could reduce tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting a potential new avenue for cancer treatment.
Brain function - A new way to measure the burden of aging across nations
A new study measures brain function to assess the impact of aging on a nation's economy. Cognitive function is found to be a better indicator of the burden of aging than chronological age. The study suggests that education, nutrition, and health standards are key factors in maintaining cognitive ability across nations.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
Lower classes quicker to show compassion in the face of suffering
Researchers found that people in lower socio-economic classes are more physiologically attuned to suffering and quicker to express compassion than their more affluent counterparts. This challenges previous studies that characterized lower-class individuals as prone to anxiety and hostility. The study suggests a culture of compassion am...
New insight into why locusts swarm
A protein linked to learning and memory plays a crucial role in driving desert locusts from harmless grasshoppers to destructive swarms. Researchers discovered that this protein acts as a molecular switch in social feedback loops, triggering the locusts' gregarious behavior.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
Chemicals and biofuel from wood biomass
Aalto University researchers have developed a new bioprocess that uses only lignocellulose from wood biomass to produce chemicals and biofuel. This process avoids wasting any parts of the wood sugar and can be used in existing combustion engines without modifications.
Potential concern about drugs in clinical trial
Researchers found that EET-enhancing drugs promote tumor growth and metastasis in mice, raising concerns about their use in humans. The findings suggest that these drugs could also worsen cardiovascular diseases.
Acupuncture reduces protein linked to stress in first of its kind animal study
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that acupuncture significantly reduces levels of neuropeptide Y, a protein linked to chronic stress, in rats. The study suggests that acupuncture may offer a proven therapy for stress relief, which is often difficult to treat.
SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateDec 19, 2011
Infrared technology for measuring the effect of fire on materials
Researchers developed an infrared-based method to measure material temperatures in the presence of flames, providing a clear picture of thermal behavior. This technique has applications in the aeronautical industry and can be applied in other sectors where fire resistance is crucial.
'Mindfulness' exercises help curb stress and fatigue associated with arthritis
A mindfulness-based group intervention significantly reduced stress levels and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid joint disease, with lasting improvements also seen. The study found no comparable reductions in the comparison group, highlighting the potential benefits of mindfulness strategies for managing arthritis-related distress.
MU researchers find pet kidney injuries are similar to human kidney injuries
Researchers at MU found that tiny increases in creatinine levels in pets' blood can indicate acute kidney damage. A new staging system helps veterinarians assess the severity of kidney injury and predict outcomes.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care·DateDec 19, 2011
Crowdfunding science: Student raises cash online to follow a flying fox
A PhD student in ecology and evolutionary biology is tracking how viruses spread from flying foxes to humans. Her research aims to fill gaps in bat population data using samples from museum specimens.
Stop the violence and play hockey
Repeated head trauma in hockey players causes irreversible brain damage and a condition called CTE. Experts urge a ban on intentional head trauma and severe deterrent penalties to protect player health.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 19, 2011
Doctors are cautious, patients enthusiastic about sharing medical notes
A study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients are overwhelmingly interested in accessing their doctors' notes, but doctors are cautious about the impact on their workflow. Patients reported benefits such as improved medication adherence and feeling more in control of their care.
Georgetown researchers lead discovery expected to significantly change biomedical research
Researchers have discovered a technique to keep normal cells and tumor cells taken from an individual cancer patient alive in the laboratory. This breakthrough could revolutionize personalized cancer medicine and regenerative medicine, enabling oncologists to find the right therapies for patients.
National Science Foundation awards major grant to Cary Institute
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies has received a major grant to develop an innovative graduate training program in freshwater ecology, focusing on lake conservation and sustainability. The GLEON Graduate Fellows Program will train the next generation of scientists in leadership, research, and communication skills.
Knee pain common complaint in middle-aged and mature women
A 12-year longitudinal study found that 63% of women aged 50 and older reported persistent knee pain, with predictors including higher BMI and radiographic osteoarthritis. The study's findings confirm variable pain patterns and highlight the need for targeted treatment options.
Researchers measure nanometer scale temperature
A new kind of electro-thermal nanoprobe can independently control voltage and temperature at a nanometer-scale point contact. This probe enables the measurement of nanometer-scale properties of materials such as semiconductors, thermoelectrics, and ferroelectrics.
Hospitals invest heavily in new heart attack care programs but fail to improve access
A study found a 44% increase in hospitals offering definitive emergency care for heart attacks since 2001, but only a 1% increase in access to that care. Regional variation is significant, with highest access in the Northeast and lowest in the South.
Cockroach hookup signal could benefit endangered woodpecker
A unique chemical composition of a cockroach signal, emitting a sex pheromone, could help determine habitat suitability for an endangered woodpecker. The synthetic pheromone attracts large numbers of adult male cockroaches, suggesting that the area could be a suitable home for the red-cockaded woodpecker.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
High bodily levels of nickel and selenium may lower pancreatic cancer risk
Research found that patients with high levels of nickel and selenium had a lower risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas those with high levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium had an increased risk. These findings suggest a potential role of trace elements in pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Eating less keeps the brain young
Italian scientists at Catholic University of Rome discovered a molecule called CREB1 triggered by low-calorie diets, activating genes linked to longevity and brain functioning. Caloric restriction has been shown to extend life and prevent brain diseases in mice.
SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
What makes patients complex? Ask their primary care physicians
Physician-defined patient complexity differs from common diagnosis-based measures, highlighting social and behavioral contexts that impact primary care. Primary care physicians designated about one-quarter of their patients as complex, with older, more experienced physicians reporting higher proportions.
Stanford study finds IPS cells match embryonic stem cells in modeling human disease
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have shown that iPS cells can mirror the defining defects of Marfan syndrome as well as embryonic stem cells. This study advances the credibility of induced pluripotent stem cells for modeling human diseases and offers an ethically uncomplicated alternative to embryonic stem cells.
A major step forward towards drought tolerance in crops
Researchers develop novel approach to enhance plant stress response, increasing crop yield under drought conditions. By modifying abscisic acid receptors, the team achieves prolonged activation of stress response pathways, paving the way for breeding more resilient crops.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
NIH scientists find a potential new avenue for cancer therapies
Researchers found that blocking EETs production can eliminate blood vessels that feed cancer tumors, promoting metastasis. Increasing EET levels may help patients with vascular conditions, but excessive levels promote tumor growth and metastasis.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 19, 2011
New predictor of heart attack or stroke
A new study from Northwestern University finds that a significant increase in blood pressure during middle age increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Maintaining low blood pressure early on can reduce this risk, with those who keep their blood pressure low having a significantly lower risk.
Plant-eating dinosaur discovered in Antarctica
A team of scientists discovered a sauropod dinosaur remains in Antarctica, suggesting the species may have been more widespread than previously thought. The finding improves our knowledge of the dinosaurian faunas during the Late Cretaceous period on this continent.
A new kind of metal in the deep Earth
Scientists have discovered a new kind of metal in iron oxide at extreme depths, challenging previous assumptions about its behavior. The findings suggest that iron oxide can be both an insulator and a highly conducting metal depending on temperature and pressure conditions.
Abolish the criminalization of HIV
The Canadian Medical Association Journal article argues that routine HIV disclosure prosecutions are unnecessary and harmful. With highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the transmission of HIV from treated individuals is now extremely low, making criminal prosecution ineffective in preventing infection.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 19, 2011
Location, location, location: Economists document key role of spatial component in economic growth
A new study from the Consortium on Financial Systems and Poverty examines the role of spatial component in economic growth. The findings show that a high concentration of enterprise in an area predicts high subsequent growth, while entrepreneurial activity decreases with distance from centers of economic concentration.
SourceConsortium on Financial Systems & Poverty·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateDec 19, 2011
Research and education success earns more NSF funding
CLiPS program, led by Case Western Reserve University, receives $40 million NSF funding renewal for its transformative polymer research and educational programs. The program supports underrepresented students in STEM careers through the Polymer Envoys program.
Algal protein gives boost to electrochemical water splitting
Researchers have successfully created a nano-bio PEC electrode, consisting of iron oxide conjugated with a protein from blue-green algae, which is twice as efficient in water splitting as iron oxide alone. The use of phycocyanin, a light-harvesting protein, improves the electrode's ability to absorb photons and generate photocurrent.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 19, 2011
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advocates for expanded nutritional coverage under Medicare
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends expanding Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services, which demonstrate significant health benefits and cost-effectiveness. MNT can help manage chronic conditions, such as hypertension, obesity, and cancer, and improve quality of life.
Bone marrow-derived cells differentiate in the brain through mechanisms of plasticity
Researchers have found that bone marrow-derived stem cells can contribute to various neural cell types in different areas of the brain, including the olfactory bulb, through mechanisms of plasticity. This discovery suggests a new potential for using these cells for repairing damaged brain tissue and restoring lost neural function.
SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 19, 2011
Researchers find misinformation about emergency contraception common in low-income neighborhoods
A study found that emergency contraception misinformation is common in low-income neighborhoods, with pharmacies incorrectly stating the age limit for over-the-counter access. This misinformation can restrict access to emergency contraception, a vital service for adolescents and individuals of childbearing age.
Commentary calls for awareness of Internet pharmacies' role in prescription drug abuse
The authors argue that Internet pharmacies play a substantial role in prescription drug abuse due to their ease of access and lack of regulation. Increasing physician awareness and education on the dangers posed by these pharmacies is crucial to addressing the issue.
Chinese Academy of Sciences names CMU's Veloso an Einstein Chair Professor
Manuela Veloso, a prominent AI and robotics researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, has been named an Einstein Chair Professor by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. As an Einstein Chair Professor, Veloso will present lectures on symbiotic autonomy, a concept she pioneered, which enables robots to proactively ask for help from humans.
Evolution at warp speed: Hatcheries change salmon genetics after a single generation
Researchers found that hatcheries rapidly select for fish with exceptional survival and adaptation abilities, at the cost of their reproductive success in the wild. This study confirms 'domestication selection' as a primary driver of genetic changes in hatchery-born salmon.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
Study reveals turn 'signals' for neuron growth
Researchers at UC Irvine and UT Arlington discovered how spinning microparticles can guide nerve fiber growth, enabling directed growth of neuronal networks on a chip. The study shows promise for treating spinal or brain injuries by directing regenerating axons to their destinations.
Physician notifications improve postfracture care for patients
A simple physician notification system improves postfracture care for osteoporotic patients, increasing bone mineral density tests by 13% and pharmacologic treatment initiation by 5%. Researchers suggest additional strategies may be more effective in combination.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 19, 2011
Salk discovery may lead to safer treatments for asthma, allergies and arthritis
Researchers at Salk Institute find connection between cryptochromes and glucocorticoid receptors to regulate sugar metabolism, potentially avoiding side effects of asthma, allergies, and arthritis drugs. The discovery may lead to new therapies targeting the biological clock.
Wayne State study finds soybean compounds enhances effects of cancer radiotherapy
A Wayne State University study shows that soybean compounds can make radiation treatment of lung cancer more effective while helping to preserve normal tissue. The compounds, known as isoflavones, block DNA repair mechanisms and molecular survival pathways in cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to ionizing radiation.
SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·DateDec 19, 2011
Snipping key nerves may help life threatening heart rhythms
Researchers found that surgery to snip nerves related to the sympathetic nervous system on both sides of the chest can help control dangerous incessant ventricular arrhythmias. Four out of six study patients completely responded with no more arrhythmias, and one patient had a partial response.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 19, 2011
Study: African-American men don't reap same career benefits from mentoring as Caucasians
African-American men do not reap the same career benefits from mentoring and networking as Caucasians, a new University of Georgia study reveals. Despite this, it emphasizes the need for women and minorities to think broadly about their mentors and networks.
Research could improve laser-manufacturing technique
Ultrafast laser pulses create precise patterns in metals and ceramics, but new research reveals an early plasma forms immediately before the mushroom cloud, hindering performance. Eliminating this interference could unlock new applications in manufacturing, materials science, and more.
UCF nanotechnology may speed up drug testing
Researchers at UCF developed a novel quantum dot probe that quickly detects and tracks cancer cells, speeding up the effectiveness of cancer treatments. This breakthrough technique uses electronic probes to emit a signal when attached to cancer cells, allowing for rapid imaging and measurement of treatment outcomes.
Will Antarctic worms warm to changing climate?
Researchers at the University of Delaware are studying Antarctic worms to understand how they adapt to changing environments and survive in a warming world. By analyzing epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, scientists hope to gain insight into the impact of global warming on marine ecosystems.
Tissue structure delays cancer development
Using a mathematical model, scientists found that spatial tissue structure slows down genetic mutation accumulation, delaying cancer onset. The study suggests that structured populations take longer to reach critical mutations, reducing the risk of cancer.
What are the prospects for sustaining high-quality groundwater?
A study tracking water quality in the Thames River basin over 140 years found significant rises in nitrate concentrations since World War II. The researchers suggest it may take several decades for any reduction in nitrate levels, highlighting the need for long-term sustainable groundwater management practices.
Reproductive disorder linked to increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease
A nationwide Danish cohort study suggests women with endometriosis are 50% more likely to develop inflammatory bowel disease, a condition that affects the bowel and causes abdominal pain. The risk persists for over 20 years after diagnosis and is linked to common causes or treatment effects.
Innovative new strategy to treat Parkinson's disease
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to treat Parkinson's disease by injecting a viral protein that stabilizes mitochondria in rats with a PD-like disease. The approach has shown promising results, as rats treated with the protein performed better on behavioral and motor function tests.
Hellbender salamander study seeks answers for global amphibian decline
A new study has detailed the skin microbes of the endangered Ozark Hellbender giant salamander, which may be contributing to its declining health and population loss. The research provides a baseline for understanding the impact of changing ecosystems on amphibians worldwide.
Legumes give nitrogen-supplying bacteria special access pass
Legume plants allow nitrogen-fixing bacteria to breach their cell walls, enabling the bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. The discovery sheds light on how plants promote nitrogen fixation, a crucial process for agriculture and food production.
SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2011
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's illness deciphered after 150 years
Researchers may have unraveled the mystery of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's lifelong chronic illness, which shares symptoms with hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Her daughter's experience with the muscle disorder has provided a unique lens to view her letters and diary entries.
JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 19, 2011
A team of researchers found that raising levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in mice stimulated primary tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting potential risks for humans. EET antagonists may provide a new approach to preventing and treating cancer-related metastasis.
Summary of evidence shows most patients need several sequential treatment steps for remission of major depression
Most patients need several sequential treatment steps to achieve remission from major depression. The Lancet review highlights the importance of primary care providers recognizing and addressing depression in chronic physical disorders. Deep brain stimulation holds promise as a future treatment option.
Grafting of human spinal stem cells into ALS rats best with immunosuppressant combination
A study found that a combined immunosuppressive regimen improved the survival of human spinal stem cells in ALS rats. The results suggest that this treatment approach may be a potential therapy for ALS, a degenerative neurological disease.
SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 19, 2011
San Diego Zoo researchers contribute to project using mummy DNA to differentiate croc species
Scientists found that the Nile crocodile is not a single species but rather two distinct species living side-by-side. The discovery highlights the need for separate conservation strategies for each species due to their unique characteristics and declining populations.
Intel wins coveted INFORMS Society Wagner Prize with product design innovations
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) awarded Intel the Daniel H. Wagner Prize for its innovative use of analytics and operations research to optimize product design and scheduling, resulting in improved business processes and overall profit optimization.
German research team targets 'at risk' data on biodiversity
A German-based project, reBiND, rescues and archives biodiversity data at risk of being lost due to lack of documentation or outdated digital storage systems. The project uses the Biological Collections Access Services (BioCASe) software package to transform data into XML files and make them accessible globally through the GBIF network.
Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Dec. 20, 2011
A recent survey of doctors and patients found contrasting opinions on electronic records, with PCPs worried about increased demands and patient confusion, but patients expressing enthusiasm for sharing notes. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force reviewed evidence on vitamin D supplementation for fracture protection and canc...