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Science News for December 5, 2011


Scientists discover how brain corrects bumps to body

Researchers identified the primary motor cortex as the key brain area responsible for correcting movement after external knocks, which may help explain why some stroke patients improve while others remain uncoordinated. This finding could support first-stage sensory rehabilitation to rebuild pathways and improve movement skills.

SourceQueen's University·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2011

Follow-up of 100,000 women in over 100 breast cancer trials shows chemotherapy reduces breast cancer mortality by a third

A meta-analysis of 123 randomised trials involving 100,000 women with breast cancer shows that modern chemotherapy regimens reduce breast cancer mortality by around one-third compared to no chemotherapy. The findings suggest that standard 1980s chemotherapy regimens could produce a reduction of almost a quarter in breast cancer mortality.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 5, 2011

Researchers at GIS develop systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction

Researchers at GIS developed a systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction using the Opera algorithm, providing a quality guarantee and scaling to large datasets. This breakthrough enables more complete and accurate draft genomes, driving genetic studies of organisms of interest for human health and other areas.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Computational Biology·DateDec 5, 2011

Dust storms affect subsequent emergency hospital admissions

A new study found that dust storms significantly increase the risk of hospital illnesses for respiratory illness, especially in patients with COPD. The study showed a 5% increase in risk 2 days after a dust storm episode, highlighting the need for timely warnings to avoid air pollution exposure.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateDec 5, 2011

A more ethical way to compare epilepsy treatments

A new research methodology demonstrates that converting patients from one anti-epileptic drug to another is well-tolerated, effective and safe. The study shows that using historical control groups instead of traditional control groups can address ethical concerns in clinical trials.

SourceSpringer·JournalNeurotherapeutics·DateDec 5, 2011

Old recipe making a come back

Baltic scientists have reinvented the centuries-old sourdough bread-making technique, which was used in ancient times, to meet the needs of the modern food industry. The project FERMFOOD found ways to deliver a better flavor, texture and longer shelf life while maintaining dietary fiber and reducing additives.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 5, 2011

Defensive measures: Toward a vaccine for Ebola

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a plant-derived vaccine for Ebola that provided strong immunological protection in a mouse model. The vaccine uses a DNA blueprint to convert tobacco plants into living pharmaceutical factories, producing a vaccine molecule that can be easily purified and administered.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2011

People matter in climate change models

New research emphasizes the importance of considering human-environment interactions in climate change models, as growing populations contribute to extreme weather conditions. The study suggests a complex-systems approach to modeling climate change, taking into account human behavior components.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of System of Systems Engineering·DateDec 5, 2011

Child abuse changes the brain

A new study reveals that child abuse can alter brain activity, making children more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. The research shows that exposed children exhibit heightened responses to threat cues, potentially serving as an adaptive response but also increasing long-term vulnerability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 5, 2011

Childhood maltreatment associated with cerebral gray matter reductions in adolescents

Adolescents with childhood maltreatment experience reduced cerebral gray matter volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, associated with behavioral difficulties and increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Self-reported CM subtypes show distinct patterns of gray matter changes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 5, 2011

How advertising shapes the image of gayness in America

A University of Miami study reveals that images of gays in ads now shape mainstream perceptions, with consumers interpreting messages to reflect their own identities and gain social inclusion. The research highlights the role of advertising in shaping personal identities and its broader cultural impacts on minority communities.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Advertising·DateDec 5, 2011

Lessons learned from yeast about human leukemia: The power of basic model organisms in human health

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research confirm the molecular mechanics of a key regulatory complex implicated in human leukemia are conserved from yeast to humans. They also identify the common molecular shape at the center of the complex, which regulates gene expression through histone methylation.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2011

Why do some Mexican parents discourage teens' physical activity?

A University of Illinois survey found that Mexican college applicants who were physically active reported more conflict about exercise at home than those who were not. The study suggests that parents' cultural beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity can be a significant barrier to teens' engagement in regular exercise.

Where is the accurate memory? The eyes have it

Researchers found that tracking eye movements can reveal discrepancies in eyewitness reports. Participants spent more time looking at remembered faces and had disproportionate viewing of these faces before making a response. The study's findings could lead to improved eyewitness testimony accuracy and new insights into memory and decis...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 5, 2011

A new study suggests that a neurotransmitter might improve the treatment of cancer

Researchers found that dopamine injections improved blood flow to tumors, doubling the concentration of an anticancer drug and increasing its effectiveness. Dopamine also normalized the structure of abnormal tumor blood vessels, a condition typically associated with reduced chemotherapy and radiation therapy effectiveness.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2011

Global warming 'not slowing down,' say researchers

Researchers analyzed five global temperature data sets and found that after removing short-term fluctuations, all five data sets showed excellent agreement, indicating that global warming is not slowing down. The study suggests that temperatures will continue to rise, emphasizing the urgency of addressing human influence on climate.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 5, 2011

Few parents recall being told by doctors that their child is overweight

A new study finds that less than one-quarter of parents of overweight children recall ever being told by a doctor or healthcare provider that their children were overweight. Despite improved awareness over the last decade, this percentage remains low, suggesting a need for more effective communication strategies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 5, 2011

Study finds nursing shortage may be easing

A new study by the RAND Corporation finds that the number of young people becoming registered nurses has grown sharply since 2002, approaching numbers not seen since the mid-1980s. This trend reverses a pattern first observed in the early 1980s and is projected to become the largest group of nurses ever observed.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 5, 2011

Marine predators in trouble: UBC researchers

Fishing practices have led to a 90-per-cent decrease in top predators in North Atlantic and Pacific waters since the 1950s. The impacts are now being felt globally, with southern hemisphere predators facing a similar decline. This study highlights the need for strict management and enforcement to prevent further biodiversity loss.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateDec 5, 2011

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Dec. 6, 2011

Recent studies have shed light on the rising trend of total knee replacements, with researchers finding that increasing knee pain may be a contributing factor. Additionally, a single dose of influenza vaccine administered during pregnancy has been shown to protect both mothers and their newborns from swine flu. Meanwhile, a review of s...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 5, 2011

Rice as a source of arsenic exposure

A study published by Dartmouth researchers found that pregnant women who consumed rice had higher levels of arsenic in their urine, highlighting the need to monitor arsenic in food sources. The findings also underscore concerns about private well water being a potential source of arsenic exposure.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2011

Acupuncture may ease severe nerve pain associated with cancer treatment

A small pilot study suggests that acupuncture can improve nerve signaling and alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients. The treatment showed positive effects on nerve conduction studies and patient-reported improvements, sparking hope for further investigation into its potential benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAcupuncture in Medicine·DateDec 5, 2011