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Science News for February 28, 2011


NYU physicists develop potent packing process

New York University physicists have developed a method for packing microscopic spheres that can improve various commercial products, such as pharmaceutical lotions and ice cream. The researchers manipulated the properties of emulsions using statistical mechanics and depletion attraction to create materials with desired properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2011

A grudge match between humanity and death -- who wins?

A recent study by George Mason University psychology professor Todd Kashdan found that mindfulness can neutralize fears of dying and death. Mindful people showed less defensiveness toward others who didn't share their worldview, and were more diplomatic and tolerant when confronted with death-related thoughts.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 28, 2011

Heart attack patients with depression less likely to receive priority care in emergency rooms

A study published in CMAJ found that heart attack patients with a history of depression received lower priority care in emergency departments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This disparity may be due to healthcare staff assuming symptoms are anxiety-related rather than an actual heart attack.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 28, 2011

University of Maryland School of Medicine study identifies genes associated with binge drinking

A University of Maryland School of Medicine study identified two genes associated with binge drinking, GABA receptors and TLR4, which may lead to new therapies for excessive alcohol consumption. The study found that manipulating these receptors caused a reduction in binge drinking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2011

Blood pressure management: Sleep on it

A study found that daytime sleep can facilitate cardiovascular recovery after mental stress, with participants who slept for at least 45 minutes experiencing lower average blood pressure. The researchers also noted a restorative effect of daytime sleep on sleepiness, with those who slept reporting lower scores.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011

Health benefits of eating tomatoes emerge

Researchers found that tomatoes contain powerful antioxidants like lycopene, which has greater bioavailability after cooking and processing. Tomatoes also have anti-inflammatory functions and a lower risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cognitive dysfunction.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011

Smartphones -- the grip of death

New research from the University of Bristol's Centre for Communications Research investigates how smartphone grips impact wireless signal strength. Holding a device can lead to a 100-fold reduction in sensitivity and signal fluctuations, impairing service quality.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011

Noise distracts fish from their dinner

A study found that brief exposure to noise playback caused three-spined sticklebacks to make more foraging mistakes and be less efficient in consuming food. The researchers suggest that noise pollution could have a wider range of detrimental effects on fish behavior than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2011

Student innovation at Rensselaer holds key to safer remote detection of dangerous materials

Benjamin Clough, a doctoral student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has developed a novel method for eavesdropping on terahertz information hidden in invisible plasma acoustic bursts. His technique uses sound waves to boost the distance from which researchers can use powerful terahertz technology to remotely detect hidden explosiv...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011

BUSM study shows chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery improves survival

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with invasive T3 and T4 non-small lung cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery had a significantly improved survival rate. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, showed that median survival was greatest for those who rec...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateFeb 28, 2011

Researchers develop curious snapshot of powerful retinal pigment and its partners

A team of researchers has discovered that arrestin molecules bind to two rhodopsin molecules in bright light, but one in low light, challenging the long-held assumption of a single binding interaction. This finding has implications for understanding other senses and physiological functions controlled by G-protein coupled receptors.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 28, 2011

Fish oil fights weight loss due to chemotherapy

A new analysis found that fish oil supplementation can help combat cancer-related malnutrition, allowing patients to maintain their weight and muscle mass during chemotherapy. The study suggests that fish oil's omega-3 fatty acids may interfere with pathways altered in advanced cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 28, 2011

Reviving 100-year-old resting spores of diatoms

Researchers revived resting spores of diatoms that had lain dormant for over 100 years, showing they are genetically stable and can survive extreme conditions. The study found no significant genetic impact from external sources over the past century, highlighting the adaptability of these phytoplankton.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2011

WSU researcher creates patented personalized therapy that causes cancer cells to kill themselves

A new patented therapy has been developed by WSU researcher Dr. Karli Rosner, which uses genetic constructs to target cancer cells and induce apoptosis, eliminating the need for external medications. The treatment shows promise in treating various types of cancers, including melanoma, prostate, lung, and breast cancers.

IDIBELL researchers discover a substance against the 'dark genome' of cancer

Researchers at IDIBELL have identified a small molecule called enoxacin that inhibits tumor growth by activating the 'dark genome' and microRNA molecules, offering new potential for cancer treatment. The study's findings open up new directions for anti-tumor therapy targeting microRNA as a therapeutic target.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2011

Neighborhood barbers can influence black men to seek blood-pressure treatment

A study found that patrons of black-owned barbershops who received regular blood pressure measurements and encouragement from barbers were nearly nine times more likely to see a physician than those who only received hypertension literature. The intervention led to a significant increase in men controlling their hypertension, with rate...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011

Free radicals may be good for you

A new study reveals that free radicals act as signal substances that increase the heart's contractions with the correct force. Persistent stress can lead to chronic levels of free radicals, potentially contributing to heart failure.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 28, 2011

A research study reveals deterioration in Mediterranean farmland patrimony

A research study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid finds that traditionally irrigated Mediterranean landscape has suffered loss of cultural and ecological patrimony due to modernization. The study highlights the need for multifunctionality in hydraulic policy and conservation efforts to preserve these valuable landscapes.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalScripta Nova Revista Electrónica de Geografía y Ciencias Sociales·DateFeb 28, 2011

Older patients confused about multiple drug dosing

A new Northwestern Medicine study shows that standardized medicine prescriptions into doses at four clearly identified periods of day, can improve health outcomes for older patients. The study found that low health literacy was the greatest predictor of patients taking their medications more times per day.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011

'Stupid strategies' could be best for the genes

A study published in Ecology Letters found that seemingly mindless survival strategies can be more effective than adapting to changes. This 'multiplier effect' states that individuals will thrive in their optimal environment if they follow what their parents did, leading to the success of their genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 28, 2011

University of Miami scientists track great hammerhead shark migration

A study led by University of Miami scientists successfully tracked a great hammerhead shark for 62 days, revealing its northeast journey from South Florida to the Atlantic Ocean. The shark's movement provides new insight into its migratory patterns and habitat use, shedding light on conservation efforts.

Who's the best tennis player of all time?

A Northwestern University researcher developed a novel ranking system that evaluates male tennis players through network analysis. According to the study, Jimmy Connors ranks on top due to his long career and matches against other strong opponents. The rankings will be reassessed in 10 years to reflect changes in competition.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2011

Fingerprints of a gold cluster revealed

Scientists have successfully characterised the absorption spectrum of a gold cluster, shedding light on its electronic properties. The research provides valuable insights for future applications in catalysis, sensing, and molecular electronics.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 28, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers find that oral steroids improve symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis, while surrogate treatment decisions have a significant negative emotional impact on healthcare providers. The Hepatitis B vaccine has reduced infections in children, but targeted efforts are needed for adults. The USPSTF is updating its scree...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2011