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Science News for January 19, 2011


Bedbug genetic study finds possible pesticide-resistance genes

A recent study on bedbugs has identified potential genes associated with pesticide resistance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind their increasing resilience to insecticides. The research may lead to the development of novel control methods that are more effective against these troublesome insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 19, 2011

Couples sometimes communicate no better than strangers

A recent study found that married couples and close friends may not communicate as well as they think. The researchers used an experiment to test this idea, finding that accuracy rates for spouses and strangers were statistically identical. Closeness can create the illusion of insight, leading to communication problems.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 19, 2011

Pitt study: End-of-life decisions take longer if patient hasn't shared wishes with family

A study conducted at four US intensive care units found that caregivers who hadn't discussed life support measures with critically ill patients took nearly two weeks longer to make decisions. Patients' loved ones were also more confident as surrogate decision-makers when they perceived high-quality communication with physicians.

VIMS team glides into polar research

Researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science deployed an underwater glider in the Ross Sea near Antarctica, collecting data on water temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll concentrations. The glider's continuous sampling allows for a better understanding of short-term physical changes and their impact on ocean biology.

New mortgage design would minimize home foreclosures

Researchers propose a new adjustable balance mortgage contract that resets the loan balance and monthly payment based on the mortgaged home's market value. This design reduces the economic incentive to default, costing about the same as a typical fixed-rate mortgage.

SourcePenn State·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateJan 19, 2011

University of Illinois study confirms glycerin as a feasible feedstuff for swine

The University of Illinois study found that swine diets can include up to 15% glycerin and achieve comparable performance to a conventional corn:soybean diet. However, the study revealed no effect of feeding glycerin on meat quality. The availability and cost of glycerin may impact its use as a feed ingredient.

Researchers discover giant crayfish species right under their noses

Researchers have discovered a new species of giant crayfish, Barbicambarus simmonsi, in Tennessee and Alabama, which is at least twice the size of its closest relative. The species was found under rocks in a creek and has distinctive 'bearded' antennae with setae that enhance sensory function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the Biological Society of Washington·DateJan 19, 2011

Internet-based rehab is a viable treatment option following knee surgery

A new study published in JBJS shows that internet-based postoperative rehabilitation (telerehabilitation) is a viable treatment option for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Telerehabilitation allows patients to receive rehab services from the comfort of their own homes, achieving outcomes comparable to traditional rehab.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 19, 2011

Man, volcanoes and the sun have influenced Europe's climate over recent centuries

A recent study suggests that European seasonal temperatures have been affected by volcanic eruptions, solar activity, and greenhouse gas emissions since the 17th century. The research team used climate models and historical data to reconstruct past climate scenarios, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of climate change.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 19, 2011

Creating simplicity: How music fools the ear

Researchers used music compression algorithms to study brain response to complex and simple sounds. They found that enduring musical masterpieces tend to have high compressibility, suggesting our brains respond to simple patterns. This theory may lead composers to create music with simpler data structures for greater appeal.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJan 19, 2011

A second language gives toddlers an edge

Bilingual toddlers as young as 24 months exhibit comparable vocabulary in both languages and show cognitive advantages over unilingual peers. This early bilingual advantage is likely due to infants' experience with two languages, providing a competitive edge in executive functioning.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJan 19, 2011

Small molecules may prevent ebola infection

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a family of small molecules that bind to the Ebola virus's outer protein coat and inhibit its entry into human cells. The findings demonstrate a potential breakthrough in preventing Ebola infection, with further studies planned to confirm efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 19, 2011

How much sex is enough?

Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology shows that polygamous mice produce more fertile offspring due to increased sperm competitiveness. After 12 generations of competitive selection, polygamous males outperformed monogamous males in both paternity and fertility rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 19, 2011

Coronary imaging enhances ability to identify plaques likely to cause future heart disease

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that most untreated plaques causing unexpected heart attacks have large plaque burdens or small lumen areas, making them detectable by grayscale IVUS. The use of combination imaging modalities improves the ability to predict future adverse events.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 19, 2011

Unfolding pathogenesis in Parkinson's

A recent study suggests that damaged alpha-synuclein proteins can spread between cells in a 'prion-like' manner, contributing to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. This cell-to-cell transfer mechanism may play a significant role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2011