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Science News for January 5, 2011


Different sources, same result

Scientists found that hepatocyte-like cells derived from iPS cells exhibit 80% similar gene expression to those from embryonic stem cells, but less than that of real human liver cells. The study suggests that further adaptation is needed for iPSC-derived hepatocytes to be used in treating liver diseases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJan 5, 2011

Catfish study reveals multiplicity of species

Researchers found that communities of similar-looking catfish often comprise multiple species, highlighting the hidden diversity and complexity of neotropical freshwater ecosystems. The discovery has significant implications for environmental conservation, as many rivers are facing large-scale development and habitat destruction.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2011

Oxygen's challenge to early life

Researchers found evidence of oxygen-poor ocean conditions lasting 2-4 million years after the first appearance of animals, suggesting fluctuating oxygen levels may have driven rapid evolutionary turnover during the Cambrian Period. This study provides new insights into how early life evolved and flourished on Earth.

Antibiotic resistance is not just genetic

Researchers discovered interplay between genetic and persistence mechanisms in bacteria, leading to novel effective treatments for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections. Persistence cells are temporarily hyper-resistant to antibiotics, causing treatment failure and contributing to chronic bacterial infections.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2011

Study confirms 2 vaccine doses protect children from chickenpox

A new study confirms that two doses of the varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine provide excellent protection in children against this highly contagious and, in some cases, severe disease. The study found that the effectiveness of two doses of vaccine was 98.3 percent in protecting against varicella, significantly higher than one dose.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 5, 2011

January-February 2011 GSA Bulletin highlights

This issue of GSA Bulletin explores river geomorphology, submarine landslides, and paleoclimatic analysis. Researchers examine the impact of a dome-building eruption on downstream channel aggradation in Oregon, as well as the age and genesis of the Sangamon/Loveland complex in the Lower Mississippi Valley.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJan 5, 2011

Violence against mothers linked to 1.8 million female infant and child deaths in India

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that domestic violence against mothers increases the risk of death among female children, but not male children, in India. The researchers attribute this disparity to lower investment in girl children, leading to a higher mortality rate for girls.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 5, 2011

Study of UK TB patients shows that some recover more quickly if their antibiotics are supplemented with high-dose vitamin D

A new study found that supplementing antibiotics with high-dose vitamin D can significantly reduce the time needed for TB bacteria to clear from sputum culture by almost a week in patients with specific genetic profiles. The treatment improved response in those with the tt genotype of the TaqI vitamin D receptor polymorphism.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 5, 2011

Where MRSA colonizes on the human body

A Rhode Island Hospital study found that culturing the nose is more likely to reveal MRSA than other body sites, and a strong correlation exists between nasal MRSA quantity and colonization at other sites. The researchers suggest screening the nose and groin for MRSA yields the highest yield.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2011

Protective properties of green tea uncovered

Researchers at Newcastle University found that the compounds in green tea are more effective against key triggers of Alzheimer's development when digested by enzymes in the gut. The study also suggests that these compounds have anti-cancer properties, slowing down the growth of tumour cells.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPhytomedicine·DateJan 5, 2011

Filtering kitchen wastewater for plants

Researchers in India have found that various kitchen waste water filtration systems can produce clean water suitable for agricultural or horticultural use. Ceramic microfiltration membrane systems with physicochemical treatments such as biotreatment and adsorption showed promising results, removing up to 98% of BOD and 99% of COD.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateJan 5, 2011

This new year, how motivated are you?

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that personal motivation is a crucial factor in determining how quickly patients return to work following total knee replacement surgery. Motivated patients were able to return to work an average of 8.9 weeks after surgery, while those with lower motivation took longe...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 5, 2011

Prestigious journal validates Asian carp research

A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy has successfully validated their environmental DNA (eDNA) technique for detecting invasive Asian carp in the Chicago-area waterway. This breakthrough method, which uses genetic material from aquatic organisms to identify species presence, has been hailed...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalConservation Letters·DateJan 5, 2011

Graphene grains make atom-thick patchwork 'quilts'

Researchers imaged graphene grain boundaries using diffraction imaging electron microscopy, revealing that impurities are responsible for fluctuating electrical conductivity. Larger grains do not improve conductivity as previously thought, highlighting the importance of controlling impurities in graphene growth.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2011