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Science News Archive January 2011 - Page 10


Page 10 of 22

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

Are sharks color blind?

Sharks lack color vision due to having only one type of long-wavelength-sensitive cone cell in their retina. This finding may help prevent shark attacks and improve fishing gear design.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJan 18, 2011

Wiley celebrates a decade of publishing online books

Wiley's Online Books program has evolved over the past decade, providing customers with a wide range of access and purchase options. With over 10,000 online books available, the platform offers unparalleled convenience for researchers, academics, and professionals worldwide.

SourceWiley·DateJan 18, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 18, 2011

Research highlights the key role of estrogen signaling in maintaining energy balance, as well as the propagation of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, a new immune cell activator has been identified to protect mice from tumors through an IFN-gamma-independent mechanism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2011

Weizmann Institute scientists discover: Antioxidants cause fertility problems in females

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute discovered that antioxidants can cause a decrease in ovulation levels in female mice, potentially disrupting fertility. The study suggests that reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in the ovulation process and may be affected by antioxidant supplementation.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2011

Scientists bring cancer cells back under control

Researchers at the University of Nottingham successfully reactivated tumour suppressor genes in breast cancer cells by treating them with Axolotl oocyte extract, stopping cancerous growth after 60 days. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for developing a powerful new technology platform for the treatment of various cancers.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateJan 18, 2011

Antioxidants may improve chances of conceiving in male subfertility

A systematic review found that antioxidant supplements may benefit couples trying to conceive naturally, particularly when the male partner takes antioxidants. The review of 34 trials involving over 2,800 couples suggests a higher likelihood of pregnancy or live birth when antioxidants are used.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 18, 2011

Critique 029: What should we advise about alcohol consumption? A debate amongst scientists

A letter in Intern Emerg Med sparked a debate among scientists about advising the public on safe drinking levels. While some argue that people can't distinguish between low and high consumption, others contend that moderate drinking may reduce stroke risk. Experts emphasize the need for balanced scientific data and personalized advice.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInternal and Emergency Medicine·DateJan 18, 2011

Statins: Benefits questionable in low-risk patients

A new Cochrane Systematic Review questions the benefits of statins in people with no previous history of heart disease. Statin use should be prescribed with caution in those at low risk of cardiovascular disease, as the absolute numbers of people who benefit are lower.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 18, 2011

Why do our emotions get in the way of rational decisions about safety products?

A new study explores how emotions hinder safety product decisions, finding that people reject imperfectly safe options due to feelings of betrayal. Providing positive images and presenting information in a graphic format can help consumers make safer choices. Influencing others' choices can also encourage safer decisions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 18, 2011

Shrinking snow and ice cover intensify global warming

New research from the University of Michigan reveals that decreasing snow and ice cover in the Northern Hemisphere has exacerbated global warming, with a stronger positive feedback mechanism than initially predicted. The study shows that the cryospheric albedo feedback is almost twice as strong as models have simulated, contributing to...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 18, 2011

Adolescents with severe mental disorders have never received treatment

A recent study found that approximately one-third of adolescents with any mental disorder received services for their illness, while only half of those with severely impairing mental disorders had ever received mental health treatment. The study highlights the urgent need to address barriers to recognizing and treating mental health co...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 18, 2011

A different path to fat-related heart disease

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a genetic mechanism that causes lipotoxic cardiomyopathy independently of a diet high in fat. The study found that an imbalance in cellular fats can lead to heart problems, and targeting the SREBP protein may help prevent these issues.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 18, 2011