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Science News Archive July 2011 - Page 23


Page 23 of 25

A gut-full of probiotics for your neurological well-being

Researchers propose a new field of microbial endocrinology linking probiotics to neurological function. Studies show that neurochemicals produced by gut microbes can influence behavior and immune response. Probiotic intestinal microbiota may deliver beneficial effects through direct uptake from the gut.

SourceWiley·JournalBioEssays·DateJul 5, 2011

China's competitive advantage

China's strengthening global presence is closely tied to its economic expansion, potentially securing a sustainable dominant position in the world. The country has witnessed an average annual growth rate of over 10% for nearly two decades, with its merchandise trade growing at about 14% annually.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management·DateJul 5, 2011

Just add water and treat brain cancer

Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy system using nanoparticles that can be freeze-dried and stored for up to three months. The technology shows promise in treating brain cancer with high efficacy and minimal risk of complications, offering a potential alternative to traditional therapies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 5, 2011

Study: Preventive use of one form of natural vitamin E may reduce stroke damage

A new study found that preventive use of tocotrienol, a form of natural vitamin E, reduced brain tissue damage and preserved neural connections in dogs after they suffered strokes. The research suggests that this natural supplement may be beneficial for people at high risk of stroke, such as those who have had a previous ministroke.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2011

Termites' digestive system could act as biofuel refinery

A Purdue University study discovered a combination of enzymes in termite guts and symbionts that can efficiently break down woody biomass for biofuel production. The researchers found that the enzymes work together synergistically to release sugars from plant material, which is essential for creating biofuels like ethanol.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2011

Safer skies

A new algorithm using GPS data from a tracking system can predict and prevent collisions between small aircraft. Researchers at MIT have developed the algorithm to address the challenge of false alarms while allowing for some error margin.

Cutting down on salt doesn't reduce your chance of dying

A systematic review found that moderate salt reductions don't lower the likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease. While reducing salt intake does lower blood pressure, it didn't significantly reduce the risk of heart disease or mortality. Experts call for more research to find effective ways to reduce salt intake.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Putting sunshine in the tank

Researchers from the University of Manchester and consortium partners are working on harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel. The technology has potential to revolutionize energy usage in the coming decades by creating clean, green fuels.

Vitamin D can help elderly women survive

A systematic review found that vitamin D3 supplementation increased survival in elderly women, particularly those at risk of falls and fractures. The study analyzed 50 randomized trials involving over 94,000 participants and suggested a reduced risk of mortality by approximately 6% with long-term treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Couples report gender differences in relationship, sexual satisfaction over time

A study of over 1,000 couples from the US, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Spain found that men reported higher relationship happiness and women reported higher sexual satisfaction with age. Frequent kissing and cuddling predicted happiness in men, while higher sexual functioning and more frequent sex were linked to sexual satisfaction for...

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJul 5, 2011

Folate intake may reduce colorectal cancer risk

A large cohort study found that high folate intake was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The study also distinguished between natural and synthetic forms of folate and found no increased risk among participants consuming high levels of folate through supplements or fortification.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 5, 2011

In homes with substantiated child abuse reports, study identifies groups at higher risk for reabuse

A study found that children who remain in the home after a report of abuse are at increased risk of further abuse if they have certain characteristics, such as behavior problems and developmental disabilities. The study identified groupings of characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of reabuse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011

More than 1 in 10 chance of colder UK winters

New research predicts that UK winters will become colder due to low solar activity, with a 10% chance of returning to Maunder minimum conditions within 50 years. This could lead to an average winter temperature below 2.5°C, with implications for national infrastructure planning.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 4, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that massage therapy is more effective than usual medical interventions for improving pain and function in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers also suggest that relaxation massage may have a slight advantage over structural massage due to its wider availability.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011

Patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death

A meta-analysis of previous studies found that patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death, especially those with anorexia nervosa. The study also highlighted the seriousness of bulimia nervosa and disordered eating not otherwise specified, which are often overlooked due to limited published data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 4, 2011

Study shows answers for treating obesity-related diseases may reside in fat tissue

A study by Boston University School of Medicine shows that the quality of fat tissue, not just its quantity, contributes to inflammation and vascular disease in obese individuals. The research identified that 30% of obese subjects demonstrated reduced fat inflammation, less insulin resistance, and similar vascular function.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 4, 2011

The forces of attraction: How cells change direction

A team of researchers developed a novel technique to study how cells respond to changing concentrations of chemoattractants. The study reveals two ways cells can reorient in response to changes, and provides insights into the underlying signaling pathways that control chemotaxis. The research has clinical significance for embryonic dev...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Crucial role for molecule in muscle development

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that a specific microRNA, miR-206, plays a pivotal role in normal muscle development during embryonic stages. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the maintenance and regeneration of healthy muscle tissue, particularly in diseases such as muscular dystrophy and cancer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Length of parental military deployment associated with children's mental health diagnoses

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children whose parents were deployed for longer periods had a higher likelihood of receiving a mental health diagnosis. The researchers analyzed data from over 307,000 children and found that the length of parental deployment was significantly associated wit...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011

Body's natural marijuana-like chemicals make fatty foods hard to resist

Researchers discovered that when rats tasted fatty foods, cells in their upper gut produced endocannabinoids, triggering a surge in cell signaling that prompts overeating. The study suggests that obstructing endocannabinoid activity may curb this tendency, offering new potential treatments for obesity and related diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011

Most of world's 'missing species' live in known hotspots

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that most of the world's undiscovered species reside in regions already identified as conservation priorities. This suggests recent conservation efforts have been effective and should reduce uncertainty over global conservation priorities.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2011