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Science News for March 24, 2011


Exploding stars and stripes

A pattern of X-ray 'stripes' in the Tycho supernova remnant supports a theory on how magnetic fields amplify near expanding shock waves, accelerating particles to extreme energies. The discovery may provide direct evidence for the production of cosmic rays.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 2011

Micro-RNA's contribute to risk for panic disorder

Researchers found that four microRNAs (miR-22, miR-138-2, miR-148a, and miR-488) are associated with panic disorder, regulating genes related to anxiety pathways in the brain. The study suggests a coordinated involvement of multiple risk genes, implying the existence of molecular 'switches' that control gene function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 24, 2011

Eye movement differs in British and Chinese populations

Researchers found a rare eye movement pattern more common in healthy Chinese individuals than in British participants, challenging the assumption that this pattern is only indicative of underlying neurological issues. This discovery could indicate subtle cultural or genetic influences on brain function, warranting further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalExperimental Brain Research·DateMar 24, 2011

Just 6 months of hormone therapy doubles survival chances when added to radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer

A new study found that combining 6 months of hormone therapy with radiotherapy significantly improved survival rates for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The treatment reduced the risk of death from prostate cancer by half and deaths from any cause by a third compared to radiation alone.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 24, 2011

NeuroImage: Multiplexing in the visual brain

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum successfully visualized distinct activity patterns overlaid in primary visual cortex, indicating simultaneous encoding of object orientation and motion direction speed. This breakthrough demonstrates the brain's ability to process multiple visual cues simultaneously.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 24, 2011

ICUROS study finds international variations in quality of life loss after fracture

A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found substantial initial quality of life loss following osteoporotic fractures, particularly for hip and vertebral fractures. The study, part of the ICUROS international patient-based study, identified significant variations in quality of life loss between countries.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 24, 2011

Bats keep separate households

Researchers found that males and females use different foraging grounds, with females relying heavily on lake shores and males using a broader range of resources. The study suggests that conservation efforts should prioritize female needs and account for sex-specific habitat use in monitoring efforts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateMar 24, 2011

MRSA infection shown to be seasonal

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a significant increase in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections during the summer and autumn months, particularly among pediatric patients. The researchers attribute this seasonal variation to high temperatures and humidity promoting microbial growth on the skin.

SourceLifespan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2011

Researchers reveal remarkable fossil

Researchers have discovered a remarkable 525-million-year-old fossil of a 'feathered helmet from beyond the clouds,' offering insights into ancient biology and evolution. The find belongs to a group called pterobranch hemichordates, related to starfish and sea urchins.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 24, 2011

Good news! Hope makes headlines

Researchers from McGill University found that cancer coverage has increased in Canadian newspapers over the past 20 years, with a greater emphasis on positivity and hope. However, the study also identified a gap in coverage of palliative care and psychological aspects of cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateMar 24, 2011

Closing in on the pseudogap

A team of scientists has found that the pseudogap in high-temperature superconductors is not a gradual transition to superconductivity, but rather a distinct phase of matter. This discovery challenges current understanding and opens up new possibilities for achieving superconductivity at higher temperatures.

Great Depression did not significantly improve life expectancy in the US

A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found no significant impact of the Great Depression on mortality rates in urban US populations. The study suggests that government responses to economic crises can affect health outcomes, with protective effects observed during periods like the New Deal.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 24, 2011

Around 25 percent of health messages in Spanish text books are not based on scientific evidence

A study by Baza Hospital found that 24.6% of health messages in primary and secondary school text books are not based on scientific evidence. The research analyzed 844 messages, with 61% classified as having an unknown level of evidence, and identified high levels of scientific proof in topics like oral health and pregnancy.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 24, 2011