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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 27


Page 27 of 28

Freedom to choose leisure activities benefits people with autism

A recreation program that allowed autistic adults to choose their own leisure activities improved their communication and social skills, according to Penn State researchers. Participants scored higher on personality tests than a control group, showing significant improvement in recognizing and labeling emotions.

SourcePenn State·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateMar 1, 2011

DREADD-ing your next meal

Researchers found that chronic stimulation of AgRP neurons induces weight gain by increasing food intake, while inhibition inhibits food intake. Stimulating AgRP neurons also triggers intense food seeking behavior.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: March 1, 2011

Studies using DREADD technology found that stimulating AgRP neurons induced weight gain and intense food seeking behavior, while inhibiting these neurons inhibited food intake. In another study, researchers discovered a new mechanism explaining growth hormone's role in fatty liver disease, which may lead to the development of novel tre...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

Spotlight on autism research

UK child psychiatrist Sir Michael Rutter reviews the latest scientific developments in autism research, covering clinical features, genetics, environmental factors, and psychological treatments. Despite substantial gains in knowledge, prevention and cure remain major puzzles in autism research.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 1, 2011

Solving the riddle of nature's perfect spring

Researchers have discovered the structure of tropoelastin, a key component of elastin that provides elasticity to human tissues. The molecule has near-perfect elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to eight times its original length and return to its shape with no loss of energy.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

New kind of optical fiber developed

Researchers have developed a new class of optical fibers using zinc selenide, enabling more efficient light manipulation and transmission in the infrared spectrum. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical lasers, countermeasure lasers, and environmental monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 1, 2011

Emergency mental health lessons learned from Continental Flight 3407 disaster

Mental health responders to the Continental Flight 3407 disaster share key successes and areas for improvement in disaster response planning. Clear relationships among responders, long-lasting mental health referrals, and efficient communication are highlighted as critical components of effective emergency preparedness.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateMar 1, 2011

Regrets? Study examines how people can cope

A new study from Concordia University found that people who focus on others who are worse off with similar regrets tend to experience fewer physical symptoms and improved emotional well-being. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that downplaying others' regrets can be a protective coping mechanism.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 1, 2011

Measuring methane

Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure methane release from cattle, accounting for up to 77% of emissions at a single point in a paddock. The technique uses open-path lasers and global positioning devices to track animal movements and wind speed.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 1, 2011

Answers to a rare and tragic form of epilepsy

A new study reveals that glycogen synthase mistakenly incorporates phosphate molecules into glycogen, leading to the accumulation of 'wrecked' glucose in neurons and the formation of deposits called Lafora bodies. This discovery may lead to a viable therapeutic intervention for Lafora disease, which has no current effective treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 1, 2011

Is March Madness always the same?

A Duke University engineer's theory predicts that dominant teams in March Madness and top-ranked universities share similar hierarchies. The constructal law explains how these systems evolve to minimize imperfections and optimize performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics·DateMar 1, 2011

Abundant ammonia aids life's origins

Researchers found large amounts of ammonia in an asteroid, which could have provided a sustained source of reduced nitrogen essential for life. This discovery has significant implications for the origins-of-life theory and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011

6 different pathways to adulthood

A longitudinal study identifies six different pathways to adulthood among Finnish university students, shaped by career, partnership, and parenthood transitions. The study reveals that young adults with fast or on-time achievement of age-graded developmental tasks experience higher life satisfaction.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateMar 1, 2011

Which symptoms of PTSD do the most damage?

Research identifies four major PTSD symptoms with varying effects on quality of life, challenging common assumptions about the disorder's impact. Symptoms tied to heightened arousal, such as trouble sleeping and irritability, were found to have a significant association with lower quality of life among PTSD patients.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMar 1, 2011

Depressing future for men?

As men lose their primary breadwinner roles, depression and marital conflict are likely to increase. Biological and sociological differences may also make it harder for men to care for young children.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2011

How long do stem cells live?

Researchers created a computer program that predicts the lifespan of hematopoietic stem cells, finding that each cell has a set amount of time for self-renewal. This understanding can improve the safety and efficacy of bone marrow transplants and potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2011