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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 9


Page 9 of 28

Trigger found for autoimmune heart attacks

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that a protein called alpha-myosin heavy chain triggers inflammatory heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes. The discovery could lead to diagnostic and therapeutic tools for this condition, which is often fatal.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011

Lung cancer study finds mentholated cigarettes no more harmful than regular cigarettes

A large prospective study of black and white smokers found that mentholated cigarettes are associated with a lower lung cancer incidence and fewer lung cancer deaths than regular cigarettes. The researchers also found that menthol smokers reported smoking fewer cigarettes per day, but had similar quit rates as non-menthol smokers.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 23, 2011

Even mild stress is linked to long-term disability

A large population-based study found that even mild stress can lead to long-term disability and an inability to work. Higher levels of stress at the start of the study were associated with a significantly greater likelihood of receiving disability benefits, with up to 70% more likely for those with mild stress.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 23, 2011

Study finds no association between mercury exposure and risk of cardiovascular disease

A large-scale Harvard study of over 51,000 men and 121,700 women found no association between mercury exposure and increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. Higher levels of mercury exposure were actually linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, likely due to beneficial effects of fish consumption.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 23, 2011

Earning its stripes

A new gene called SETDB1 has been found to promote melanoma growth and invasion in a zebrafish model. The researchers also discovered that SETDB1 is present at high levels in 70% of human melanoma samples, suggesting its potential role in the formation of most cases.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2011

When T cells attack: Insight into the mechanism of myocarditis

Researchers discovered that autoimmune disease myocarditis occurs when immune system targets heart muscle cells expressing alpha myosin, a protein required for contraction. Preventing the disease involves exposing T cells to alpha myosin in thymus, suggesting measurement of alpha-myosin as diagnostic tool and potential therapeutic target

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2011

Research brings habitat models into the future

Researchers at Michigan State University have created innovative computer models that can accurately monitor changes in wildlife habitats over time. These models utilize remote sensing technology and can be used to track various changes, including the effects of human activities on habitat quality.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMar 23, 2011

What's mine is virtually yours

A study by University of Bristol academics found that virtual MIMO technology can increase data capacity by up to 50% but also makes things worse for some users in certain scenarios. The researchers propose metrics to determine when to use this technology, highlighting the need for careful design and intelligence in the network.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateMar 23, 2011

New way to detect epileptic seizures

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel algorithm to detect epileptic seizures in real-time, analyzing EEG recordings of patients' brains. The new method has been shown to be highly accurate, detecting every seizure while scoring extremely low false positives rates, and may have applications beyond epilepsy.

Look at me!

Researchers investigated how older women feel about their representation in media and society, finding complex emotions and transformative experiences. The project encouraged women to create alternative images using photography, art therapy, and video techniques, leading to increased confidence and self-acceptance among participants.

Seismology tip sheet for April issue of BSSA, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America

A new seismology tip sheet provides critical information on building in hazardous areas near strike-slip faults, as well as tools for predicting quake shaking in Southern California. Researchers also investigated the impact of wind farms on seismic data collection, finding that nearby turbines can cause 'seismic noise'.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateMar 22, 2011

Who owns our blood?

A University of Melbourne academic warns that lack of specific laws governing Australia's newborn screening program could threaten public trust. The program, which tests baby blood for genetic conditions, raises legal questions about who owns the blood and how it is used.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateMar 22, 2011

Cheap catalyst made easy

Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution have been shown to equal the energy output and outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells. The new process is simpler and cheaper, reducing the cost of fuel cells by up to 75%.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 22, 2011

Hippocampal volume and resilience in posttramatic stress disorder

A new study finds that larger hippocampal volumes are linked to recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implying that the hippocampus may play a role in reversing damage caused by chronic stress. The research suggests that treatment for PTSD could be viewed as a form of brain restoration, rather than just symptom relief.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2011

The killer within -- a novel bacterial suicide mechanism

Researchers found that zeta toxins convert a compound required for bacterial cell wall synthesis into a poison that kills bacteria from within. The toxin-antitoxin systems, which are normally dormant under normal conditions, can be activated to trigger programmed cell death in response to stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 22, 2011