Climbers leave rare plants' genetic variation on the rocks
Research reveals climbing affects plant size and distribution, altering genetic variation; conservation plans recommended to protect native vegetation
Science News Archive May 2011
Page 26 of 28
Why the eye is better than a camera
Researchers discovered that the human eye's horizontal cells boost photoreceptor signals while preserving contrast, allowing for sharper images with less sacrifice of shadow detail. This positive feedback mechanism is found across vertebrates and is thought to be responsible for the eye's ability to detect faint details near edges.
A boring life -- the Asiatic wild ass in the Mongolian Gobi
The Asiatic wild ass is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. The species' range is limited to areas with low biomass production, forcing it into unproductive habitats. Conservation efforts could benefit not only the wild ass but also other rare mammals by opening up migration corridors.
Thylacine hunting behavior: Case of crying wolf?
Researchers at Brown University study thylacine bones and find they were solitary, ambush-style predators, unlike dogs that hunt in packs. Their unique arm structure allowed for subduing prey after surprise attacks, differing from other large canid species.
Grazing as a conservation tool
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that rotational grazing techniques can benefit both cattle and wildlife in native pasturelands. The results show a greater forage base, producing larger, more valuable cattle while reducing incentives for deforestation and habitat loss.
Succulent plants waited for cool, dry Earth to make their mark
Researchers propose that a prolonged dry spell and lower atmospheric carbon dioxide levels drove the rise of cacti and other succulents, leading to rapid speciation between 5-10 million years ago. This coincided with species explosions in other plant groups, including C4 grasses, which burst onto the scene during the same time period.
Scientists track evolution and spread of deadly fungus, one of the world's major killers
Research sheds light on origins of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal infection that causes meningitis in HIV patients. The study reveals the pathogen evolved and spread from Africa to Asia over 7,000 years ago.
Carnegie Mellon uses social networking to tap collective intelligence of online study groups
Carnegie Mellon University has developed Classroom Salon, a social networking application that engages students in online learning communities to share ideas and critiques. The app aims to personalize instruction for specific individuals and groups, particularly at-risk students who may benefit from collaborative work.
Most patients recover from 'chemo-brain' by 5 years after stem cell transplant
A study found that most patients experience a return to normal motor and memory function within five years after stem cell transplant. However, some patients continue to have measurable deficits in fine motor skills and verbal memory, highlighting the need for cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
Market lighting affects nutrients
A study by USDA scientists found that spinach leaves exposed to continuous light during storage were more nutritionally dense than those in dark conditions. The researchers discovered a significant increase in levels of carotenoids and vitamins C, E, K, and B9, or folate, in the continuously lit spinach.
Improved protocols for contrast agents eliminates new cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
A study implemented strict protocols for administering gadolinium-based contrast agents, eliminating new cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The protocol has been effective in preventing the condition in patients with decreased kidney function.
World's smallest atomic clock on sale
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a tiny atomic clock that is 100 times smaller and uses 100 times less power than its predecessors. The portable Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) has various specialized applications, including timing operations for miners and divers in deep-sea explorations.
How should systematic reviews consider evidence on harms?
A new study suggests that systematic reviews should evaluate a broad range of study designs, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies, to build a complete picture of potential harm. This approach may improve the generalizability of the review without loss of validity.
Amygdala detects spontaneity in human behavior
Researchers found that the amygdala is active when listening to improvised melodies and sensitive to fluctuations in loudness and timing. A network of areas also shows increased activity when detecting spontaneous behavior.
Why the eye is better than a camera at capturing contrast and faint detail simultaneously
Researchers discovered that the eye's horizontal cells send both negative and positive feedback to photoreceptors, enhancing contrast while preserving faint detail. This new mechanism, distinct from electrical signals, allows the eye to detect small, faint spots near edges.
Protein identified as enemy of vital tumor suppressor PTEN
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered WWP2's role in regulating PTEN, a tumor suppressor protein. WWP2 binding to PTEN leads to its degradation, allowing cancer cells to grow uncontrollably.
Researchers see a 'picture' of threat in the brain: Work may lead to new model of neuroinflammation
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that social stress can increase inflammation among brain cells, leading to anxiety-like behaviors. The researchers found that immune cells migrated to the brain in response to social stress, triggering an inflammatory response and a specific activation pattern of neurons.
Extracting stem cells from fat for tissue regeneration
Stem cells extracted from human fat may revolutionize soft tissue reconstruction, cartilage and bone development, and cardiovascular disease treatment. The researchers have developed a technique to decellularize adipose tissue, creating a scaffold for stem cell growth.
MIT: Removable 'cloak' for nanoparticles helps them target tumors
MIT scientists have designed a new type of nanoparticle that can target nearly any type of tumor by utilizing the acidic environment shared by most cancers. The particles are designed to break down in the slightly more acidic environment near a tumor, revealing another layer that can penetrate individual cells.
Pistachios pummel pretzels as a weight-wise snack
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that pistachio snackers had better success with supporting their body mass index (BMI) goals compared to those who snacked on pretzels. Pistachios also helped support heart health due to their high levels of healthy unsaturated fat.
Nature of bonding determines thermal conductivity
Phase change materials exhibit surprisingly low thermal conductivity in both crystalline and amorphous states. The researchers found that resonance bonding between atoms in the crystalline state impairs heat conduction. This property makes phase change materials suitable for developing fast, non-volatile, and energy-saving main memories.
New online crisis management and evaluation tool introduced by researchers
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have launched a new online Crisis Communication Scorecard to help public authorities improve their communication before, during, and after emergencies or disasters. The free online tool assesses stakeholder expectations, media relations, and cooperation between crisis responders.
Screening for hepatitis B may be cost-effective for more of the population, analysis shows
Researchers found that current prevention and screening standards are worth the cost and may need expansion to include more of the population. Screening followed by treatment with a low-cost, high-resistance nucleoside or nucleotide is cost-effective at $29,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained.
Rate of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries decreases substantially
The annual rate of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries in the US decreased substantially between 2001 and 2008, with a 15% decrease in CABG surgery rate. In contrast, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) rates remained relatively stable during this period.
Breast cancers found between mammograms more likely to be aggressive
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancers discovered between screening mammograms tend to be more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis. The research compared data from women with interval cancers (detected between mammograms) to those detected during routine screening.
Emergency care researchers say cheap life-saving drug should be made freely available
Researchers found that a year of healthy life could be saved for around the price of filling up an average family car in the UK. Administering tranexamic acid within three hours of injury saves estimated 755,000 life years per 1,000 bleeding trauma patients in the UK, Tanzania, and India.
Structured exercise training associated with improved glycemic control for patients with diabetes
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that structured exercise training, including aerobic and resistance exercises, significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Longer weekly exercise duration is also linked to greater HbA1c decreases.
Genome duplication encourages rapid adaptation of plants
Researchers found that doubling a plant's chromosome set can grant it an immediate survival advantage in challenging environments. The experiment showed that hexaploid yarrow outperformed its tetraploid counterpart by five-fold, with the difference attributed solely to the increased chromosome number.
What lies beneath the seafloor?
A team of researchers deployed an observatory system to study microbial life in the ocean crust, revealing a large reservoir of seawater that supports a dynamic ecosystem. The study provides insights into hydrogeology, geochemistry, and microbiology, with potential applications for understanding earthquakes and carbon storage.
Penn researchers develop technique for measuring stressed molecules in cells
Biophysicists at Penn have developed a new technique to study how proteins respond to physical stress, particularly in red blood cells. The technique, which measures the degree of exposed cysteine in proteins, reveals that stressed cells are more fluorescent under microscopy.
Physicians suggest how airlines can better respond to in-flight emergencies
Physicians suggest that airlines adopt standardized recording systems for in-flight medical emergencies and mandatory reporting to the National Transportation Safety Board. They also recommend enhanced training for flight attendants and standardized communication with ground-to-air medical support.
Boston University researchers validate important roles of iPSCs in regenerative medicine
Researchers from Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine have demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into definitive endoderm cells in vitro, with similar functional potential to embryonic stem cells. This finding is significant given the controversy surrounding iPSCs and their potential...
Public confused about ingredients in pain relievers
A Northwestern University study found that many people are unaware of the active ingredients in over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. The researchers suggest developing a universal icon for acetaminophen to raise awareness and prevent misuse.
Cells derived from different stem cells: Same or different?
Researchers have found that mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and embryonic stem (ES) cells produce highly similar definitive endoderm when differentiated in vitro. This suggests that iPS cells could be used for developing cell-based therapies for diseased endoderm-derived tissues.
PET-CT exams help identify cognitive reserve in early-onset Alzheimer's disease
Early-onset Alzheimer's disease can be identified through PET-CT examinations, which reveal a 'cognitive reserve' that slows symptom expression. This discovery supports earlier diagnosis and education to improve patient outcomes.
Study: Rare deep-sea starfish stuck in juvenile body plan
A team of scientists used genetic sequencing and supercomputing to determine that Xyloplax is not a new class of animals but rather a rare example of natural selection shaping its life cycle. The study found that Xyloplax has a truncated life cycle, retaining juvenile features into adulthood.
Mayo Clinic CPR efforts successful on man with no pulse for 96 minutes
A 54-year-old man collapsed and was without a pulse for 96 minutes, but made a complete recovery thanks to continuous CPR, defibrillator shocks, and capnography. The case suggests further study of advanced life support techniques is warranted.
The winners of mass extinction: With predators gone, prey thrives
A 360-million-year-old mass extinction event devastated fish populations, allowing crinoids to thrive and diversify. The study found that the ripple effects of this extinction event could last millions of years.
Single atom stores quantum information
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics successfully stored quantum information in a single atom, overcoming previous challenges in photon-atom interactions. The technique uses a rubidium atom to store the quantum state of photons, enabling potential applications in powerful quantum computers and networks.
In-hospital deaths declined over time at children's hospital without pediatric medical emergency team
A study found that children's hospital mortality rates decreased over time in the absence of a Pediatric Medical Emergency Team. The researchers suggest other interventions may have confounded previous studies' results, highlighting the need for larger and better-designed PMET evaluations.
New protein regulates water in the brain to control inflammation
Researchers discovered a novel role for aquaporin-4 in brain inflammation, which causes astrocyte swelling and cytokine release. The study suggests that inhibition or down-regulation of aquaporin-4 expression may offer a new therapeutic option for diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.
A little belly fat can double the risk of death in coronary artery disease patients
A large waist circumference or high waist-to-hip ratio significantly increases the risk of death in coronary artery disease patients, even among those with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). The study refutes the obesity paradox, suggesting that central obesity is a more critical factor than overall weight.
JCI online early table of contents: May 2, 2011
Researchers discovered that immune cells play a crucial role in the worsening of atopic dermatitis when exposed to food allergens, with implications for prevention and treatment. Additionally, studies identified TIF1-gamma as a tumor suppressor in mouse and human chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.
Pain and itch connected down deep
Researchers have found that itch receptors work through pain receptors on sensory neurons, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for intractable itch, particularly in chronic diseases such as kidney and liver failure, diabetes, and cancer.
Blueprint of a trend: How does a financial bubble burst?
A joint study by academics in Switzerland, Germany, and at Boston University reveals a unique empirical law quantifying market behavior near price lows and highs. The researchers found that this law is valid for both small and large financial bubbles, suggesting that the formation of trends does not depend on time scale.
Merck's investigational prostaglandin analogue ophthalmic medication tafluprost meets primary endpoint in phase III study
Tafluprost met primary endpoint in phase III study, showing comparable IOP-lowering effect to timolol. The medication achieved significant IOP reduction from baseline and demonstrated non-inferiority to existing treatments.
Limited English proficiency among parents associated with increased length of hospital stay
Parents with limited English proficiency have a longer hospital stay and fewer home health care referrals compared to those who speak fluent English. The study found that 39 out of 1,257 pediatric patients had LEP, resulting in median hospital stays of 6.1 days vs 4.0 days for proficient patients.
Think it's easy to be macho? Psychologists show how 'precarious' manhood is
Research by Jennifer K. Bosson and Joseph A. Vandello finds that men's 'precarious' manhood is defined by achievements, not biology, making it vulnerable to social transgressions. This vulnerability leads to aggression as a way to restore manhood, with negative consequences on mental health.
Moderate levels of secondhand smoke deliver nicotine to the brain
A recent NIH-funded study demonstrates that moderate levels of secondhand smoke deliver nicotine to the brain, increasing vulnerability to nicotine addiction. The study's findings support policies banning smoking in public places, particularly around children.
College students' use of Kindle DX points to e-reader’s role in academia
A study of University of Washington graduate students using Kindle DX found that students want improved support for note-taking, referencing, and viewing figures. The device's limitations, including difficulty switching between reading styles and lack of physical cues, pose challenges for e-readers in the academic market.
Endogenous proteins found in a 70-million-year-old giant marine lizard
Researchers use synchrotron radiation to detect amino acids in ancient bone tissue, confirming the presence of primary biomolecules. The study expands our understanding of protein preservation in fossils, challenging previous assumptions about the limited availability of soft tissues and endogenous biomolecules.
Research demonstrates link between H1N1 and low birth weight
Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island found that pregnant women infected with H1N1 influenza during the 2009 pandemic were more likely to give birth to lower-weight babies. The studies also tracked outcomes and determined the importance of timely antiviral treatment in pregnancy.
New studies show negative effects from revised mammography recommendation for women, ages 40-49
Two new studies show a significant drop in mammograms performed in women aged 40-49, leading to decreased benefits of early detection. Researchers found that cancers detected earlier through screening mammography presented at an earlier stage than those not screened, resulting in lower survival rates if guidelines are followed.
March of Dimes awards $250,000 prize to scientists who explained human sex chromosomes
Two scientists, Patricia Ann Jacobs and David C. Page, received the 2011 March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for their research on the X and Y chromosomes, expanding medicine's ability to diagnose and understand infertility and other diseases.
Researchers turn to museums to track down clues in mysterious amphibian declines
A study using DNA from museum specimens reveals a clear pattern of amphibian decline linked to the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The researchers found that the fungus first appeared in southern Mexico in the early 1970s, spreading southward to Central America and causing mass extirpation of neotropical amphibians.
Advanced CT with 3-D scanning improve detection of drug trafficking and other contraband smuggling
Advanced CT with 3-D scanning enhances detection of ingested or hidden contraband items, improving law enforcement efforts to combat international drug trafficking. This technology also helps healthcare professionals identify medical complications and prevent hazardous internal problems for drug smugglers.
'Small fry' fish just as vulnerable to population plunges as sharks or tuna
A new study finds that small fish populations are just as likely to have collapsed in the last 50 years as large fish stocks. Small species were up to twice as likely to have suffered a major decline due to overfishing, highlighting their importance in the oceanic food chain.
ENERCA clinical recommendations for sickle cell disease management and prevention in children
The ENERCA network has published a series of recommendations for disease management and prevention of complications in children with sickle cell disease. The guidelines recommend universal neonatal screening, prophylaxis with penicillin, and transcranial Doppler scanning to prevent infections and strokes.
Washing with contaminated soap increases bacteria on hands
Research found that washing with contaminated liquid soap increases Gram-negative bacteria on hands 26-fold, and bacteria from contaminated hands can be transferred to secondary surfaces. This study highlights the importance of using sealed-soap dispensers in community settings.
ACR white paper prepares radiologists for participation in accountable care organizations
The ACR white paper offers strategies for radiologist participation in accountable care organizations (ACOs), combining traditional image interpretation with new value-added services. The ACR is developing tools to assist members in the transition and advocating for radiologist compensation for these services.