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Science News for November 28, 2011


How the brain strings words into sentences

A study published in Neuron reveals that upper and lower white matter fiber pathways play distinct roles in language processing. Patients with damage to the lower pathway struggle with lexical semantics but excel at constructing sentences, while those with damage to the upper pathway have difficulties with syntactic processing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNeuron·DateNov 28, 2011

What wakes dormant tumor cells

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that protein BMP7 signals prostate tumor cells to enter a state of dormancy. Withdrawal of this protein restarts tumor growth, offering potential new therapies to prevent recurrence.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 28, 2011

New insight into climate change in the Pacific

The report presents the most comprehensive scientific analysis of climate change in the Pacific region, indicating warmer temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased extreme weather events. Future projections suggest decreased droughts and tropical cyclone frequencies, but increased extreme rainfall and sea-level rise.

Patients with balance disorders benefit from integrative therapy

A special issue of NeuroRehabilitation highlights the latest clinical advances in vestibular rehabilitation, a proven treatment for balance disorders associated with neurological disease or trauma. The integration of multiple disciplines and specialized training has improved patient outcomes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateNov 28, 2011

Reality in the eye of the beholder

Dartmouth Computer Science Professor Hany Farid and Eric Kee propose a rating system to assess the extent of digital retouching in photos. This metric could incentivize publishers and models to reduce extreme forms of retouching, potentially mitigating adverse effects on body image and public health.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2011

No plain sailing for marine life as climate warms

Marine life may need to relocate faster than land species due to climate warming, posing a significant conservation challenge. The rate at which marine life relocates depends on the distance it needs to travel to reach its preferred temperature conditions, with many areas having relatively little temperature variation.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2011

New compound defeats drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a new compound that can defeat drug-resistant bacteria by blocking their efflux pumps. The compound, called BU-005, was found to inhibit the activity of two different families of drug-efflux pumps, one associated with Gram-positive bacteria and the other with Gram-negative bacteria.

SourceBrown University·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateNov 28, 2011

Caregivers at risk for health problems

Research reveals that caregivers' daily lives are disrupted by their loved one's behaviors, leading to elevated stress levels and physical health risks. The study also found that caregiving can tax the caregiver's HPA system, contributing to cardiovascular and metabolic problems.

The art of stabilizing entangled spaghetti-like materials

Researchers have found that electric charge ratio and polymer concentrations control complex properties, allowing stable delivery of DNA into targeted cell nuclei. Future work focuses on forming complexes with controlled size and electric charge for efficient gene therapy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 28, 2011

Report: Herbicide atrazine spurs reproductive problems in many creatures

The review found consistent patterns of reproductive dysfunction in animals exposed to atrazine, with effects observed in amphibians, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Atrazine has been shown to disrupt hormone function and sexual development, leading to feminization of male gonads in many species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateNov 28, 2011

Men's honest overconfidence may lead to male domination in the C-suite

A recent study by Columbia Business School reveals that men's natural overconfidence in their past performance contributes significantly to the lack of female representation in upper management positions. The researchers found that while both men and women exhibit similar tendencies to exaggerate their performance, men consistently rat...

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateNov 28, 2011

Drug may slow spread of deadly eye cancer

Researchers have discovered a drug that can alter the DNA of uveal melanoma cells, rendering them less aggressive. The treatment, known as histone deacetylase inhibitors, may slow or prevent tumor growth in patients with metastatic eye cancer.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 28, 2011

Socioeconomic status may explain racial disparities in diet, exercise, and weight

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that racial disparities in diet, exercise, and weight are more closely related to differences in socioeconomic status than nutrition knowledge. People with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be overweight, regardless of racial background.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateNov 28, 2011

Depression can lead to heart disease

A recent study conducted by Concordia University found that depressed individuals are twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to non-depressed individuals. The study also showed that depressed individuals take longer to recover their normal heart rate after exercise, indicating a dysfunctional stress response.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateNov 28, 2011

Pollen research not be sniffed at

The 'Pollen Under the Microscope' exhibition showcases stunning images of pollens from Australia and overseas, using cutting-edge technology to rapidly identify pollen grains. Pollen is vital for human life, agriculture, and biodiversity, and this technology aims to aid conservation and ecology by providing more accessible information.

Boys with regressive autism, but not early onset autism, have larger brains

A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that 3-year-old boys with regressive autism have larger brains than their healthy counterparts, while girls with autism do not show abnormal brain growth. Brain enlargement was consistently observed only in the subset of children diagnosed with regressive autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2011