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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 122


Page 122 of 333

Novel technique demonstrates interactions between malaria parasite and HIV

A new video article in JoVE presents a novel technique to study interactions between HIV-1 and Plasmodium falciparum in cultured human cells. This method allows scientists to explore different parameters of co-infection, enabling better understanding of the cellular level interactions between these two deadly diseases.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateAug 15, 2012

University of Maryland researchers identify gut bacteria linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome

University of Maryland researchers have identified 26 species of gut bacteria that appear to be linked to obesity and related metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The study found that these bacteria are present in all individuals, regardless of BMI or metabolic syndrome traits.

Babies may not have a 'moral compass' after all

Recent studies from New Zealand's University of Otago challenge the idea that infants as young as six months possess an innate moral compass, instead suggesting their preferences may be driven by interesting events. Researchers found that infants' choices could be explained by simple associations with specific visual stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 15, 2012

Noise down, neuron signals up

A new biologically accurate model of background noise in the nervous system has been developed to explain how noise induces delays in neuron responses. The researchers found that modulating two factors can help neurons encode information more accurately.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 15, 2012

Team uncovers link between hormone levels and risk for metabolic disease

A team of researchers has shown a link between low levels of adropin, a hormone that regulates glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and increased risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The study found that low adropin levels were associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic syndrome risk factors.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 15, 2012

PLoS ONE launches Synthetic Biology Collection

The PLoS ONE Synthetic Biology Collection assembles articles on various facets of synthetic biology, a dynamically evolving research area that interconnects multiple disciplines. The collection aims to inspire further progress in the field by providing a dedicated repository for researchers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 15, 2012

Even minor physical activity may benefit bone health in premenopausal women

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that even minor physical activity can benefit bone health in premenopausal women by reducing sclerostin and enhancing IGF-1 levels. The study involved 1,235 premenopausal women who were followed for eight weeks, with those engaging in more than two hour...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 15, 2012

Need an expert? Try the crowd

A team at the University of Vermont discovered that crowdsourcing can effectively predict user behavior, such as body weight and electricity use. The experiment showed that self-directed questions and answers by visitors to websites led to computer models that accurately predicted these outcomes.

Girls with ADHD more prone to self-injury, suicide as they enter adulthood

Research from UC Berkeley reveals that girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with internalized issues, such as low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships, as they mature. Longitudinal study finds high rates of self-injury and suicide attempts in young adulthood, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 14, 2012

Deep inside the body, tiny mechanical microscope

A new technology is being used to diagnose illnesses in hard-to-reach areas of the body, but specialists need standardized guidelines to improve accuracy. The study found poor agreement among doctors on the clinical significance of images from the tiny microscope, highlighting the need for improved training and standardization.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalDigestive Diseases and Sciences·DateAug 14, 2012

Girls with ADHD at risk for self-injury, suicide attempts as young adults, says new research

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are significantly more likely to attempt suicide or injure themselves as young adults. The study also found that ADHD in girls can signal future psychological problems and have serious public health implica...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 14, 2012

Hearing the telltale sounds of dangerous chemicals

A new sensor uses a phenomenon called photoacoustic effect to detect and identify chemicals, including nerve agents. The system can identify multiple agents simultaneously in real-time, with potential applications for detecting hazardous gases.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 14, 2012