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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 159


Page 159 of 333

Researchers identify new brain receptor for fantasy

A team of researchers has identified the natural receptor in the brain where GHB binds, shedding light on its physiological function and potential risks. This discovery opens up new research opportunities, including the development of targeted pharmaceuticals with reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Analysis of KRYSTEXXA phase III data demonstrates improved health-related quality of life and physical function in refractory chronic gout patients

A new study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows that KRYSTEXXA significantly improves pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life in adult patients with refractory chronic gout. The treatment resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in these areas compared to placebo.

SourceBurns McClellan·JournalThe Journal of Rheumatology·DateJul 2, 2012

Despite hardships, black men in urban communities are resilient, MU researcher says

A University of Missouri researcher studied the efforts of low-income Black men living in urban areas to negotiate social environments and found that many have developed five primary forms of resilience to overcome adversity. The study suggests that these resilience strategies can be taught and nurtured, and community members and gover...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateJul 2, 2012

Multiple proxy datasets can clarify ancient climate regimes

Researchers used tree ring data from the US Pacific Northwest and oxygen isotope analysis of lake sediments to clarify ancient climate regimes. The study suggests that drought patterns in the American West may have varied across different regions, with some areas experiencing wetter winters than expected.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Mount Sinai finds common factors in autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found a link between increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The study suggests shared etiologic risk factors among these disorders, potentially leading to more similar understanding and treatment approaches.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2012

Paints and coatings containing bactericidal agent nanoparticles combat marine fouling

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered that vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of barnacles, bacteria, and algae on surfaces in contact with water. This could lead to the development of new protective coatings that are less damaging to the environment than current ship coatings.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 2, 2012

Melon genome obtained

The melon genome consists of 450 million base pairs and 27,427 genes, with seven varieties sequenced. Key findings include genes related to disease resistance and the ripening process, offering potential for improving crop yields and quality.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Higher levels of public reimbursement positively influence national birth rates and reduce unmet needs in subfertile populations

A study found that higher public reimbursement for fertility treatment increases access to care, reducing unmet needs in subfertile populations. Countries with more generous funding policies have a higher volume of ART cycles performed and lower rates of multiple births.

Study suggests antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy linked to increased risk of gestational diabetes

A Swedish study suggests that antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women treated with these medications had a fourfold higher risk of gestational diabetes compared to those not taking any medication, according to the study published in Archives of General Psychiatry.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2012

Childless women with fertility problems at higher risk of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders

A large Danish cohort study reveals that childless women who undergo fertility evaluations have a higher risk of hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. The study found significant correlations between childlessness and increased rates of substance abuse, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.

Charting autism's neural circuitry

Researchers found that deleting a single gene in the cerebellum of mice caused autistic-like behavior, but administering an immunosuppressant drug prevented these symptoms. The study suggests a molecular component for autism development and may lead to better understanding of the condition.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2012

Nearly 30 percent of teens send nude pictures despite being 'bothered' by requests

A study found that nearly 30 percent of teens send nude pictures via email or text, and this behavior is indicative of their overall sexual activity. Teen girls who engage in sexting are more likely to participate in risky behaviors, including multiple partners and substance use before sex.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 2, 2012

Newly discovered dinosaur implies greater prevalence of feathers

A newly discovered dinosaur, Sciurumimus albersdoerferi, has provided evidence that all predatory dinosaurs had feathers, challenging the previous assumption that feathered dinosaurs were only related to birds. The fossil, which represents a juvenile specimen, shows a remarkable difference in diet between young and adult megalosaurs.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Gene variant reduces cholesterol by 2 mechanisms

A gene variant in sortilin, responsible for higher protein expression in liver, has been found to reduce cholesterol levels. The study reveals two mechanisms: increased LDL degradation and decreased APOB secretion via lysosomal targeting.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

Study: Kids with behavior problems, disabilities bullied more, more likely to bully others

A new study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that students with behavioral disorders and observable disabilities are at a higher risk of being bullied and bullying others. The study, which followed over 800 students, suggests that anti-bullying interventions emphasizing prosocial skills could help address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of School Psychology·DateJul 2, 2012

Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy highlights energy trends in China

Researchers in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy analyze China's emerging energy trends, finding increased bioenergy utilization but still dispersed biomass resources. A study on cooking fuel transition suggests universal access to modern fuels could be achieved in urban areas by 2030 for a relatively low cost.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJul 2, 2012