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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 333

Fox invasion threatens wave of extinction, UC research finds

Foxes are widespread in northern and eastern Tasmania, with a predicted spread that could lead to devastating consequences for the island's wildlife. The University of Canberra team used DNA detection techniques to map their distribution and recommend targeting all highly suitable fox habitats for eradication.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 4, 2012

New study reveals lions are rapidly losing ground in Africa

A new study reveals lions have lost 75% of their original natural habitat in Africa, leading to devastating declines in lion populations across the continent. The research identifies only 67 isolated regions with significant lion populations, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

SourcePanthera·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateDec 4, 2012

The dance of quantum tornadoes

Researchers at University of Cambridge create hundreds of tiny twisters on chip using quantum mechanics, controlling electron movement and light interaction to form 'polariton'. This enables precise measurement of motion and surface irregularities with sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2012

Understanding anger, overcoming anxiety

A new study from Concordia University found that for individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anger is a major exacerbating factor, contributing to symptoms and potentially hindering treatment. The research suggests that internalized anger expression may be a stronger predictor of GAD than other forms of anger.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCognitive Behaviour Therapy·DateDec 4, 2012

First measurements made of key brain links

Researchers at Brown University have made the first direct measurements of cause-and-effect responses between the nonspecific thalamus and the prefrontal cortex. The study reveals that inhibitory neurons respond strongly to thalamic signals, leading to a pattern of excitation in the cortex that sustains attention and arousal over time.

How 'transparent' is graphene?

Recent research at MIT shows that adding a layer of graphene to a surface has little effect on its interaction with liquids, except for extreme cases. The team's findings demonstrate the ability to manipulate wettability while preserving electrical conductivity and optical properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 3, 2012

American Society of Clinical Oncology issues annual report on state of clinical cancer science

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released its annual report on the top cancer advances of 2012, showcasing significant developments in precision medicine and targeted treatments. The report highlights seven new FDA approvals for anticancer agents, including therapies for breast and prostate cancers.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 3, 2012

Listen up, doc: Empathy raises patients' pain tolerance

A Michigan State University research team discovered that doctors who listen carefully to their patients have happier patients with better health outcomes. The study found that patient-centered relationships reduce brain activity in the anterior insula, a region responsible for pain perception, and lead to lower self-reported pain levels.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateDec 3, 2012

Plant organ development breakthrough

A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of brassinosteroid hormone in plant organ development, shedding light on how plants form their organs and boundaries. The research found that activation of the brassinosteroid pathway represses genes responsible for organ boundary formation, leading to fused organs.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2012

JCI early table of contents for Dec. 3, 2012

Researchers have discovered that lithium restores cognitive function in Down syndrome mice, while stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons improve motor defects in Parkinson's disease monkeys. Additionally, inhibiting a key protein in Alzheimer's disease may reduce plaque formation and improve memory tasks. Moreover, tempering inflammati...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2012

Common diabetes drug may help treat ovarian cancer

Researchers found that ovarian cancer patients who took metformin lived significantly longer than those who did not, with a 3.7 times increased survival rate after accounting for other factors. The study suggests metformin may be considered for prevention or treatment of ovarian cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 3, 2012

'Junk DNA' drives embryonic development

Sanford-Burnham researchers found that two microRNA families, let-7 and miR-18, regulate germ layer formation by dampening the TGFβ signaling pathway. This discovery provides a paradigm for whole-genome screening and its use in identifying molecular signals controlling complex biological processes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 3, 2012

Research from King's College London reveals why some teenagers more prone to binge drinking

A new study by King's College London has identified the RASGRF2 gene as a key player in regulating alcohol-induced reinforcement, with individuals carrying the variation more likely to engage in binge drinking. The research also found that the absence of this gene reduces alcohol-seeking activity and impairs brain function.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2012

UMiami scientists partner with NOAA, Stanford and U of N Texas to study post spill fish toxicology

Researchers used hatchery technology to test the impact of DWH oil on mahi mahi embryos, finding that even low levels of PAHs can cause significant physiological damage. The study also revealed that photo-enhanced toxicity can increase sensitivity by up to 20-fold, affecting fish swimming performance and survival.