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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 2


Page 2 of 29

How does the immune system fight off threats to the brain? New research yields fresh insight

Researchers have discovered that immune cells in the brain use a two-tier approach to combat infections, sending signals to neighboring cells while focusing their attack on infected cells. This finding may help researchers develop new treatments for brain tumors and autoimmune diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

Jarid2 may break the Polycomb silence

Researchers found that Jarid2, a component of the Polycomb repressive complex 2, occasionally activates gene expression in fruit fly embryos. This challenges the traditional view of Polycomb proteins as transcriptional repressors, suggesting a more complex role for PRC2 and its components in development and cancer.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateApr 30, 2012

Lymphoma therapy could deliver a double punch

Researchers have discovered a CD19-dependent pathway that contributes to the growth of B cell lymphomas. High levels of CD19 correlate with increased MYC activity, suggesting a new target for therapies currently in clinical trials.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 30, 2012

Courtship in the cricket world

A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that male tree crickets can change the frequency of their songs with temperature, allowing them to adjust their size. This allows males to increase sound power, which may be linked to attracting mates and disguising their true size.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

New research expands understanding of psychoactive medication use among children in foster care

A national study from PolicyLab at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia examines prescription patterns of psychoactive medications in 48 states. The research shows a decline in the use of other psychoactive medications but highlights concerns about the high rates of antipsychotic prescriptions among children in foster care.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateApr 30, 2012

Antimicrobial resistance for common UTI drug increases five fold since 2000

A study of over 12 million bacteria found that E. coli antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin increased five-fold from 2000 to 2010, making treatment more expensive and complex for patients. The lack of new antimicrobial drug development is a major concern, as it may lead to the use of less effective and potentially toxic treatments.

SourceGeorge Washington University Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateApr 30, 2012

Darwinian selection continues to influence human evolution

A study analyzing church records of Finnish people from 1760-1849 found significant natural and sexual selection is still taking place in modern humans. The research suggests that men and women are not equally affected by Darwinian selection, with characteristics increasing mating success in men evolving faster.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

Redefining time

Researchers successfully sent highly accurate clock signals across hundreds of kilometers using optical fiber links, overcoming challenges to transmit stable signals over long distances. The achievement brings scientists closer to redefining the second and enabling ultra-precise navigation and other applications.

SourceOptica·DateApr 30, 2012

The antibiotic, amoxicillin-clavulanate, before a meal may improve small bowel motility

A study found that amoxicillin-clavulanate triggers groups of propagated contractions within the small intestine, improving small bowel transit and influencing gut microbiome. The antibiotic may be effective in patients with alterations of duodenal phase III, chronic symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateApr 30, 2012

African-American breast cancer survivors report inadequate information, options, support services

Researchers found that most African-American breast cancer survivors were satisfied with their treatment but lacked access to critical information about treatment options, support services, and clinical trials. Only 62% of women received information about support services, while nearly half said they wanted such services.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAdvances in Breast Cancer Research·DateApr 30, 2012

New study finds gender, racial/ethnic disparities in general surgery board certification

A national cohort of recent medical school graduates revealed significant disparities in general surgery board certification among women and minority groups. The study found that these groups were more likely to leave the surgery workforce or not complete the certification process, impacting patient care and healthcare outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 30, 2012

Breastfeeding is associated with a healthy infant gut

A new study published in Genome Biology reveals that breastfeeding leads to a wider range of beneficial microbes in the infant's gut compared to formula feeding. The research also shows that breastfed infants' immune systems have developed to cope with the differences, promoting intestinal stability and defense against pathogens.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 29, 2012

Orangutans harbor ancient primate Alu

Researchers have identified an ancestral Alu element in orangutan genomes, which has uniquely multiplied within the species. This discovery provides insights into primate evolution and diversity, with implications for understanding speciation processes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMobile DNA·DateApr 29, 2012

A middle-ear microphone

Researchers have created a tiny, prototype middle-ear microphone that can be implanted in the ear to avoid problems with current cochlear implants. The device has been successfully tested in cadavers and aims to reduce size and improve sound detection abilities for future human testing.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 29, 2012

Bioluminescent technology for easy tracking of GMO

A new bioluminescent real-time reporter (BART) technique combined with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detects genetically modified crops at 0.1% GM contamination levels, surpassing EU limits. This approach simplifies DNA extraction and detection, providing a field-ready solution for monitoring GMOs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateApr 29, 2012