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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 29

Record-breaking radio waves discovered from ultra-cool star

Scientists at Penn State's Arecibo Observatory have discovered flaring radio emission from an ultra-cool star, shattering the previous record for lowest stellar temperature at which radio waves were detected. The star, named J1047+21, is a brown dwarf with a surface temperature not much higher than that of a giant planet.

Scientists provide first large-scale estimate of reef shark losses in the Pacific Ocean

A new study estimates that reef shark numbers have dropped substantially around populated islands, with numbers declining by more than 90% compared to untouched reefs. The research uses towed-diver surveys to compare shark populations at reefs spanning from heavily impacted ones to pristine areas.

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers working at frontiers of melanoma research

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found a new way to overcome resistance to drugs that target the BRAF gene mutation in melanoma. The study, led by Jeffrey S. Weber and Keiran S. Smalley, showed that an inhibitor called XL888 can restore effectiveness in patients who have developed resistance to existing treatments.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 27, 2012

Big girls don't cry

A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that happy body image is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating habits among overweight teenagers. Researchers suggest improving body satisfaction could be a key component of interventions for overweight youth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 27, 2012

Moffitt researcher awarded GE grant to develop tool to detect breast cancer metastasis genetic risks

A Moffitt researcher has received a $100,000 grant from General Electric to develop a genetic tool that can identify an individual's predisposition to developing or resisting breast cancer metastasis. The study aims to evaluate inherited changes in DNA predictive of and identify risk for developing or resisting breast cancer metastasis.

Doubling the information from the double helix

A new group of regulatory molecules called mirror-microRNAs has been discovered to control multiple aspects of brain function. These microRNA genes are produced from the same piece of DNA but have different functions in regulating protein production and movement, doubling the capacity of regulation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2012

Maintain your brain: The secrets to aging success

Researchers argue that a youthful brain can be maintained through engagement and lifestyle choices, rather than just compensating for age-related decline. Engagement, including social, mental, and physical stimulation, has been shown to promote better cognitive performance in older adults.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 27, 2012

NYUCN's Dr. Laura Wagner: Study finds accreditation improves safety culture at nursing homes

A new study by Dr. Laura Wagner and colleagues found that accredited nursing homes report better staffing, teamwork, and training practices, leading to improved resident safety. The research suggests that Joint Commission accreditation stimulates positive changes in safety-related organizational structures and processes.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateApr 27, 2012

Polluting China for the sake of economic growth

A study analyzing data from 30 Chinese provinces found that energy consumption has a greater impact on output than labor, while pollution has little effect. China must implement effective environmental regulations to reduce pollution and energy consumption and bind economic growth with environmental protection.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateApr 27, 2012