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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 7


Page 7 of 29

Locked down, RNA editing yields odd fly behavior

Brown University researchers found that RNA editing enzyme activity varies with temperature, affecting fly behavior in mating and daily routines. High or low self-editing levels can create different personalities, such as wallflowers or pick-up artists, highlighting the significance of this process in animal behavior.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2012

The search for a job begins and ends with you

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that managing negative thoughts and emotions is crucial for a successful job search. Effective self-management strategies, such as seeking social support and developing daily routines, can increase the likelihood of landing employment and sustaining motivation over time.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 24, 2012

Physical abuse may raise risk of suicidal thoughts

A recent study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior found that nearly one-third of adults who were physically abused in childhood seriously considered taking their own life. The study suggests that children exposed to physical abuse may be at greater risk for suicidal behaviours in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateApr 24, 2012

Do urban 'heat islands' hint at trees of future?

A new study found that common native red oak seedlings grow eight times faster in New York's Central Park due to urban heat levels. This phenomenon could have implications for changing climate and forest composition over a wide region. The research suggests that warmer temperatures, especially at night, can promote tree growth.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalTree Physiology·DateApr 24, 2012

Creating nano-structures from the bottom up

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to assemble crystalline structures using varying concentrations of microscopic particles and magnetic fields. They demonstrated the creation of over 20 programmed structures, paving the way for advanced optics, data storage, and bioengineering applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2012

'Inhabitants of Madrid' ate elephants’ meat and bone marrow 80,000 years ago

Researchers have discovered evidence of humans consuming elephant meat and bone marrow in the Middle Palaeolithic site of Preresa, Madrid. The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, suggest that the practice was not as common as previously thought due to the difficulty of extracting marrow from bones.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 24, 2012

Binge eating may lead to addiction-like behaviors

Researchers found a link between bingeing on fat and cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, indicating that conditions promoting excessive behavior towards one substance can increase the probability of excessive behavior towards another. This study may shed light on the factors that promote substance abuse and addiction.

SourcePenn State·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateApr 24, 2012

In protein folding, internal friction may play a more significant role than previously thought

Researchers found that internal friction significantly slows down the protein folding process, making it easier for proteins to get stuck in unfolded states. This understanding could lead to new insights into diseases like Alzheimer's, where misfolded proteins contribute to amyloid plaques.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2012

Today's 1.8 billion adolescents more exposed to harmful alcohol consumption, sexually transmitted diseases, and other risks than in the past, and face other new challenges such as social media

The Lancet Series on Adolescent Health highlights the worsening health status of adolescents worldwide, who face new challenges such as social media. The authors emphasize the need for improved adolescent health, considering factors like poverty, education, and digital media.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 24, 2012

Geophysicists employ novel method to identify sources of global sea level rise

Researchers developed a novel method to distinguish sea-level fingerprints from various processes, allowing for more accurate estimation of individual ice sheets' contributions to rising global sea levels. The new approach may help estimate the current rate of sea level rise and rates of ice sheet melting simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2012

Molecular probes identify changes in fibronectin that may lead to disease

Fibronectin play a crucial role in wound healing and embryonic development, but its role in disease progression is not well understood. Researchers have identified molecular probes that can selectively attach to fibronectin fibers under different strain states, enabling the detection of strain events in both culture and living tissues.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2012

Improving access to education and employment and reducing the risk of transport-related injury are among the best ways to improve adolescent health

Structural changes to improve access to education and employment are crucial for improving adolescent health, with studies showing completion of secondary school provides great benefits. Education also improves survival rates, reduces injury mortality, and lowers HIV prevalence among adolescents.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 24, 2012

Discerning males remain faithful

Researchers found that larger, younger, and more fertile females increase the chances of successful fertilization for males. Monogamous behavior, where males mate with one female, is favored in early morning mating, while bigynous males opt for second mates if they cannot secure a first mate.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateApr 24, 2012

Many countries still lack a health research strategy

Countries with limited health research capacity are mainly small islands and politically isolated nations, according to international experts. Establishing national health research strategies is crucial for public health systems to function and thrive.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 24, 2012

An unexpected virus reservoir

Scientists from the University of Bonn found over 60 new paramyxovirus species in bats and rodents, revealing that bats are the original hosts of these viruses. The study suggests that bats may be a reservoir for dangerous viruses, making it challenging to eradicate them.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2012

CAM therapy combined with conventional medical care may improve treatment of lower back pain

A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that combining CAM therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage with conventional care significantly improves outcomes for patients with lower back pain. This integrated approach shows promise as a multidisciplinary team-based model of care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateApr 24, 2012

New microdevice enables culture of circulating tumor cells for cancer diagnosis, treatment

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic device that can capture and culture rare circulating tumor cells from blood, providing insights into patient-specific drug sensitivity and cancer progression. The technology has the potential to become a valuable tool for cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Violence puts wear and tear on kids' DNA

A new study found that children who experienced violence in their young lives have shorter telomeres, a sign of accelerated aging. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases and poor survival rates. The research suggests a link between cumulative childhood stress and telomere maintenance.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 24, 2012

Family life study reveals key events that can trigger eating disorders

A family life study reveals that transitional events such as school transition, relationship changes, and home moves can trigger eating disorders in young people. Participants reported feeling lonely, unsupported, and lacking emotional support during these transitions, leading to the development of conditions like anorexia and bulimia.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateApr 24, 2012