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Science News for August 27, 2012


One third less life on planet Earth

A recent study by a German-US science team estimates that there is about 4 billion tons of carbon stored in subseafloor microbes, reducing the total amount of carbon stored in living organisms by about one third. This new finding challenges previous estimates based on drill cores taken in nutrient-rich areas.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2012

Fitting Kv potassium channels in the PIP2 puzzle

A recent study in the Journal of General Physiology reveals that Kv potassium channels are not regulated by physiological changes to PIP2. In contrast to inward rectifier channels, various members of the Kv channel family were unaffected by PIP2 depletion, suggesting a previously unknown mechanism for their regulation.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateAug 27, 2012

The FAST-MI program study

A 15-year study of French registries shows a 68% decrease in STEMI mortality rate, with key factors including younger patients, increased use of reperfusion therapy, and improved early management. The results highlight the importance of addressing population characteristics and behavior to further reduce mortality rates.

The PROTECT study

The PROTECT study found that zotarolimus-eluting and sirolimus-eluting stents have comparable rates of stent thrombosis at three years. The study also showed that dual antiplatelet therapy use can affect the long-term clinical relevance of stent type.

How methane becomes fish food

Researchers have discovered that methane from lakebeds is present in fish tissue through the food chain. The study uses two biomarkers to confirm the finding, increasing the certainty of its results. Methane oxidizing bacteria are consumed by zooplankton and other aquatic organisms, which eventually end up in fish stomachs.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2012

Controlling superconductors with light

Scientists have discovered a way to manipulate superconducting materials using light. This breakthrough allows for the creation of ideal superconductors with continuous electrical current without losing any power. The research has potential applications in developing non-dissipated memories and improving energy efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 27, 2012

A new look at proteins in living cells

A new method, SPR microscopy, allows for quantitative analysis of protein interactions on cell surfaces, streamlining drug development and diagnostic biomarker identification. The technique provides high-resolution spatial and temporal information, revealing dynamic processes evolving over time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 27, 2012

The IABP-SHOCK II study

The IABP-SHOCK II trial randomized 600 patients to receive either an intraaortic balloon pump or conventional optimal medical treatment, but found no reduction in 30-day mortality rates. The study also showed that the IABP did not improve blood pressure, organ perfusion, or reduce treatment time in the intensive care unit.

Unexpected findings at multi-detector CT scans: Less reason to worry

A recent study from Rhode Island Hospital found that nearly seven percent of urologic multi-detector CT scans for hematuria resulted in clinically important incidental findings. The most common findings were lung nodules, aneurysms, and ovarian cysts, with only a small percentage requiring immediate medical attention.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 27, 2012

The laser beam as a '3-D painter'

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology developed a method called 3D-photografting, which allows them to attach molecules at exact positions. This technique can be used to grow artificial biological tissue with specific inner structures and create tiny three-dimensional 'labs on a chip' for sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 27, 2012

The ASTRID study

The ASTRID study found that patients with high and very high risk benefited from transfemoral TAVI, with mortality rates of 4.7% and 7.7%, respectively. The registry also showed differences in vascular complications and residual aortic regurgitation between valve types.

Precise and persistent cell sabotage

The researchers successfully packaged siRNA in a hydrogel complex that can be injected into target tissues, allowing for prolonged control over cell behavior. The technology has the potential to guide stem cells to grow into desired cell types, starve tumors by blocking blood vessel growth, and induce cancer cell death.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateAug 27, 2012

Adolescent pot use leaves lasting mental deficits

A longitudinal study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that persistent cannabis use before age 18 led to significant declines in IQ, attention, and memory. The study suggests that adolescence is a critical period for brain development and vulnerability to substance-induced harm.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2012

The role of genes in political behavior

Recent studies suggest genes play a significant role in shaping political preferences and traits. Twin studies have implicated several genes in influencing political issues such as the death penalty, unemployment, and abortion, with future research holding promise for deeper insights into genetic influences on politics.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateAug 27, 2012

The effects of discrimination could last a lifetime

A new study finds that everyday discrimination against pregnant women of color may contribute to low birth weight babies. Women who experienced more discrimination reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, leading to babies with lower birth weights. The study suggests reducing discrimination could eliminate health disparities in b...

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateAug 27, 2012

The ACCESS-EU study

The ACCESS-EU study found significant clinical improvements in patients treated with MitraClip therapy, including reduced death rates, mitral regurgitation, and need for surgery. The study's results confirmed the effectiveness of the device in a real-world setting.

Lack of sleep found to be a new risk factor for aggressive breast cancers

A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found a strong correlation between short sleep duration and worse recurrence scores in post-menopausal breast cancer patients. The research suggests that insufficient sleep may cause more aggressive tumors, but further research is needed to verify this association.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateAug 27, 2012

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 27, 2012

Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a mouse model of Fukuyama's muscular dystrophy, providing insight into disease development. Vitamin B3 has also been shown to aid in fighting staph infections by increasing C/EBPε expression in mice. Meanwhile, a new class of cerebrospinal fluid-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2012