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Science News for August 30, 2012


Bitter tastes quickly turn milk chocolate fans sour

Researchers found that dark chocolate fans have a higher tolerance to bitter tastes than milk chocolate fans. The study used rejection thresholds to test food acceptability and could lead to cost-savings for the industry by identifying product rejection levels.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateAug 30, 2012

No more sneezing, allergen-free house plants

Researchers have genetically engineered a type of house plant to be long-lived and produce flowers without pollen. The modified plants also exhibit improved growth characteristics, such as increased branching and leaf density. This breakthrough is great news for gardeners who want to enjoy their plants for longer periods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateAug 30, 2012

Uncoiling the cucumber's enigma

Scientists characterized a unique spring mechanism in cucumber plant tendrils, where they coil further upon pulling the ends, unlike traditional coils. The discovery led to the creation of a new type of twistless spring with high bending stiffness and twisting stiffness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

Biophysicists unravel secrets of genetic switch

Researchers discovered how nonspecific binding plays a critical role in controlling the switch between dormant and virulent states in bacteria. The study used single-molecule techniques to characterize the role of non-specific binding in facilitating the closure of a DNA loop that switches off virulence.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 30, 2012

Wayne State's new flexible electronics technology may lead to new medical uses

A new flexible electronics technology developed by Wayne State University's Yong Xu has opened up possibilities for health care and medical applications of electronic devices. The technology is compatible with mainstream CMOS processes, allowing for the creation of high-performance and high-density CMOS circuits on flexible substrates.

IADR/AADR published study estimates high prevalence of periodontis in US adults

A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research estimates that approximately 47.2% of US adults have periodontitis, with higher rates among males, Mexican Americans, and those with lower education levels. The study also found significant disparities in periodontal disease prevalence across different age groups.

Leaders' emotional cues may predict acts of terror or political aggression

Leaders' expressions of anger, contempt, and disgust in speeches may predict violent acts. Analysis found a significant increase in these emotions before aggression, while decreases were seen before nonviolent resistance. The findings suggest a leader's emotional tone can motivate their group to take part in violent actions.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalBehavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression·DateAug 30, 2012

A model for development

Biologists at Caltech created a computational model of gene networks that control the development of sea-urchin embryos. The model accurately reproduces experiments and allows for virtual experiments, revealing unprecedented detail about gene regulatory networks.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2012

Microbes help hyenas communicate via scent

Hyenas' scent glands harbor diverse microbial communities that produce unique chemical signatures, enabling clan recognition and social behavior. This symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of microbes in animal behavior, with future studies planned to explore their role further.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2012

Immunodeficient patients with secondary lung disease benefit from combined chemotherapy

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin found that immunodeficient patients with secondary lung disease can experience improved pulmonary function and radiographic abnormalities when treated with a combination of rituximab and azathioprine. This treatment targets specific types of lymphocyte...

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateAug 30, 2012

Scientists call policy-makers to be scale-aware

Researchers emphasize the need for policy-makers to consider various scales in conservation decisions, including space and time, to effectively protect biodiversity. The SCALES project highlights the importance of adopting scale-sensitive approaches to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications.

Many US schools are unprepared for another pandemic

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that less than half of US schools address pandemic preparedness and only 40% have updated their plan since 2009. Many schools lack personal protective equipment, staff training, and medication stockpiles, highlighting the need for improved emergency planning.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateAug 30, 2012

Gender bias in leading scientific journals

Researchers at Lund University found that a lower percentage of women than men are invited to write articles in top science journals. This results in women being less visible and having reduced career advancement opportunities. The authors call for increased inclusion of women in invitation-only sections.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2012

First validated method for analyzing flavanols and procyanidins in cocoa products could help scientists and the industry in standardized reporting

A new validated method for analyzing flavanols and procyanidins in cocoa products could help establish a causal relationship between the intake of these compounds and their health benefits. The method, developed by Mars Incorporated and recently validated through a multi-laboratory study, provides specific compositional information on ...

SourceCNC (UK) Ltd.·JournalJournal of AOAC International·DateAug 30, 2012

Yellowstone into the future

Researchers predict increased likelihood of large-volume lava flows and phreatomagmatic eruptions at Yellowstone National Park along three NNW-trending fault lines. Geochemistry suggests rapid magma ascent without storage, supporting a higher probability of future volcanism along these regions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateAug 30, 2012

Ancient genome reveals its secrets

A study led by Svante Pääbo describes the Denisovan genome, revealing genetic variation was extremely low, suggesting a small population that grew quickly. The research documents genetic changes between modern humans and their archaic relatives, including genes associated with brain function and nervous system development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

Up in the air: Heating by black carbon aerosol re-evaluated

A recent field study in California cities found black carbon absorption enhancements of just 6 percent, suggesting that climate models may be overestimating warming by black carbon. The researchers' findings highlight the complexity of airborne particles and challenge existing projections about their impact on global and regional climate.

SourceBoston College·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

Lyme retreatment guidance may be flawed

A statistical review of four studies on Lyme disease retreatment suggests flaws in design, analysis, and interpretation that challenge the evidence against treatment. The review found inconclusive results and potential benefits from antibiotics, leading experts to question the guidelines' recommendation against retreatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·DateAug 30, 2012

£30 million boost for biomedical engineering research

A £30 million initiative will fund groundbreaking projects addressing healthcare problems with current solutions inadequate, enabling adoption into clinical practice and basic research. The partnership aims to tackle rare diseases, mental health issues, and care for infants, leveraging UK and international expertise.

More heart problems with 2 chemo drugs for breast cancer

A new Cancer Research Network study estimates real-world use of anthracycline and trastuzumab in breast cancer patients, showing a higher risk of heart failure and cardiomyopathy compared to previous clinical trials. The study's findings highlight the importance of awareness about the risks associated with these chemotherapy drugs.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 30, 2012

Moving toward regeneration

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that planarian stem cells, known as neoblasts, can mobilize and rebuild tissues lost to amputation. The team found that these stem cells remain pluripotent even in fully mature animals and migrate to the site of injury when needed.

Affluent people less likely to reach out to others in times of trouble?

A new study from UC Berkeley suggests that affluent people are more focused on material possessions during times of trouble, while lower-income individuals tend to reach out to friends and loved ones. The research sheds light on how socio-economic class affects human behavior in response to uncertainty and chaos.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 30, 2012

Shedding new light on one of diabetes' most dangerous complications

A new noninvasive imaging technique, dynamic diffuse optical tomography imaging (DDOT), uses near-infrared light to map hemoglobin concentration in tissue, revealing effective blood flow to patients' hands and feet. DDOT has the potential to diagnose PAD earlier, allowing for medication and lifestyle changes to alleviate the disease.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 30, 2012

Bees that go 'Cuckoo' in others' nests

Recent research reveals five new species of cuckoo bees from the Cape Verde Islands, demonstrating the region's rich biodiversity and evolutionary diversity. The discovery highlights a phenomenon known as 'island gigantism,' where isolated populations exhibit increased body size.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 30, 2012

Rice, MD Anderson scientists probe mystery of operon evolution

Researchers at Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center offer a possible explanation for the existence of operons, jointly controlled clusters of genes found in bacterial chromosomes. The study suggests that operons help bacteria deal with noisy biochemical signals by suppressing noise in gene regulatory networks.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 30, 2012

Strong female portrayals eliminate negative effects of violent media

A recent study found that positive depictions of strong female characters can mitigate the negative impacts of violent media on viewers' attitudes towards women. The research, conducted by Christopher Ferguson, surveyed 150 university students and showed that men and women exhibited less anxiety when viewing shows with positive female ...

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateAug 30, 2012

The evolution of the mustards' spice

Researchers at Duke University have identified the genetic variation behind wild mustard plants' varying levels of spicy chemical production. This difference affects their ability to survive in environments with changing conditions. The study sheds light on how complex traits are shaped over thousands of years.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2012

Study gives new insight on inflammation

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a mechanism that shuts down the body's inflammatory response after injury. This finding has significant implications for treating inflammation and may lead to new treatments for conditions such as myeloperoxidase deficiency.

SourceMonash University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 30, 2012

Researchers identify potential treatment for cognitive effects of stress-related disorders

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a potential medical treatment for the cognitive effects of stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The experimental drug S107 prevented learning and memory deficits associated with stress-related disorders in a PTSD mouse model.