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Science News for February 1, 2012


JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 1, 2012

A team of researchers has identified a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. They found that protein SULF2 is expressed in primary human GBM tumors and cell lines, and its expression is associated with abnormal activation of signaling pathways down...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2012

Self-assembling nanorods: Berkeley Lab researchers obtain 1-, 2- and 3-D nanorod arrays and networks

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a technique for inducing nanorods to self-assemble into complex one-, two- and three-dimensional macroscopic structures. The technique uses block copolymers as a platform for guiding the self-assembly of nanorods, enabling more effective use in solar cells, magnetic storage devices and sensors.

Implementation of suicide recommendations across England and Wales led to decreased suicide rates in the decade after implementation began

Researchers analyzed data from England and Wales, finding that services implementing recommended interventions saw a significant decrease in suicide rates. The provision of 24/7 crisis care was associated with the largest reduction in fatalities, while local policies on patients with dual diagnosis and multidisciplinary reviews also sh...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 1, 2012

Nano-oils keep their cool

Researchers developed nano-infused transformer oil that increases efficiency by up to 80 percent, reducing heat loss while maintaining electric insulation. The oil's viscosity is minimally affected by nanoparticle fillers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 1, 2012

Eating behavior influenced by dining partners

A study published in PLOS ONE found that people tend to mimic each other's eating behavior when dining with others, taking bites at the same time. The researchers observed 70 pairs of young women and recorded their bites, totaling almost 4,000, revealing a dynamic interplay between eating companions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2012

Canadian police agencies suppressing data on race, says criminology study

A recent study by University of Toronto and Nipissing criminologists reveals that Canadian police departments largely do not report race in practice, despite only 20% having an explicit policy against it. This suppression of data hinders the development of effective initiatives to improve relations with racialized communities.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Law and Society / Revue Canadienne Droit et Société·DateFeb 1, 2012

Circular RNAs more common than previously thought

A study published in PLOS ONE found that circular RNA molecules are more abundant than previously thought, comprising a substantial fraction of all transcripts identified for many genes. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the potential functions and relevance of circular RNAs in human biology and health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2012

Surgical breast biopsy not overused, study suggests

A recent study suggests that surgical breast biopsies are not overused, with the actual rate falling between 2% and 18%. The study analyzed Medicare data from 2004 to 2009 and found a true surgical breast biopsy figure of around 11%. This finding challenges earlier reports that suggested surgery was used for 30% of breast biopsies.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateFeb 1, 2012

Need an excuse to get a massage? Study shows it reduces inflammation following strenuous exercise

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle after intense exercise. The research provides evidence that massage could be a valuable treatment option for individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases or musculoskeletal injuries.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2012

A step closer to understanding, averting drug resistance

Researchers at Brandeis University have made a significant discovery on how EmrE, a protein responsible for exporting antibiotics from cells, works. By studying its structure and function using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the team hopes to develop inhibitors that can target this protein and prevent drug resistance.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2012

Seasonal changes may influence the efficacy of vaccination against diabetes

A recent study suggests that seasonal variations in the immune system may impact the effectiveness of a vaccine targeting type 1 diabetes. The vaccine, which uses the GAD65 antigen, showed promise in earlier trials but failed to demonstrate significant effects in its latest phase 3 trial. The study's authors propose that factors such a...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2012

Road runoff spurring spotted salamander evolution

A study by Yale University researchers found that spotted salamanders breeding in contaminated roadside ponds are adapting to their toxic environments through rapid evolution. The salamanders' survival and growth rates improve in these conditions, suggesting they have developed a genetic advantage.

SourceYale University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 2012

Survivors of violence benefit from mentoring

Concordia University research reveals mentoring has a healing impact on female students who survive childhood abuse or domestic violence. The study identifies four themes of mentorship: fantasy mentors, mirrors, nurturers and supporters, and profession embodiments.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of College Student Development·DateFeb 1, 2012

Massage is promising for muscle recovery

Researchers at McMaster University found a 10-minute massage significantly reduces inflammation in muscle, triggering biochemical signals that can aid healing. The study suggests massage may be an effective alternative to pain medications for recovery from injury.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2012

Why the brain is more reluctant to function as we age

Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a novel cellular mechanism underlying age-related cognitive decline, revealing that changes to sodium channels contribute to decreased neuronal excitability. The study found that aged brain cells struggle to generate action potentials due to altered sodium channel activation properties.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateFeb 1, 2012

Singapore scientists lead in 3D mapping of human genome to help understand human diseases

Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have made a groundbreaking discovery by mapping the human genome's three-dimensional structure, revealing how genes interact and influence each other. This study sheds light on the complex regulation of gene expression and its implications for understanding human diseases.

A thought-provoking new therapeutic target for brain cancer?

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor resistant to current therapies. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have identified PDGFR-alpha and SULF2 as potential therapeutic targets for GBM treatment. Knocking down SULF2 expression decreased cell growth in human GBM cell lines.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2012

Brain capacity limits exponential online data growth

A study found that the human brain's ability to process information is the dominant limiting factor for exponentially growing internet data. The distribution of internet files shows a Weber-Fechner law, where the total amount of information grows slower than our ability to handle it.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 1, 2012

MIT study: Driving the green

A new MIT study suggests that electric vehicles can cost 9 to 12 percent less to operate than diesel engines for urban deliveries, leading to potential savings of $900 to $1,400 per truck per year. The study also explores the viability of vehicle-to-grid systems, which could provide additional revenue streams through power services.

First plants caused ice ages

The arrival of the first land plants 470 million years ago led to a series of 'ice ages' as they extracted minerals from rocks, causing chemical weathering and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This cooling effect would have been around five degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 1, 2012

When the isolated lung runs out of air

Researchers have successfully identified the underlying mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated lungs, a major complication in lung transplantation. The study highlights two key proteins responsible for increased vascular permeability and inflammation, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2012

Decaffeinated coffee preserves memory function by improving brain energy metabolism

Researchers found that decaffeinated coffee improves glucose utilization in the brain, reducing the risk of neurocognitive problems associated with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that decaffeinated coffee may have preventive benefits for cognitive decline caused by aging and neurodegenerative disorders.

Do menu 'sweet spots' really exist?

A new study by San Francisco State University researcher Sybil Yang found that diners do not linger noticeably longer over any particular location on the menu, contradicting decades of conventional wisdom. Instead, they read menus sequentially like a book, moving from left to right and down the pages.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateFeb 1, 2012

Tropical cyclones to cause greater damage

Researchers at Yale University predict that tropical cyclones will cause $109 billion in damages globally by 2100, with climate change exacerbating the issue. The US and China are expected to bear the brunt of the damage, while small island nations like those in the Caribbean will be disproportionately affected.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 1, 2012