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Science News for February 2, 2012


Bouquet bargains

A recent study by researchers at NESCent found that larger plant size can lead to bigger, more plentiful blooms, but accounting for overall size differences is crucial in detecting tradeoffs. The study tested three hypotheses and concluded that flower size-number tradeoffs are harder to spot due to various reasons.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2012

Malaria kills nearly twice as many people than previously thought, but deaths declining rapidly

New research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals that more than 1.2 million people died from malaria worldwide in 2010, with 42% of those deaths occurring in older children and adults. The study found that anti-malaria drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets have driven a rapid decline in mortality rates.

Potential new treatment identified for leishmaniasis

A team of researchers at the University of Dundee has identified fexinidazole as a possible new treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, a disease affecting 500,000 people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The drug showed a greater than 98% rate of suppressing infection in mice, comparable to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2012

Plant power: The ultimate way to 'go green'?

Researchers are tapping into photosynthesis to efficiently produce highly valuable products, including biofuels and pharmaceuticals. This innovative approach could lead to a more sustainable future by utilizing sunlight as a renewable energy source.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 2, 2012

Rearranging the cell's skeleton

Cell biologists have identified key steps in how small molecules alter a cell's skeletal shape and drive cell movement. By manipulating the cell membrane, researchers created ruffles that helped pull cells across surfaces, a process previously difficult to recreate.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 2, 2012

The discovery of deceleration

Millisecond pulsars lose half of their rotational energy during mass-transfer process, explaining apparent age paradox and absence of sub-millisecond radio pulsars. This result is in agreement with current observations and helps resolve the 'turn-off' problem in stellar astrophysics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2012

Study flags over-reliance on computer tests in return-to-plan decisions after concussion

Researchers caution against relying solely on computerized neuropsychological tests (CNT) to determine when athletes can safely return to play after a concussion. The tests may not accurately measure an athlete's brain function and could lead to premature return, posing risks such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy and death.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology·DateFeb 2, 2012

Intermittent exercise improves blood glucose control for diabetics

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that intermittent exercise with low oxygen concentrations significantly improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Exercise under hypoxic conditions provides greater improvements than intermittent exercise alone.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 2012

Lecture or listen: When patients waver on meds

A new analysis of hundreds of doctor-patient visits found that physicians and nurse practitioners frequently use lecturing and ordering instead of engaging in open-ended discussions to address medication non-adherence. Problem-solving conversations were rare, even among patients who acknowledged lapses in adherence.

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateFeb 2, 2012

Identical twins reveal mechanisms behind aging

A study led by Uppsala University reveals that structural modifications of DNA are duplicated or lost more commonly in older individuals. This may explain the impaired immune system with age. The researchers found large rearrangements in blood cells of people over 60, as well as smaller changes in younger individuals.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2012

A silver bullet to beat cancer?

Lab tests have found that silver compounds are as toxic to cancer cells as platinum-based drug Cisplatin, but may be less toxic to healthy human cells. Researchers hope to develop next-generation chemotherapy drugs using these findings.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalDalton Transactions·DateFeb 2, 2012

Predicting system crashes in nature and society

Researchers develop a mathematical methodology to predict critical transitions in complex systems like fisheries and economies. The approach utilizes traditional intuition and understanding, reducing the need for large amounts of data, to enhance chances of 'seeing it coming'.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 2, 2012

Gene regulator in brain's executive hub tracked across lifespan -- NIH study

A new NIH study reveals that certain genes implicated in schizophrenia and autism show increased regulatory activity during a critical period of development, influenced by environmental factors. This discovery highlights the importance of epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation in shaping brain function and behavior.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 2, 2012

Malaria kills twice as many as previously thought, with close to half of all deaths in children over 5 years and adults

New research published in The Lancet reveals that malaria kills an estimated 1.2 million people globally each year, nearly twice as many as previously thought. Most malaria deaths occur in children over 5 years old, but the study also shows a significant number of deaths among adults in Africa and other parts of the world.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 2, 2012

Heart failure linked to thinner bones and fractures

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that heart failure is associated with a 30% increase in major fractures. Researchers identified a high-risk population benefiting from increased screening and treatment for osteoporosis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 2012

Penn State team's QR code wins REACH Challenge

A Penn State team has developed a QR code system that allows patients to provide real-time feedback on their care experiences, helping hospitals improve patient satisfaction and reputation. The winning project aims to ensure patients receive the best care while also boosting hospital reimbursement under the Value-Based Purchasing Program.