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Science News for February 6, 2012


Working memory and the brain

Researchers found that visual working memory follows a more general pattern of brain activity than previously thought, activating a wider area in the front of the brain for all types of visual stimuli. This study provides support for current models of memory as being located in distributed networks rather than specific brain modules.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateFeb 6, 2012

Fossil cricket reveals Jurassic love song

A fossilized bushcricket from the Jurassic period has revealed a new species' musical call, shedding light on the acoustic environment and potential auditory capacity of other animals. The song was reconstructed using biomechanical principles and is believed to have been used for long-distance communication.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 6, 2012

Research by Sheila Collins and colleagues found that cardiac natriuretic peptides cause white fat cells to take on characteristics of brown fat cells, increasing energy usage. In another study, Anne Müller's team identified a cellular mechanism by which Helicobacter pylori protects against asthma by modulating immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2012

Geometry, not gender

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that women and some men with non-contact ACL injuries share a common geometry on their knee joints, which may explain why women are at greater risk for ACL injuries. The study suggests that this geometry, characterized by a shorter and more rounded tibial plateau, ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 6, 2012

How autoreactive T cells slip through the cracks

Researchers found that autoreactive T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes bound their targets more weakly than helpful T cells. These autoaggressive T cells may slip through safety screens by failing to notice their targets, suggesting a new mechanism for autoimmune disease progression.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

What drives public opinion on climate change?

A new study published in Climatic Change identifies political mobilization by elites and advocacy groups as the driving factor behind public opinion on climate change. The research found that information-based science advocacy has a minimal effect on public concern, while elite cues and economic factors play a crucial role.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateFeb 6, 2012

Revised criteria could reclassify many with mild Alzheimer dementia

According to a study published in Archives of Neurology, revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may reclassify patients with very mild or mild Alzheimer's disease dementia. The new guidelines allow for more flexibility in defining functional independence, potentially affecting diagnostic approaches and treatment options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 6, 2012

Redder ladybirds more deadly, say scientists

Research by the Universities of Exeter and Liverpool reveals that redder ladybirds are more poisonous than their paler peers, with better-fed individuals producing stronger warning signals and toxic chemicals. This variation in coloration is linked to diet in early life, making redder ladybirds less likely to be eaten by predators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateFeb 6, 2012

Sharp images from the living mouse brain

Researchers at Max Planck Institute have recorded detailed live images inside the brain of a living mouse using STED microscopy, making minute structures visible for the first time. This breakthrough could help decipher fundamental processes in the brain and shed light on illnesses caused by synapse malfunction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2012

Tasting fructose with the pancreas

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered that beta cells in the pancreas use taste receptors to sense fructose, a type of sugar. This finding suggests that fructose plays a role in insulin release, amplifying the effect of glucose and potentially impacting metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

Smoking associated with more rapid cognitive decline in men

A recent study published by Archives of General Psychiatry found a strong association between smoking and more rapid cognitive decline in men. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 men and women in the Whitehall II cohort study, revealing that continued smoking was linked to greater cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 6, 2012

PET techniques provide more accurate diagnosis, prognosis in challenging breast cancer cases

Researchers use molecular imaging to improve diagnosis and treatment decisions for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer patients, detecting bone metastases and predicting therapy response. PET imaging with 18F-FES and 18F-FDG improves diagnostic information and prompts changes in treatment for 88% and 48% of subjects respectively.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

Survey of elementary school student access to food in vending machines, snack bars, other venues

A survey of US elementary school students found that about half have access to competitive food venues like vending machines and snack bars, where sugary foods are commonly sold. However, healthier options like salads and fruits were less accessible, with many schools prioritizing lower-fat products over whole grains and low-fat dairy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

Whole-genome sequencing of 2011 E. coli outbreaks in Europe provides new insight

Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to analyze E. coli bacteria from outbreaks in Germany and France, discovering small differences among strains. The study found that the German isolates were nearly identical, while French strains showed greater diversity, suggesting a bottleneck or uneven seed distribution.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

Scientists make strides toward fixing infant hearts

Researchers at Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital have successfully derived vessel-forming stem cells from amniotic fluid, offering hope for repairing infant hearts. The breakthrough could lead to growing tissue patches using the infant's own cells, potentially replacing defective tissue with beating heart tissue.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·DateFeb 6, 2012

School closures slow spread of pH1N1

A McMaster University study finds that closing schools can significantly reduce the spread of pH1N1, with a 50% reduction in transmission observed. The research used high-quality data from Alberta to demonstrate the effectiveness of school closures as a control measure during pandemic outbreaks.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

The heart can make 'bad' fat burn calories

Researchers discovered that cardiac natriuretic peptides can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells in mice and humans, increasing energy usage and potentially aiding in weight loss. The study suggests a new approach to combating the obesity epidemic.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2012

Embargoed news for Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends metformin as the initial drug treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes who have failed lifestyle modifications. Additionally, a study found that women are more likely to experience complications after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement compared to men. Meanwhile,...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

Study: Rapid bone loss as possible side effect of anti-obesity drug now in clinical trials

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) causes significant and rapid bone loss in mice, promoting fat cell growth but inhibiting bone cells. The study suggests a potential tradeoff between the anti-obesity benefits of FGF21 and its risk of osteoporosis.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

Playing RFID tag with sheets of paper

Researchers in France have developed a way to deposit thin aluminum RFID tags on paper using thermal evaporation, reducing the cost of RFID tagging. This approach could enable single printed sheets or flyers to be tagged and open up RFID tagging to more systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Applications·DateFeb 6, 2012

Why bad immunity genes survive

A recent study from University of Utah biologists found that the diversity of immune-system MHC genes is maintained through an 'arms race' between genes and germs, where pathogens evolve to evade the immune response, but also create new opportunities for other variants to emerge. This phenomenon helps explain why some disease-susceptib...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

A bug's (sex) life: Diving beetles offer unexpected clues about sexual selection

Studies of diving beetles reveal that sperm form follows female reproductive organ function, challenging the paradigm of post-mating sexual selection. Researchers found diverse sperm shapes and structures adapted to navigate complex female reproductive tracts, suggesting females can drive evolutionary changes in male traits.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

Time = money = less happiness, study from Rotman School of Management finds

A new study by Rotman School of Management researchers reveals that treating time as money can undermine well-being. The study shows individuals who perceive their time as monetizable tend to experience greater impatience and lower satisfaction during leisure activities compared to those who do not.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2012

Copper + love chemical = big sulfur stink

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered that copper is essential for detecting sulfur-containing substances, which are responsible for strong odors. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests a possible link between copper and drug receptor responses.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012

The best medicine for productivity

A new study from the University of Haifa found that emotional and instrumental support from a supervisor can significantly reduce employee absenteeism and increase productivity. The study also highlights the importance of co-worker support in mitigating the effects of stress at work, leading to improved overall well-being.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalEuropean Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2012

The butterfly effect in nanotech medical diagnostics

Researchers developed a nanoparticle microfluidic color device for rapid detection of acute sepsis and other biomarkers, offering improved accuracy and speed in medical diagnostics. The device boasts high sensitivity and can detect minute quantities of biomolecules, making it a promising solution for point-of-care diagnostics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Design Engineering·DateFeb 6, 2012

HIV-infected youth, psychiatric symptoms and functional outcomes

Researchers analyzed data from an observational study to examine the relationship between HIV illness severity and psychiatric disorders. The study found limited evidence of associations between specific antiretroviral therapy and psychiatric symptoms, but noted associations with quality of life and cognitive functioning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2012

Children hospitalized at alarming rate due to abuse

According to a Yale University study published in Pediatrics, over 4,500 US children were hospitalized due to child abuse in 2006, resulting in 300 deaths. Children under one year old were at highest risk of hospitalization, and those on Medicaid had rates six times higher than non-Medicaid patients.

SourceYale University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 6, 2012

Study shows electron-beam irradiation reduces virus-related health risk in lettuce, spinach

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that electron-beam irradiation can inactivate viruses on leafy greens, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. The research provides quantified data on the reduction in health risks through this technology, which could lead to greater adoption in the fresh produce industry.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 6, 2012

New methodology assesses risk of scarce metals

Yale researchers developed a methodology to evaluate the importance of scarce metals using supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability analysis. The new approach provides a standardized framework for corporations and national governments to inform strategic decision-making around resource use.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 6, 2012

Heart hormone helps shape fat metabolism

A new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute suggests that the heart hormone natriuretic peptides play a role in breaking down fat. The peptides turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2012

Zinc control could be path to breast cancer treatment

Researchers have identified a key switch that releases zinc into cells, which could be used to block cancer development and halt tumor growth. Zinc levels are controlled by protein molecules called zinc transporters, and understanding how these transporters release zinc has important implications for disease treatment.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 6, 2012

Does online dating really work?

A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that ineffective algorithms and profiles hinder online dating. In contrast, mobile dating enables potential partners to meet face-to-face quickly, which is crucial for finding compatibility.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateFeb 6, 2012

Spectator rage: The dark side of professional sports

A deadly Egyptian soccer riot has highlighted the need for sports teams to assess and prevent spectator rage, which can be triggered by emotional and environmental factors. Researchers suggest that screenings and monitoring of fans during events are critical in preventing incidents.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateFeb 6, 2012