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Science News for February 9, 2012


Medical center-based farmers markets improve health

A study by Penn State researchers found that medical center-based farmers markets contribute to greater wellness in surrounding communities while adding public health value. The markets provide a sustainable supply of healthy foods, enable community wellness partnerships, and empower local economies.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 9, 2012

New avenue for treating colon cancer

Researchers have identified an imbalance in the HNF4A gene variant as a potential biomarker for colon cancer. The study suggests that certain genetic variations may make individuals more susceptible to the disease, and drugs targeting Src kinase activity could potentially prevent or treat it.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2012

Aid missions get cutting-edge assistance from ONR

The Office of Naval Research has developed a web-based tool suite called TRACS to help first responders rapidly coordinate resources during disasters. The tool takes data from the United Nations' ReliefWeb and displays it on a map-based diagram showing the locations of various resources, such as food, shelter, and health supplies.

Study finds pregnant women with prior cesarean choose the delivery method preferred by their doctor

A study found that pregnant women with a prior cesarean section often choose the delivery method preferred by their doctor, regardless of their own knowledge on the risks and benefits. The majority of these women opt for an elective repeat cesarean over a trial of labor, despite its higher success rate. Lack of education and provider p...

Scripps research scientists identify most lethal known species of prion protein

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have identified a single prion protein that causes neuronal death similar to 'mad cow' disease, with toxic effects up to 10 times more potent than larger prion species. The study opens new avenues for exploring neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2012

Amazing skin gives sharks a push

Researchers found that shark skin's denticles boost swimming speed by creating a turbulent flow pattern around the body, reducing drag and increasing propulsion. The unique arrangement of denticles on the skin surface enhances fluid dynamics, leading to a significant improvement in swimming performance.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Genetic risks for type 2 diabetes span multiple ethnicities

A recent large and comprehensive analysis of 50,000 genetic variants has identified four genes associated with type 2 diabetes and six independent disease-associated variants at previously known loci. The study provides valuable insight into the genetic risk for T2D across multiple ethnicities.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Diagnosing developmental coordination disorder

A new study from the University of Haifa identifies developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children through a simple writing task, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Children with DCD struggle with motor coordination, leading to difficulties in everyday tasks like dressing and typing.

How the zebra got its stripes

Research suggests that zebra stripes are the least attractive pattern for voracious horseflies, potentially explaining their evolution. The study found that narrower stripes were less appealing to flies, with striped patterns attracting fewer insects than white or dark models.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 9, 2012

New prenatal genetic test is much more powerful at detecting fetal abnormalities

A nationwide study has found that chromosomal microarray testing detects additional genetic abnormalities in about 1 in 70 normal karyotype samples and 6% of cases with structural abnormalities. The new test may soon replace standard karyotyping for prenatal testing, providing more information on potential disorders.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Hydrogen from acidic water

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to create molecular analogs of the active part of molybdenite, a widely used industrial catalyst. This method holds promise for creating catalytic materials that can generate hydrogen gas from acidic water at lower costs and with greater efficiency.

Study shows fainting factor in cardiac arrests

A newly published study found that over a quarter of unexplained cardiac arrests occurred after patients experienced fainting, known as syncope. Patients also exhibited frequent chest pain and palpitations. The research suggests that fainting may be an opportunity to diagnose genetic disorders and prevent future sudden death.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Skin deep

Researchers from Harvard University found that shark skin's denticles create a low-pressure zone that enhances propulsion, reducing drag. Swimsuits with similar surface properties have no effect on swim speed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Training in muscle power improves the functional capacity and quality of life of elderly people

Researchers found that 12-weeks of high-speed power training improves muscular power in older people. The study showed significant gains in neuromuscular and cardiovascular function, as well as improved functional capacity and quality of life. Power training is a promising measure for preventing or reducing loss of functional capacity ...

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalExperimental Gerontology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Fighting crimes against biodiversity

A team led by Dr Steven Le Comber used computer simulations and historical data to compare geographic profiling with existing methods for monitoring invasive species. The technique outperformed others, particularly when multiple sources were involved, suggesting its potential for controlling the spread of invasive species.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEcography·DateFeb 9, 2012

University of East Anglia research reveals why fishermen keep fishing despite dwindling catches

Researchers found that fishermen in wealthier countries are less likely to give up their trade due to subsidies and job satisfaction. In contrast, those in poorer countries with diversified livelihoods are more willing to leave the fishery. The study highlights the complexity of decision making and factors influencing willingness to ad...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2012

Digital photos could put kids at risk

A study found that geotagged photos of children on Flickr could be used to locate their homes, posing a significant risk to their safety and privacy. The researchers warn that parents should be cautious when posting personal photos online.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Tell me how you are -- and I know how long you will live

A 30-year study by University of Zurich researchers reveals a strong correlation between self-rated health and mortality risk, even after controlling for various factors. The study suggests that people with excellent health ratings have better chances of survival, indicating the importance of holistic approaches to healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 9, 2012

Kids show cultural gender bias

Children as young as preschool age tend to categorize objects as masculine, reflecting cultural and linguistic biases. The study found that bilingual children showed a different perspective on objects when speaking French, likely due to the language's structure and not necessarily their factual knowledge of biology.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2012

'Dark plasmons' transmit energy

Researchers at Rice University have created a way to print fine lines of gold nanoparticles on glass, allowing them to transmit signals over long distances using dark plasmons. This breakthrough enables efficient energy transfer on the micrometer scale, potentially improving optoelectronic devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 9, 2012

Study suggests that children of women exposed to chemotherapy for cancer treatment in pregnancy develop as well as children in the general population

A study found that children born to mothers who received chemotherapy during pregnancy have normal cognitive development and no significant differences in behavior, health, or hearing compared to the general population. However, premature birth was associated with lower cognitive scores.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 9, 2012

Focus on self-improvement, rather than winning, benefits young athletes

A study by Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports found that coaches who prioritize player self-improvement over competition create a sense of teamwork, social skills, and identity among young athletes. The research suggests that focusing on player development can lead to positive outcomes in life skills an...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateFeb 9, 2012

Largest-ever gene study of Type 2 diabetes finds variants across many ethnic groups

A large-scale genetic screening of over 17,000 individuals with Type 2 diabetes and 70,000 control subjects identified nearly 40 gene variants associated with the disease. The study found that many gene variants overlap across multiple ethnic groups, providing new insights into the biological targets for developing more effective drugs.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Integrated weed management best response to herbicide resistance

Increased use of glyphosate-type herbicides has led to a dramatic increase in genetically-resistant weeds, according to Penn State researchers. Integrated weed management programs, including planting cover crops and using mechanical control methods, can lower herbicide use by up to 94% while maintaining profit margins.

SourcePenn State·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 9, 2012