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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 28


Page 28 of 30

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.

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