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Science News for January 17, 2012


Rhode Island Hospital studies uncover keys in sudden cardiac death

Studies using a genetic animal model reveal conditions triggering arrhythmia in Long QT Syndrome patients and the protective effect of progesterone on SCD incidence. Researchers also find a direct link between estrogen and pro-arrhythmic effects, with progesterone reducing triggers for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

SourceLifespan·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 17, 2012

Power generation is blowing in the wind

Researchers found that power generated at a set wind speed is higher under stable conditions and lower under strongly unsteady conditions. Wind shear plays an important role in assessing turbine efficiency. The team's study provides valuable insights for better estimating power generation, especially when including atmospheric stabilit...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 17, 2012

If doughnuts could talk they'd tell you to take the elevator instead of the stairs

A new study by Pankaj Aggarwal and Ann L. McGill found that humanizing brands can influence consumer behavior, with participants more likely to take the stairs if they imagined a healthy brand like Kellogg's and more likely to take the elevator if they thought of an unhealthy brand like Krispy Kreme. In contrast, participants who thoug...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 2012

Pro athletes bolster star status through team selection, teammates and career evolution: Study

A study published in the International Journal of Research in Marketing found that a combination of personal performance, team records, market demand, and teammate quality contribute to an athlete's star status. The research also highlights the importance of playing for a winning team and leveraging popular teammates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateJan 17, 2012

Knee replacement surgery incidence soars in those over age 50

A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a rapid increase in knee replacement surgeries among women aged 50-59, with incidences higher in younger age groups. The study's findings suggest that more data is needed on the long-term effects of knee replacement surgeries in younger patients.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 17, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 17, 2012

Researchers discovered that topical application of imiquimod recruits plasmacytoid DCs to the tumor site, converting them into tumor-killing effector cells. A new mechanism for IFN-alpha suppression was also identified, targeting epigenetic regulation of nuclear cccDNA minichromosome.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2012

New vaccine against group B meningococcal disease to target this largest remaining source of such disease in Europe, North America, and some developing regions

A new vaccine has been developed to protect against group B meningococcal disease, a major cause of meningitis in high-income countries and some developing regions. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in adolescents aged 11-17 years, with 99-100% protection after two or three doses.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 17, 2012

Continuing uncertainties surround anti-influenza drug

A Cochrane Review found inconsistencies with published reports of oseltamivir's efficacy and safety profile, raising questions about its use. The analysis showed that the drug did not reduce hospital treatment needs despite reducing symptom alleviation time.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 17, 2012

The perfect liquid -- now even more perfect

Physicists at Vienna University of Technology have found a way to break the limits on viscosity, with implications for understanding superfluid helium and quantum theory. The results, published in Physical Review Letters, suggest quark-gluon-plasma can exhibit extremely low viscosity, even below previously established bounds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 17, 2012

Plasmacytoid DCs: Tumor-killing immune cells

Researchers found that imiquimod converts plasmacytoid DCs into tumor-killing effector cells, clearing tumors in a mouse model of melanoma. This discovery has implications for antitumor therapies targeting both skin cancers and other types.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2012

Adolescents' brains respond differently than adults' when anticipating rewards

Researchers found increased brain cell activity in adolescent rats in an unusual area called the dorsal striatum, associated with habit formation and decision-making. This suggests that adolescents may be more susceptible to developing disorders like addiction and depression due to their unique brain response to reward.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2012

Stanford computer algorithm used to identify bladder cancer marker

Researchers at Stanford University have used a computer algorithm to find markers that predict how deadly bladder cancer will be, offering faster and more accurate analysis of cancer risk. The test can be performed by someone with little training and may help identify patients with the most aggressive subtype before it becomes invasive.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2012

Anti-malaria drug synthesized with the help of oxygen and light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute develop simple process for artemisinin synthesis using waste product from current production as starting substance. The new method uses photochemistry to incorporate an endoperoxide group into the molecule, producing large volumes of artemisinin under controlled conditions. This could cover global de...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 17, 2012

New microtweezers may build tiny 'MEMS' structures

Researchers have created new microtweezers capable of manipulating objects to build tiny structures, print coatings for advanced sensors, and grab live stem cell spheres. The tool enables the precision printing of chemical or protein dots onto microcantilevers, which can detect chemicals in air and water.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateJan 17, 2012

A baby crystal is born

Researchers identified the 32-atom 'baby crystal' through computer simulations and experimentally confirmed its structure using scanning tunneling microscope images. The discovery provides insight into how small crystals form larger units.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 17, 2012

Stomach cells may give rise to esophageal cancer

A new study has found that stomach cells from the cardia region may give rise to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a particularly lethal form of esophageal cancer. The research suggests a link between chronic inflammation and bile acid reflux in the development of this disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 17, 2012

The illusion of courage: Why people mispredict their behavior in embarrassing situations

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that people tend to overestimate their willingness to engage in embarrassing public performances. However, inducing immediate emotions can help reduce this illusion of courage. The research has practical implications for understanding human behavior and decision-making.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateJan 17, 2012

U-M News: Kidney failure risk higher for liver transplant patients following policy change

Research from Michigan Medicine shows a 15% increase in post-liver transplant kidney failure among recipients since the implementation of Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) allocation. Modifiable risk factors identified include African American race, hepatitis C, and pre-transplant diabetes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 17, 2012

An easier way to remove gallstones

A new endoscope has been developed to locate and clear out gallstones and lesions without removing the entire gallbladder. The device uses a tiny ultrasonic probe to detect small stones and a horn-shaped 'absorbing box' to suck out fine, difficult-to-remove sludge-like gallstones.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJan 17, 2012

Flaky graphene makes reliable chemical sensors

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Dioxide Materials have developed a chemical sensor using randomly stacked graphene flakes. The thin films of flaky graphene outperformed previous sensors made from carbon nanotubes or graphene crystals, detecting trace amounts of test chemicals with high reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 17, 2012

How far is far enough?

Researchers developed a mathematical model to determine safe distances from residential areas for livestock farms, taking into account factors like odor emissions and wind conditions. The model aims to simplify current guidelines and regulations by providing a single, conservative estimate of separation distances.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJan 17, 2012

Arm in plaster changes brain in 16 days

A new study by University of Zurich researchers found that brain areas responsible for the left hand adapt to compensate for an immobile right arm. The study suggests using the undamaged arm to strengthen the affected one through therapy, offering a potential treatment approach for stroke patients.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNeurology·DateJan 17, 2012

Increasing care needs for children with neurological impairment

A study analyzing hospitalization data in the United States found that children with neurological impairment (NI) account for a significant proportion of inpatient resources. The impact of these children is growing within children's hospitals, necessitating a coordinated approach to ensure their needs are met.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 17, 2012