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Science News Archive January 2012 - Page 2


Page 2 of 24

Scientists decode brain waves to eavesdrop on what we hear

Researchers have successfully decoded electrical activity in a human auditory system region, reconstructing words from normal conversation. This breakthrough could help patients with speech damage due to strokes or diseases like Lou Gehrig's, enabling them to communicate again.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2012

Early intervention may curb dangerous college drinking

Researchers found that parent-based and peer-based interventions reduced heavy drinking among non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. The study identified four sub-groups of drinkers, including weekend non-bingers and heavy drinkers, with promising intervention effects.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateJan 30, 2012

New appropriate use criteria reflect latest scientific data on restoring blood flow to heart

The updated appropriate use criteria provide detailed guidance on when to use invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. The new criteria affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms, while emphasizing careful selection of high-risk surgery patients for PCI.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 30, 2012

Lumbar disc degeneration more likely in overweight and obese adults

A large study found that overweight and obese adults are more likely to have disc degeneration than those with a normal body mass index. Disc degeneration was associated with an increased number of levels of degenerated disks and greater severity of disc degeneration, including narrowing of the disc space.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 30, 2012

Inherited risk factors for childhood leukemia are more common in Hispanic patients

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that Hispanic children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and die from the disease due to inherited risk factors, particularly ARID5B gene variants. These variants were found to be up to two times more common in Hispanic children than in white children.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 30, 2012

Mom's love good for child's brain

Research by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists reveals that children with more nurturing mothers have larger hippocampi, a key structure important for learning and memory. The study provides concrete evidence of the powerful effect of early childhood parenting and nurturing on brain development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2012

Many bodies make 1 coherent burst of light

Rice University researchers have successfully observed superfluorescence in a solid-state material, creating a coherent burst of light. The team used high-intensity laser pulses and strong magnetic fields to create the conditions for this phenomenon, which occurs when electron-hole pairs cooperate.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 30, 2012

Children with burn injuries covering 60 percent or more of their total body surface area are at substantially higher risk of complications and death and need specialist burns unit care

A new study published in The Lancet found that children with burn injuries covering 60% or more of their total body surface area (TBSA) are at substantially higher risk of severe complications and death. The authors recommend immediate transfer to specialist burns units for treatment with increased vigilance and improved therapies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 30, 2012

Rice professor's nanotube theory confirmed

Air Force Research Laboratory experiment confirms Boris Yakobson's theory that chirality of nanotubes determines their growth speed and armchair nanotubes grow fastest. The study provides a basis for further research into growing specific types of nanotubes with desired properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 30, 2012

Addicts' cravings have different roots in men and women

A new brain imaging study found that stress robustly activates areas of the brain associated with craving in cocaine-dependent women, while drug cues activate similar regions in men. This suggests that men and women with cocaine dependence may benefit from different treatment approaches.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 30, 2012

Lungs infected with plague bacteria also become playgrounds for other microbes

Research reveals that pneumonic plague bacteria transform the lungs into a permissive environment for microbial proliferation. Without symptoms, these bacteria grow and reproduce rapidly, leading to rapid disease progression and high mortality rates. This unique ability is exclusive to Yersinia pestis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2012

Harnessing the predictive power of virtual communities

Scientists have created a propagation-based algorithm to extract both link-density and link-pattern communities from real-life networks. This approach outperforms existing state-of-the-art algorithms in detecting real-life communities, particularly those characterized by internal patterns of similar connectedness.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJan 30, 2012

Poisonous morning hygiene

Scientists discover that microalgae produce biogenic cyanogen bromide to control competing organisms in the ocean ground. This toxic chemical helps diatoms grow and thrive by eliminating direct competitors for light and space. Researchers are now investigating why the poison doesn't harm the producing algae themselves.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2012

More efforts needed to address motor vehicle deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives

A systematic review of literature found a significant disparity in motor vehicle-related deaths among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The study identified multiple risk factors, including rural living, alcohol use, and pedestrian involvement in crashes, but lacking effective interventions to improve pedestrian safety.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiologic Reviews·DateJan 30, 2012

Study may answer longstanding questions about Little Ice Age

A new international study provides evidence that an unusual episode of four massive tropical volcanic eruptions may have triggered the onset and persistence of Earth's Little Ice Age. The research suggests a subsequent expansion of sea ice and weakening of Atlantic currents best explain the cold summers following the eruptions.