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Science News for July 16, 2012


Force of nature: Defining the mechanical mechanisms in living cells

A study at Stanford University reveals the mechanical mechanisms in living cells, showing that cadherin-catenin-actin structure exerts force inside and between cells in living tissues. This understanding could have implications for biological processes such as tissue development, tumor growth, and complex organism formation.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2012

Toughened silicon sponges may make tenacious batteries

Researchers at Rice University and Lockheed Martin have developed a process to create multiple high-performance anodes from a single silicon wafer for lithium-ion batteries. The new method uses electrochemical etching to extract the sponge-like structure, which can store more than four times its weight in lithium.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 16, 2012

To clean up the mine, let fungus reproduce

Harvard researchers found that a fungus produces superoxide, which oxidizes manganese, forming reactive minerals used for water cleanup and nutrient control. The discovery lends insight to environmental remediation and raises questions about the role of fungi in biogeochemistry.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2012

Gene therapy treatment extends lives of mice with fatal disease, MU study finds

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a gene therapy treatment that extends the lives of mice with spinal muscular atrophy by introducing a missing gene into their central nervous systems. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating humans with SMA, potentially providing a cure within 12-18 months.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJul 16, 2012

Antibodies for new rotavirus vaccines

CSIRO will produce a large quantity of antibodies specific to rotavirus strains used in developing vaccines, aiding the project's goal of increasing access and effectiveness of existing commercial vaccines worldwide. The production facility will supply antibodies for five years, supporting the development of new, affordable rotavirus v...

Open for business: Open access journals reaching the same scientific impact as subscription journals

A new study published in BMC Medicine has found that open access journals are producing high-quality peer-reviewed articles with a similar scientific impact to traditional subscription journals. The study compared the citation rates of over 610 open access journals and over 7,000 subscription journals, finding that the differences disa...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJul 16, 2012

Study examines autism law, financial burdens

A new study by Susan Parish found that families living in states with parity laws spent significantly less on healthcare needs for their children with autism. Families in these states incurred lower out-of-pocket costs, averaging $500 annually, compared to those without such legislation, where costs were much higher.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateJul 16, 2012

Guam conservation efforts progress

The US Department of the Navy has initiated a project to conserve the fadang tree species in Guam, with over 90% of trees killed by invasive insects. The partnership between the Navy and University of Guam aims to develop strategies for successful cycad transplantation and conservation.

Asians reluctant to seek help for domestic violence

A study found Asian victims of domestic violence use mental health services only 5.3% of the time, compared to 14.6% of Latino victims. Cultural barriers and language limitations contribute to this trend. Researchers are calling for more outreach efforts to increase access to culturally sensitive services.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateJul 16, 2012

AGU Journal highlights -- July 16

A new study reveals that even drought-resistant tree species in the Bornean rainforest will face increased mortality due to El Nino events. Replacing coal with natural gas could reduce global warming by 40% under certain scenarios, according to a separate analysis.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 16, 2012

New study reveals racial disparities in voice box-preserving cancer treatment

A new epidemiological study found that over 80% of white patients received radiation treatment combined with chemotherapy to preserve the voice box, while only 74.5% of African American patients received the same treatment. The disparity may be narrowing, but further research is needed to identify root causes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJul 16, 2012

Study examines patient experience at safety-net hospitals

Safety-net hospitals performed poorly on nearly every measure of patient experience, with significant gaps in communication and care. The study suggests that these hospitals face financial consequences under value-based purchasing programs, highlighting the need for targeted quality-improvement initiatives.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 16, 2012

Global warming harms lakes

Research by the University of Zurich reveals that global warming is compromising successful lake clean-ups by reducing water turnover and promoting harmful algal blooms. The warmer temperatures are particularly affecting large lakes in Central Europe, where overfertilization has led to cyanobacteria growth.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 16, 2012

Recipients of UM Rosenstiel School's 2012-2013 Alumni Awards announced

The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School awarded over $11,000 to five graduate students pursuing research projects on marine conservation and climate change. Christine Beggs will study invasive lionfish in the Florida Keys, while Katinka Bellomo will investigate cloud radiative forcing at the Max-Planck Institute. Dominique Lazarre ...

JCI early table of contents for July 16, 2012

Researchers have discovered a new target for treating acute myeloid leukemia by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), which promotes differentiation of cancer cells. Additionally, inflammation has been found to play a significant role in age-related retinal degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 16, 2012

A new target in acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers found a new pathway activated by FLT3 mutation in acute myeloid leukemia, leading to the activation of CDK1 and promoting cell differentiation. Clinical trials with CDK1 inhibitors are underway, suggesting therapies targeting this pathway may be effective for patients resistant to existing treatments.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 16, 2012