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Science News for July 2, 2012


Surprising culprit behind chemo resistance in rare cancer

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that ACA11, a non-coding RNA, helps protect cancer cells from damage and makes them resistant to chemotherapy. This finding may lead to new cancer therapeutics and help guide research into better treatments for patients with multiple myeloma.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

JCI early table of contents for July 2, 2012

A novel gene variant associated with reduced cholesterol levels has been identified in human populations. Additionally, a new approach for treating Parkinson's disease using embryonic stem cell therapy is proposed. Furthermore, research suggests that brain indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) plays a crucial role in the concurrence of ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

Rest is not idleness: Reflection is critical for development and well-being

A new article highlights the importance of introspection and reflection in learning, socioemotional functioning, and overall well-being. Research on the brain's default mode network reveals that individual differences in brain activity during rest are correlated with self-awareness, moral judgment, and memory consolidation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJul 2, 2012

UCLA study looks at why heart attacks cause so much more damage in late pregnancy

A new UCLA study published in Basic Research in Cardiology found that heart attacks in late pregnancy result in worse heart function and more damaged heart tissue than in non-pregnant females. The research suggests that the heart may be particularly vulnerable to injury during this critical period, but partially recovers after giving b...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBasic Research in Cardiology·DateJul 2, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center study validates activity of rare genetic variant in glioma

A recent study at Moffitt Cancer Center has validated a rare genetic variant associated with an increased risk of glioma, the most common and lethal type of brain tumor. The study found that individuals carrying this variant had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing glioma, but also experienced a 50% reduction in death rates

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateJul 2, 2012

Fast food intake increases risk of diabetes and heart disease in Singapore

A study published by the American Heart Association found that consuming fast food even once a week increases the risk of dying from coronary heart disease by 20 percent. Eating fast food two or more times a week also boosts the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 27 percent, especially among younger and better-educated individuals.

Researchers create 'rubber-band electronics'

Scientists have developed a design that allows electronics to bend and stretch up to 200%, overcoming the major obstacle of rigid electronics. This breakthrough enables medical monitoring devices to track vital signs and transmit them wirelessly, opening up new possibilities for patient care.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2012

Measuring the uncertainties of pandemic influenza

A collaboration between US research centers highlights three disease characteristics that determine whether an outbreak becomes a serious epidemic: pre-symptom transmission, reproductive number, and disease stage length. Simulation models demonstrate that current response plans may underestimate consequences significantly.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Risk Assessment and Management·DateJul 2, 2012

Individual perspectives improve laparoscopy

Researchers at Brown University have developed a new system that allows surgeons to control their own views during laparoscopic surgery, leading to faster and more accurate performance. In a small in vitro trial, surgeons with individual views outperformed those with shared views, completing tasks up to 3 times faster.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateJul 2, 2012

Researchers able to better pinpoint history of droughts through exploration of tree rings

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered an unexpected complexity in the patterns of drought during the Middle Ages. The study uses tree rings and oxygen isotopes to reveal that winters were wetter-than-expected during the Medieval Climate Anomaly, contradicting previous tree ring data.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Breaking the skin barrier

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel gene regulation technology that can selectively target disease-causing genes in skin cells. The treatment uses spherical arrangements of nucleic acids to penetrate the skin and deliver therapeutics, offering new hope for life-saving therapies for skin cancers and other skin ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

DNA sequenced for parrot's ability to parrot

Researchers have successfully sequenced the parrot genome using single molecule sequencing, allowing for a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind vocal learning. The breakthrough could lead to insights into speech development in humans and the study of cancer and brain functions.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 2, 2012

Exploring one of climate's 'known unknowns'

Research reveals faster water condensation on less viscous aerosol particles, affecting cloud albedo and lifetime. The study's findings provide insight into the climate's 'known unknowns', highlighting the importance of understanding condensation rates.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Researchers identify new brain receptor for fantasy

A team of researchers has identified the natural receptor in the brain where GHB binds, shedding light on its physiological function and potential risks. This discovery opens up new research opportunities, including the development of targeted pharmaceuticals with reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Analysis of KRYSTEXXA phase III data demonstrates improved health-related quality of life and physical function in refractory chronic gout patients

A new study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows that KRYSTEXXA significantly improves pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life in adult patients with refractory chronic gout. The treatment resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in these areas compared to placebo.

SourceBurns McClellan·JournalThe Journal of Rheumatology·DateJul 2, 2012

Despite hardships, black men in urban communities are resilient, MU researcher says

A University of Missouri researcher studied the efforts of low-income Black men living in urban areas to negotiate social environments and found that many have developed five primary forms of resilience to overcome adversity. The study suggests that these resilience strategies can be taught and nurtured, and community members and gover...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateJul 2, 2012

Multiple proxy datasets can clarify ancient climate regimes

Researchers used tree ring data from the US Pacific Northwest and oxygen isotope analysis of lake sediments to clarify ancient climate regimes. The study suggests that drought patterns in the American West may have varied across different regions, with some areas experiencing wetter winters than expected.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Mount Sinai finds common factors in autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found a link between increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The study suggests shared etiologic risk factors among these disorders, potentially leading to more similar understanding and treatment approaches.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2012

Paints and coatings containing bactericidal agent nanoparticles combat marine fouling

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered that vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of barnacles, bacteria, and algae on surfaces in contact with water. This could lead to the development of new protective coatings that are less damaging to the environment than current ship coatings.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 2, 2012

Melon genome obtained

The melon genome consists of 450 million base pairs and 27,427 genes, with seven varieties sequenced. Key findings include genes related to disease resistance and the ripening process, offering potential for improving crop yields and quality.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Higher levels of public reimbursement positively influence national birth rates and reduce unmet needs in subfertile populations

A study found that higher public reimbursement for fertility treatment increases access to care, reducing unmet needs in subfertile populations. Countries with more generous funding policies have a higher volume of ART cycles performed and lower rates of multiple births.

Study suggests antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy linked to increased risk of gestational diabetes

A Swedish study suggests that antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women treated with these medications had a fourfold higher risk of gestational diabetes compared to those not taking any medication, according to the study published in Archives of General Psychiatry.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2012

Childless women with fertility problems at higher risk of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders

A large Danish cohort study reveals that childless women who undergo fertility evaluations have a higher risk of hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. The study found significant correlations between childlessness and increased rates of substance abuse, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.

Charting autism's neural circuitry

Researchers found that deleting a single gene in the cerebellum of mice caused autistic-like behavior, but administering an immunosuppressant drug prevented these symptoms. The study suggests a molecular component for autism development and may lead to better understanding of the condition.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2012

Nearly 30 percent of teens send nude pictures despite being 'bothered' by requests

A study found that nearly 30 percent of teens send nude pictures via email or text, and this behavior is indicative of their overall sexual activity. Teen girls who engage in sexting are more likely to participate in risky behaviors, including multiple partners and substance use before sex.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 2, 2012

Newly discovered dinosaur implies greater prevalence of feathers

A newly discovered dinosaur, Sciurumimus albersdoerferi, has provided evidence that all predatory dinosaurs had feathers, challenging the previous assumption that feathered dinosaurs were only related to birds. The fossil, which represents a juvenile specimen, shows a remarkable difference in diet between young and adult megalosaurs.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2012

Gene variant reduces cholesterol by 2 mechanisms

A gene variant in sortilin, responsible for higher protein expression in liver, has been found to reduce cholesterol levels. The study reveals two mechanisms: increased LDL degradation and decreased APOB secretion via lysosomal targeting.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

Study: Kids with behavior problems, disabilities bullied more, more likely to bully others

A new study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that students with behavioral disorders and observable disabilities are at a higher risk of being bullied and bullying others. The study, which followed over 800 students, suggests that anti-bullying interventions emphasizing prosocial skills could help address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of School Psychology·DateJul 2, 2012

Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy highlights energy trends in China

Researchers in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy analyze China's emerging energy trends, finding increased bioenergy utilization but still dispersed biomass resources. A study on cooking fuel transition suggests universal access to modern fuels could be achieved in urban areas by 2030 for a relatively low cost.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJul 2, 2012