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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 25


Page 25 of 26

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