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Science News for June 11, 2012


Vanderbilt-led study identifies genes linked to resistance to breast cancer chemotherapy

A Vanderbilt-led study identified a gene expression pattern linked to resistance to breast cancer chemotherapy. The researchers found that tumors with low concentrations of the dual specificity protein phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) were more resistant to chemotherapy, suggesting new therapy options for patients with specific subtypes of breast...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 11, 2012

A new spin on antifreeze

Harvard University researchers invent a way to keep metal surfaces free of ice and frost using ultra slippery anti-ice and anti-frost surfaces. The technology, called SLIPS, prevents ice sheets from developing on surfaces and allows for easy removal of ice with tilting or slight agitation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 11, 2012

Early menopause linked to increased risk of brain aneurysm

Research published online first in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found a link between early menopause and an increased risk of cerebral aneurysms. Women who entered menopause at a younger age were more likely to develop brain aneurysms, while later menopause and hormone replacement therapy reduced the risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateJun 11, 2012

Health-care disparities exist for children with autism spectrum disorders, MU researcher says

A new study has found that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) pay more for health care services than children with other conditions. They also use more services but have less access to coordinated care. The researchers highlight the need for better policies and medical home models to address these disparities.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateJun 11, 2012

Young people of multiple disadvantaged groups face worse health due to more discrimination

A study by Indiana University found that teens and young adults from multiple disadvantaged groups face more discrimination than their peers, resulting in poorer health outcomes. The research analyzed data from 1,052 participants and revealed a significant gap in health problems between those with and without multiple disadvantages.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 11, 2012

Global warming threat seen in fertile soil of northeastern US forests

A new study by UCI researchers found that heating soil in Wisconsin and North Carolina woodlands can increase carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere up to eight times. The study suggests that soils could accelerate global warming through a vicious cycle, where man-made warming releases carbon from soils to the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Statins shown to cause fatigue

Researchers found that individuals taking statin cholesterol-lowering drugs are more likely to experience decreased energy and fatigue upon exertion. The study, which included over 1,000 adults, suggests that these side effects should be taken into account when prescribing statins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 11, 2012

JCI early table of contents for June 11, 2012

Researchers have identified new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment by studying the interaction between natural killer cells and tumor cells. A study found that targeting JAK1 and JAK2 kinases may aid in eradicating tumors resistant to NK cell killing. Additionally, another study revealed that periostin plays a crucial role in chr...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 11, 2012

Young people of multiple disadvantaged groups face worse health due to more discrimination

Research found that teens and young adults experiencing multiple forms of discrimination, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status, report worse mental and physical health. Those from four disadvantaged groups experienced the most health problems, with 13% reporting all four forms of discrimination.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 11, 2012

Moffitt researchers: African-American couples have unmet needs when affected by prostate cancer

Researchers found African-American survivors have unmet needs in dealing with fears of recurrence, while spouses report concerns about stress and anxiety. The study highlights the importance of culturally appropriate interventions, including improved communication and symptom management for better outcomes.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·DateJun 11, 2012

Pinched off

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that actin depolymerization, not myosin motor contraction, is the main force behind yeast cell division. The research uses a novel quantitative microscopy model to confirm this finding and sheds light on cytokinesis mechanisms.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 11, 2012

Sweet minty relief for cough

Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center discover that adding sweetness to a solution can suppress coughing, while menthol reduces the cough reflex by numbing sensory nerves. These findings have implications for understanding how popular remedies work and may inform strategies for managing cough symptoms.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateJun 11, 2012

Researchers work to untangle knots, slipknots in species separated by a billion years of evolution

A new study finds strongly conserved parts of proteins responsible for knotted portions display remarkable similarities among species separated by more than a billion years. Slipknotted proteins, rare but essential for cell membrane stability, are also widely distributed across different families and species.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Fighting cancer with the immune system

A recent study found that targeting the JAK1 and JAK2 tyrosine kinase pathways can increase tumor cell susceptibility to natural killer cell-mediated death. Pharmacological inhibition of these pathways was shown to enhance tumor cell killing, making them a promising target for cancer therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 11, 2012

Wing bling: For female butterflies, flashier is better

A Yale University study found that female butterflies learn to favor males with four spots on their wings, a novel mechanism for evolving morphological diversity. The researchers discovered that females can change their mating preferences after short exposure to different wing patterns.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Arctic getting greener

Research reveals Arctic plants are adapting to rising temperatures by growing taller and expanding, particularly evergreen shrubs, with vascular species like shrubs and plants becoming more widespread

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 11, 2012

A better way to grow bone: Fresh, purified fat stem cells grow bone faster and better

Researchers at UCLA discovered that purified human perivascular stem cells can form bone faster and with higher quality than traditional methods, potentially eliminating the need for invasive bone grafts. The study uses a fresh cell composition called stromal vascular fraction to isolate and purify the stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJun 11, 2012

Research could lead to new drugs for major diseases

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg are working on developing substances that can prevent parasites, bacteria, and fungi from producing essential proteins. If successful, this could lead to the development of new drugs for several major diseases, including cancer, parasitic diseases, and bacterial and fungal infections.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalTetrahedron·DateJun 11, 2012

Mindfulness reduces anxiety and depression in cancer patients

A joint research project between Aarhus University and the Danish Cancer Society shows that mindfulness-based psychological therapy helps reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Mindfulness teaches patients to be more conscious of life as it happens, reducing negative thoughts and worries.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJun 11, 2012

Offspring of older fathers may live longer

A new Northwestern University study suggests that children of older fathers inherit longer telomeres, which may promote slower aging and facilitate extension of lifespan. The association is cumulative across multiple generations, offering insights into the evolution of aging.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Stanford researcher identifies unusual 'altruistic' stem cell behavior with possible link to cancer

A Stanford researcher discovered that certain human embryonic stem cells produce molecules that benefit themselves and nearby cells during stress, exhibiting 'altruistic' behavior. This unique trait is linked to an increase in p53 protein fluctuations, enabling some stem cells to maintain their stemness and secrete antioxidant glutathi...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 11, 2012

Radiation-resistant circuits from mechanical parts

Researchers develop unique technology that keeps devices working in the presence of ionizing radiation, suitable for space applications and control systems, and overcome current radiation-resistant technologies' drawbacks. The new logic gates perform logical operations and can be used to build circuits such as adders and multiplexers.

Scientists correct Amazon water level gauges from space

The University of Bristol scientists developed a technique to calibrate six Amazon gauges using ICESat elevation data, correcting large discrepancies in water levels. This method enables researchers to accurately estimate water levels and river slope, crucial for understanding the exchange of water with floodplains and other processes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJun 11, 2012

Identifying the origins of cervical cancer

A population of cells in the squamo-columnar junction of the cervix have been found to be responsible for most HPV-associated cervical cancers. These cells can become cancerous when infected with HPV, while other cells in the cervix appear to be resistant to infection.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

Are feminism and attachment parenting practices compatible?

A new study by Miriam Liss and Mindy Erchull found that feminist mothers support time-intensive, hands-on parenting practices associated with attachment parenting. The researchers surveyed 431 American women and found that feminists were more likely to endorse attachment parenting than non-feminists.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJun 11, 2012

Corporate political giving doesn't pay

A new study by Rice University and Long Island University found that corporate political activity is negatively associated with market performance. Firms' political investments also worsen both market and accounting performance.

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 11, 2012

A SMART(er) way to track influenza

Brown University engineers create a biochip called SMART that can detect influenza by identifying specific RNA sequences and separating them from other biological debris. The device is small, low-cost, and fast, making it potentially useful in first-aid kits.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJun 11, 2012

First Nations and low-income children visit emergency departments more often for mental health care

A study found that First Nations children and those from families receiving government subsidies had significantly more visits to emergency departments for mental health crises. These visits were often due to anxiety- or stress-related disorders, emotional or behavioural issues from substance abuse, or unspecific diagnoses.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 11, 2012

Japanese scientists show 'new' liver generation using hepatocyte cell transplantation

Researchers in Japan have successfully generated a new liver system using hepatocyte cell transplantation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of propagating mouse hepatocytes by creating a vascularized platform and uniform hepatocyte sheets, leading to the functionality of the engineered liver system.

Groundbreaking discovery of the cellular origin of cervical cancer

A team of researchers identified a unique set of cells at the squamocolumnar junction that express biomarkers found in all forms of invasive cervical cancers linked to HPV. These cells do not regenerate when excised, which has significant implications for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012

How infection can lead to cancer

A new MIT study examines how chronic inflammation can lead to cancer. The researchers found that the liver and colon respond differently to infection, with neutrophils secreting hypochlorous acid damaging proteins and DNA in the colon. The study could help predict the risk of chronic inflammation and develop ways to halt it.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2012