Piracy all at sea
Researchers analyzed maritime piracy data from 2002 to 2009, identifying target vessels and violence levels. Bulk carriers and container ships were most targeted, with increasing reports of kidnapping and violent attacks.
Science News Archive June 2012
Page 25 of 29
Geckos, cockroaches, and robots dive off ledge, swing under to safety
Researchers have identified and characterized a new behavior in geckos and cockroaches, allowing them to run off ledges and execute a pendulum-like motion to swing underneath. This discovery has inspired the development of robots that can also perform this acrobatic move, with potential applications in search-and-rescue missions.
Standard measures of clinical care of blood pressure misleading, say researchers
Researchers found that standard measures of clinical care for blood pressure are misleading and incomplete, while a new experimental measure provides a clearer picture of patients' needs. The study suggests prioritizing patients most likely to benefit from treatment.
Stealing life's building blocks
Researchers found that parasitic flowers share large parts of their genome with host vines through horizontal gene transfer, and some borrowed genes are likely functional. The process may convey an evolutionary advantage to the flowers, which have replaced vertically inherited copies.
Researchers demonstrate technique to give us better understanding of human tissues
Researchers use bimodal dual AC mode microscopy to analyze eye tissue damaged by scarring in diabetic patients. The study provides detailed information on the composition and surface characteristics of these tissues.
The American Society for Microbiology honors I. Kaye Wachsmuth
I. Kaye Wachsmuth has been recognized for her pioneering work in public health, with a focus on global food safety. She has implemented state-of-the-art microbiology to ensure food safety at home and worldwide.
The real culprit behind hardened arteries? Stem cells, says landmark study
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, used genetic tracing to identify a previously unknown type of stem cell as the real culprit behind vascular diseases. This multipotent vascular stem cell is capable of differentiating into various specialized cell types and plays a key role in the calcification of blood vessels.
Baby's genome deciphered prenatally from parents' lab tests
Researchers successfully sequenced the fetal genome without invasive sampling, enabling the detection of thousands of disorders. They overcame obstacles by applying statistical modeling and technical advances to resolve maternal haplotypes with high accuracy. The breakthrough paves the way for comprehensive prenatal genetic screening.
The American Society for Microbiology honors Susan Sharp
Dr. Richardson's research focuses on the role of basic bacterial physiology in the virulence of human pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus. His work has shown that certain compounds can be lethal to the pathogen, leading to new insights into the battle between host and bacterium.
Spinoza prize for Leiden astronomer Xander Tielens
Xander Tielens receives the Spinoza prize for his groundbreaking work on PAHs in space, which has shed light on the importance of these molecules in star and planet formation. His research has also explored the role of PAHs in the early stages of life.
To quit smoking, try eating more veggies and fruits
A University at Buffalo study found that smokers consuming the most fruit and vegetables were three times more likely to abstain from tobacco use for at least 30 days. These findings persisted even when adjusting for other factors such as age and health orientation.
New research leads to sensors that detect contaminants in water
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a new sensor that can detect organic contaminants in water at very low concentrations. The sensor uses silver nanoparticles and graphene oxide films, allowing for side-selective deposition of metal ions.
1 million billion billion billion billion billion billion: Number of undiscovered drugs
Researchers found that only 0.1% of potential medicines have been synthesized, leaving billions of possibilities behind. Computer modeling can help identify promising molecules for new pharmaceuticals.
The American Society for Microbiology honors Sandeep Kishore
Sandeep Kishore has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on malaria parasites and his efforts to integrate basic sciences and public health perspectives in global health. He developed an open-source curriculum on neglected diseases, which has evolved into a longitudinal four-year program with full administrative support.
The American Society for Microbiology honors LaJoyce Debro
LaJoyce Debro has made significant contributions to fostering research training among underrepresented minorities in microbiology. She is recognized for her dedication to mentoring students and promoting diversity in scientific careers.
Study: When highly skilled immigrants move in, highly skilled natives move out
A study by University of Notre Dame Economist Abigail Wozniak found that highly skilled immigrant arrivals lead to a decrease in the native population's skills. In smaller and more isolated cities, this effect is particularly pronounced.
Stanford researchers help predict the oceans of the future with a mini-lab
Researchers created a mini-lab in Australia's Great Barrier Reef to simulate predicted future ocean conditions and test the reaction of corals. The study, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into how reefs respond to ocean acidification and can inform conservation efforts.
Too few salmon is far worse than too many boats for killer whales
A new study reveals that southern resident killer whales in the Pacific Northwest are more stressed when there is a scarcity of Chinook salmon to eat. Hormone levels show that the whales thrive when they arrive in the Salish Sea in late spring and have access to Fraser River Chinook, which helps them build up their fat reserves.
Botswana, climate and tourism
The Okavango Delta, Botswana's largest tourist draw, is vulnerable to climate change impacts on wildlife and wetlands. Climate change could jeopardize the country's $2 billion tourism sector, with over 50,000 visitors annually.
20 years after Rio Earth Summit
Ecologists call for urgent action to preserve planet's remaining biodiversity, essential for natural ecosystem services like food and wood production. The 17 prominent ecologists' consensus statement highlights the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functions and human health.
MARC travel awards announced for the Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting and Expo
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the recipients of travel awards for The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting and Expo. This year, nine awards were given totaling $14,850 to promote diversity in biomedical research.
Appalachian infant death rates point to healthcare deficit
Infant mortality rates remain high in Appalachia, with white infants facing disproportionately higher deaths compared to non-Appalachian regions. Poverty and limited access to physicians contribute to the deficit, emphasizing the need for improved prenatal care and healthcare policies.
The American Society for Microbiology honors Jeff Chen
Jeff Chen, a University of California, Davis student, has been awarded the Raymond W. Sarber Award for his outstanding research contributions to microbial sciences. Chen's work explores various aspects of microbiology, including yeast genetics and cellular biology.
Sexual orientation fluctuation correlated to alcohol misuse
Research reveals that individuals with uncertain sexual orientations, such as bisexuality, are more likely to experience heavy drinking and negative consequences from alcohol use. The study suggests that this phenomenon may be linked to stress and stigma associated with not fitting into traditional hetero- or homo- sexual categories.
Cedars-Sinai researchers explore role of fungus in digestive disorders
Researchers discovered that fungi inhabit the large intestine and play a role in inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis. The study identified a protein called Dectin-1, which helps protect against inflammation caused by indigenous fungi.
Brain cell activity imbalance may account for seizure susceptibility in Angelman syndrome
Researchers have found an imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition in individuals with Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by seizures, cognitive delay, and severe intellectual disability. This imbalance may underlie the high seizure activity observed in AS patients.
MARC travel awards announced for the 2012 ISMB/ISCB Conference
The FASEB MARC Program has announced the recipients of its travel awards, promoting diversity in biomedical research. The program conferred $3,700 worth of awards to 2 individuals, including Deborah Muganda-Rippchen and Robert Ness.
The American Society for Microbiology honors Stuart B. Levy
Stuart B. Levy receives the 2012 Abbott-ASM Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long dedication to understanding antibiotic resistance. His work has elucidated key mechanisms and control of resistance in bacterial and mammalian cells, leading to new treatments and strategies.
Adolescents and young adults with mental health disorders at risk of long-term opioid use
A longitudinal study found that adolescents and young adults with mental health disorders are 2.4 times more likely to become long-term opioid users than those without a mental health disorder. Long-term opioid use is common among males, older youth, and those from poorer communities.
The power of suggestion: What we expect influences our behavior, for better or worse
Research highlights suggestion's wide-ranging impact on human memory, learning, and behavior. The 'response expectancies' phenomenon explains how anticipating outcomes influences thoughts and actions.
Loss of biodiversity increasingly threatens human well-being: UBC, University of Michigan research
A sweeping review of 20 years of research finds that biodiversity loss diminishes ecosystem services essential for human health and prosperity. Genetic diversity enhances crop yields, wood production, and fodder, while plant diversity increases resistance to invasive species and pathogens.
Why belly fat isn't all bad
Researchers have found that the omentum's fat cells can suppress the immune system by sequestering activated T cells, a finding that could lead to new drugs with fewer side effects. The omentum also helps regenerate damaged tissues through mesenchymal stem cells.
Study: Insomnia linked to hypertension
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that individuals with insomnia are more likely to develop hypertension due to frequent nighttime wakings and delayed sleep latency. The research highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders to prevent related health issues.
Mystery to the origin of long-lived, skin-deep immune cells uncovered
Researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered that long-lived, skin-deep immune cells called Langerhans cells originate from two distinct embryonic sites - the early yolk sac and the foetal liver. These cells play a critical role in initiating protective responses against harmful foreign invaders.
Modeling the demise of migrating brain tumor cells
A theoretical model simulates brain tumor cell evolution under treatment, revealing that peripheral cells need to be targeted. The model suggests enhancing TTF treatment by applying specific frequencies, leading to increased plasma membrane permeability and cancer cell demise.
Study links PTSD to hidden head injuries suffered in combat
Researchers found an association between mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD severity using advanced imaging techniques. The study suggests that subtle brain injury can predispose soldiers to psychiatric illness when coupled with extreme chronic stress.
Microbial communities shifted dramatically after Deepwater Horizon spill
The study found that microbial eukaryote communities shifted from diverse nematode-dominated communities to an almost exclusively fungal community post-spill. Fungal taxa found post-spill are suspected to utilize hydrocarbons and thrive in hostile, polluted conditions.
Killer whale at risk due to inadequate prey population
Researchers measured hormone levels to distinguish between two theories for the whale's decline, supporting the inadequate prey hypothesis. The data suggest that recovering Chinook salmon populations is critical to killer whale recovery.
The American Society for Microbiology honors E. Peter Greenberg
Dr. E. Peter Greenberg, a renowned microbiologist, has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on quorum sensing and biofilms. He is also celebrated for his exceptional mentoring skills, inspiring generations of scientists.
Good bugs gone bad: Gut immune cells keep beneficial microbes in their place
Researchers identify innate lymphoid cells as key players in limiting commensal bacteria to intestinal tissues. The study suggests that targeting these immune cells or specific bacterial groups may be useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
The American Society for Microbiology honors L. Barth Reller
L. Barth Reller, a renowned clinical microbiologist, has been recognized with the 2012 TREK Diagnostic ABMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to the field. He is also an accomplished mentor and trainer of medical microbiologists, having mentored 38 fellows who now hold leadership positions globally.
Studies show new drug to be effective in treating skin cancer, Stanford researchers say
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that vismodegib is effective in treating basal cell carcinoma, a common cancer caused by sun exposure. Researchers found that patients with Gorlin syndrome who took vismodegib developed an average of two new tumors per year, compared to 29 in those taking placebo.
Have you heard? Nearly 15 percent of work email is gossip
A new study from Georgia Tech found that nearly 15 percent of work emails are gossip, with lower-level employees sharing more information than higher-ups. The researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of emails from the former Enron corporation and discovered that negative gossip is prevalent among employees.
NIH, EPA announce competition to develop personal air pollution and health sensors
The My Air, My Health Challenge offers a cash award of $100,000 for the most effective solution in integrating physiological and air quality data. The competition aims to better understand the connection between air quality and health, and will collaborate between health researchers and technologists.
Study compares effectiveness of different types of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression
A study compared the effectiveness of face-to-face and telephone-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating depression in primary care patients. The results found that telephone CBT had lower rates of discontinuing treatment, but was less effective at reducing depressive symptoms in the long term.
Biomarker levels associated with increased risk of death following noncardiac surgery
A study published in JAMA found that certain biomarker levels, specifically troponin T, measured after noncardiac surgery are associated with an increased risk of death within 30 days. The researchers identified peak troponin T values as the strongest predictors of 30-day mortality.
We are drinking too much water
Research suggests that encouraging people to drink more water is driven by market interests rather than a need for better health. A balanced diet and lifestyle are key to weight loss, with fluid intake from unprocessed sources being equally important.
Growing popularity of hip and knee replacement surgery places extra burden on critical care services
A study of half a million patients found that 3% require critical care services after hip and knee replacements. Hospitals should prepare for the growing number of orthopedic patients needing critical care, with risk factors including age, comorbidities, and anesthesia type.
Sepsis outbreak at L.A. County dialysis center prompts public health investigation
A bacterial sepsis outbreak at a Los Angeles County dialysis center was caused by improper disinfection of reusable medical devices, including a dialyzer. The investigation found genetic links between the bacteria infecting three patients, leading to changes in facility procedures and improved infection prevention training.
New ways to stretch DNA and other organic molecules
Researchers at National Taiwan University created a two-phase microfluidics technique to systematically stretch polymer strings suspended in fluid flow. By varying wall wettability, flow rate ratio, and Reynolds number, they controlled polymer extension, providing insights into biomolecule structure and behavior.
Mothers' teen cannabinoid exposure may increase response of offspring to opiate drugs
A study in rats found that adolescent female rats exposed to marijuana-like cannabinoids through their mothers had a higher preference for morphine, suggesting increased risk of drug abuse in their male offspring. The findings support earlier reports on the negative effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on development and behavior.
Keeping up with embryogenesis
A new imaging technology captures unprecedented speed and precision of embryogenesis, enabling quantitative analyses of developmental processes. The SiMView light sheet microscope allows users to track each cell in an embryo as it takes shape over hours or days.
Higher taxes, smoke-free policies are reducing smoking in moms-to-be
A recent study found that higher taxes on cigarettes and implementation of smoke-free policies are effective in reducing smoking during pregnancy. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, also showed that these policies can help prevent relapse after delivery, with a $1.00 increase in tax resulting in a 4.8 ...
Study examines major bleeding risk with low-dose aspirin use in patients with and without diabetes
A study of nearly 200,000 individuals found daily low-dose aspirin use associated with increased risk of major gastrointestinal or cerebral bleeding. Patients with diabetes had high rates of major bleeding, irrespective of aspirin use.
Nuclear weapon simulations show performance in molecular detail
Researchers at Purdue University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have solved several problems hindering the use of ultra-precise simulations needed to certify nuclear weapons. The breakthrough enables the creation of supercomputers capable of performing exascale computing, a crucial step for national defense.
UBC drug formulation receives $1.1 million for clinical development as HIV treatment
A UBC-developed oral drug delivery system of Amphotericin B shows promise in 'flushing' HIV from reservoirs and boosting effectiveness of existing therapies. The $1.1-million funding supports its clinical development as a treatment for HIV patients, offering new hope for the quest to find a cure.
NASA satellites see changes in weakening Typhoon Mawar
Typhoon Mawar was observed to be producing a large area of rainfall southeast of Japan, with most heavy rainfall occurring north of the dissipating tropical cyclone's center. The storm's surface temperature and extent were also studied using NASA's Aqua satellite, revealing a lack of an eye wall and weakening circulation.
Post-stroke depression linked to functional brain impairment
Researchers found a strong link between post-stroke depression and brain network impairment, specifically in the default-mode network (DMN), which is involved in emotional regulation. The study suggests that functional brain impairment may be more critical than structural lesions in predicting depression severity.
Physicist and entrepreneur Dr. Stephen Quake honored with $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize
Dr. Quake recognized for revolutionary work in drug discovery, genome analysis, and personalized medicine, enabling large-scale automation of biology and improving human health outcomes. His microfluidic technology has enabled non-invasive prenatal testing and single-cell gene expression analysis.
Climate change remains an urgent public health concern
International experts emphasize the need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and its substantial health impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations. Encouraging individual actions like walking, cycling, and healthier eating can bring co-benefits for both public health and reduced climate impact.