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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 16


Page 16 of 29

U of M public health researchers lead effort to find genetic proof of coronary artery disease risk

University of Minnesota public health researchers found two high-signal genetic markers correlated with coronary artery disease, which may help define genetic fingerprints for increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 75,000 patients and offers biological and clinical data supporting future research into the genetic markers.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 14, 2012

Making the invisible visible

Clinicians must address the immediate safety issue of a gun in the home to effectively engage rural parents in preventing youth suicide. The study found that relating one's own experience with guns increases credibility with parents.

SourceTemple University·JournalChild & Family Social Work·DateJun 14, 2012

A sea of broken promises

A review of global ocean commitments has shown little success over the past 20 years. Despite international agreements, governments have failed to meet targets for protecting vulnerable species and marine habitats, leading to increased fish stock depletion and ecosystem destruction.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2012

Special Alan Turing issue Fundamenta Informaticae published

The journal Fundamenta Informaticae publishes a special issue commemorating Alan Turing's work on reaction-diffusion theory, which is considered a foundation of chaos theory and theoretical biology. The issue explores the applications of mathematical theories inspired by Turing's work to natural phenomena.

SourceIOS Press·JournalFundamenta Informaticae·DateJun 14, 2012

New open-access journal fills niche for addictions research

The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research (IJADR) aims to address the lack of addiction research in low- and middle-income countries by publishing peer-reviewed papers on cross-cultural perspectives. The journal offers a mentoring program for non-native English researchers, further enhancing its unique features.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalThe International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research·DateJun 14, 2012

Catching some rays

Scientists have developed more efficient organic solar cells by harnessing the power of polarized excitons. This breakthrough could make solar energy a cost-effective alternative to conventional sources. Researchers are exploring new materials to improve efficiency and competitiveness.

Ptooey!

A new study found that a plant's toxic 'mustard oil bomb' makes mice spit out its seeds when eating the fruit, aiding seed dispersal. This discovery illustrates the first known case of directed deterrence in a single species.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 14, 2012

Virtual colonoscopy without laxative equals standard in identifying clinically significant polyps

A new method of virtual colonoscopy, administered without laxatives, has been shown to be as accurate as conventional colonoscopy in detecting potentially cancerous polyps. The procedure uses a CT scanner and a tagging agent to identify polyps, and was found to detect clinically significant polyps with 91% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2012

Inner ear may hold key to ancient primate behavior

Researchers analyzed fossilized primate skulls and CT scans of living primates to determine how extinct animals moved, focusing on the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. The study found that ancient primates were relatively agile, with some species moving faster than their Old World ancestors.

Scripps research scientists show lack of single protein results in persistent viral infection

A study by Scripps Research Institute scientists shows that the single protein TLR7 plays a significant role in generating immune responses required to clear persistent LCMV infection. Without this protein, the immune system's ability to purge the infection is compromised, leading to exhaustion of T cells and impairment of both cellula...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 13, 2012

New software forecasts noise levels in the street

Researchers at the University of Granada developed a new software solution to predict urban noise levels using a dataset of street type, road conditions, and vehicle speed. The system has shown higher accuracy than traditional mathematical models, with a reliability of 95%, and will help perform urban noise mapping projects.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 13, 2012

Successful transplantation of tissue-engineered vein in a child offers hope for patients who lack suitable veins for dialysis or bypass surgery

A 10-year-old girl's successful transplantation of a tissue-engineered vein has dramatically improved her quality of life, avoiding complications associated with synthetic grafts and lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. The procedure restored normal blood flow and significantly enhanced her physical growth.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 13, 2012