Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 8


Page 8 of 29

Animal reservoir mystery solved

A team of scientists from Washington University in St. Louis has identified the eastern gray squirrel as a major animal reservoir for tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichioses and STARI. The study uses a new assay to detect species-level tick blood meals, confirming the presence of gray squirrel DNA in infected ticks.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJun 22, 2012

Parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating

A study by Temple University found that parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating in families, particularly among urban fathers who face higher rates of unemployment. Fathers and mothers experience different challenges in preparing meals, with mothers spending more time on food preparation but reporting fewer family meals.

SourceTemple University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 22, 2012

Myelodysplastic syndrome treated with deferasirox shows beneficial iron reduction, Moffitt says

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues have tested deferasirox as a treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood-related malignancy that affects the ineffective production of blood cells. Deferasirox reduced iron levels by 23% in 53% of patients, showing promising results for this type of cancer.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 22, 2012

Is your leaf left-handed?

Recent research reveals that the spiral pattern of leaf formation affects the symmetry of tomato and Arabidopsis leaves. The study found measurable anatomical differences between the left and right sides of both young and mature leaves, identifying a previously overlooked axis of asymmetry.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 22, 2012

Genomics and African queens

Researchers found striking similarities between Ethiopian and non-African genomes, suggesting a 3,000-year-old genetic exchange. This discovery supports the legend of the Queen of Sheba and her companions, providing insights into human evolution and cultural diversity.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 21, 2012

Warning to parents over magnet danger to children

Magnetic toys with small, detachable parts pose a significant risk to young children's health. When multiple magnets are ingested, they can trap internal soft tissues and cause fistulas, leading to serious illness if left untreated. Parents are advised to be vigilant when giving their children such toys.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 21, 2012

Planetrise

The newly discovered two-planet system of Kepler-36 features a rocky planet Kepler-36b and a gas giant Kepler-36c that experience close encounters every 97 days. Researchers are struggling to understand how these worlds ended up in such tight orbits, but the discovery has significant implications for the search for exoplanets.

Researchers advance biometric security

Researchers at University of Calgary developed a biometric security system that combines different measurements like eye colour and fingerprints to create a learning system simulating the brain. The algorithm can learn new patterns and adapt to changing conditions, improving accuracy and recognition process.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalInternational Journal of Information Technology and Management·DateJun 21, 2012

A better way to help high-risk pregnant smokers

A contingency management program significantly improves smoking reduction and abstinence in drug-dependent pregnant women. The study found that nearly half of the participants met a 75% reduction target and a third achieved total abstinence.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJun 21, 2012

Study explains functional links between autism and genes

A pioneering study finds genetic changes that explain why one person has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and another does not. The research identifies potential new regions where copy-number variants are associated with ASDs and shows a significant impact of these variants on gene expression.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 21, 2012

Study suggests poor mothers favor daughters

A Michigan State University study found that poor mothers produce fattier milk for their daughters than sons, supporting a 1973 hypothesis. In contrast, wealthy mothers prefer to invest resources in sons who are more likely to increase their status through marriage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJun 21, 2012

Extensive water in Mars' interior

Recent research analyzed two Martian meteorites from within the Red Planet's interior, revealing a vast amount of water similar to Earth's. This discovery raises the possibility that Mars could have sustained life and suggests volcanoes as the primary vehicle for getting water to the surface.

Surgical 'sling' reduces risk of weakened bladder control after prolapse surgery, U-M study says

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that patients who receive a mid-urethral sling during prolapse repair have less than half the risk of urinary incontinence. The study suggests that inserting a sling during surgery can significantly reduce urine leakage, but also increases the risk of certain side effects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2012

For our guts, not just any microbiome will do

A recent study found that mice carrying a set of friendly microbes fail to develop a proper immune system, highlighting the importance of host-specific microbiota. The researchers suggest that a coevolved relationship between humans and their gut microbiome may be compromised by modern lifestyle factors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 21, 2012