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Science News for March 26, 2012


Scientists find new way to measure economic impact of forest fires

A team of scientists created a methodology that considers timber vulnerability, harvesting value, and fire behavior to estimate potential net losses from timber production and fire survival probability. This approach helps fire managers and planners evaluate the economic impacts of wildfires on timber resources.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 26, 2012

NEJM: Heart patients do better with non-surgical valve replacement than standard medical therapy

Patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis who are too sick for open-heart surgery have better survival rates and an improved quality of life after undergoing catheter-based heart valve replacement. The minimally invasive procedure adds years to life and life to years, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Study suggests new way to treat chronic pain

A recent study by McGill University researchers has identified a key gene affecting chronic pain sensitivity, offering a potential new approach to individualized therapy. The findings suggest that targeting the pore-forming function of P2X7 receptors may provide relief for patients with genetically inherited low pain sensitivity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

New analysis of premature infants' heartbeats, breathing could be cues for leaving NICU

Researchers developed an analytical method that measures cardiorespiratory interaction using individual breaths and heartbeats, showing that postnatal age is an indicator of maturity in premature infants. The study found no correlation between cardiorespiratory interaction and birth weight or gestational age at birth.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMar 26, 2012

New research reveals deep-ocean impact of the Deepwater Horizon explosion

Researchers discovered numerous coral communities covered in brown flocculent material and showing signs of tissue damage near the Macondo Well, 4,000 feet from the surface. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography analysis confirmed oil from the spill was the source, revealing a serious impact on deep-sea animal communities.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2012

Hammerhead shark double whammy

A new look-alike species of hammerhead shark has been discovered in Brazilian waters, raising concerns about its impact on the endangered scalloped hammerhead. The discovery confirms that the original finding was not a local oddity and highlights the need for further research to understand its population status.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalMarine Biology·DateMar 26, 2012

Study by Haverford College professor reveals unprecedented impact of Deepwater Horizon on deep ocean

Researchers find stressed corals and brown flocculent material at depths of up to 4,300 feet, contradicting initial assumption that such ecosystems are immune to surface spills. The study's findings suggest the Deepwater Horizon spill had a more far-reaching impact than previously thought.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2012

New memory for HIV patients

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that replacing naive CD4+ T cells with memory CD4+ T cells may be a more effective approach to combating HIV. The loss of naive T cells had no effect on the maintenance of memory CD4+ T cells, whose loss proceeded similarly with or without naive cell replacements.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Regular chocolate eaters are thinner

A new study by the University of California, San Diego, suggests that regular chocolate eaters are actually thinner than those who don't consume chocolate regularly. The research found a modest but significant association between chocolate consumption and lower body mass index, regardless of calorie intake or exercise habits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Non-invasive scans accurately predict 30-day risk for patients with chest pain

A new study reveals that non-invasive coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans can quickly and reliably determine which patients with chest pain can be safely discharged from emergency departments. The test was found to have a lower 30-day event rate than traditional care, making it a valuable tool for identifying low-risk patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

The brains behind skaters

A new study reveals that short-track speed skaters' brains undergo significant structural adaptations in response to training, particularly in the right hemisphere of the cerebellum. This results in enhanced balance and coordination abilities, essential for high-speed cornering and passing on ice.

A 24-karat gold key to unlock the immune system

Researchers at Tel Aviv University create gold nanoparticles that trigger an immune response when coated with specific chemical residues, revealing a key link between hydrophobicity and immune system activation. This breakthrough has the potential to improve drug delivery systems and lead to more effective medications and vaccinations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 26, 2012

Size matters: Large Marine Protected Areas work for dolphins

A study by ecologists in New Zealand found that a 1170 km2 marine sanctuary significantly improved survival of Hector's dolphins, one of the rarest dolphin species. The research revealed a 5.4% increase in survival rates since the Marine Protected Area was designated in 1988.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 26, 2012

Novel drug in pill form safer than standard approach to treat blocked lung blood vessels

A new study found that the novel oral anti-coagulant rivaroxaban is as effective as traditional treatment for blocked lung blood vessels, with lower rates of major bleeding. The EINSTEIN-PE trial compared rivaroxaban to standard therapy and demonstrated its non-inferiority in treating pulmonary embolism.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Not your average heat shield

Researchers have developed a 'thermal' approach to invisibility cloaking that isolates or cloaks objects from sources of heat. The method uses transformation optics to control thermal diffusion, allowing for the shielding of areas from heat and the concentration of heat in small volumes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 26, 2012

Stand up: Your life could depend on it

A study of over 200,000 people found that adults who sat for 11 hours or more per day had a 40% increased risk of dying in the next three years. Regular physical activity can still reduce this risk, but avoiding prolonged sitting is also crucial.

SourceSax Institute·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Wind energy enhancement: UC research establishes real-world wind turbine performance metrics

University of Cincinnati researchers have developed predictive software to analyze two years' worth of operating data from a commercial wind turbine, identifying key components with high failure rates and average downtime. The study aims to establish real-world performance metrics for turbines, enabling optimal scheduling of maintenanc...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Renewable Energy·DateMar 26, 2012

State of the planet

Key indicators of the planet's state include higher carbon dioxide levels, rising air and ocean temperatures, melting sea ice and permafrost, and biodiversity loss. Scientists warn that if trends are not reversed, critical thresholds will be pushed beyond, leading to catastrophic consequences.

When ions get closer

Researchers discovered a previously unknown phenomenon in quantum plasmas, enabling positively charged particles to form atom-like structures. This discovery accelerates current conduction, potentially revolutionizing nanotechnology and applications such as micro-chips and semiconductors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 26, 2012

More frequently eating chocolate appears related to lower BMI

A study of 1018 adults found that those who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those who ate it less often. The researchers also found a positive association between chocolate consumption and improved metabolic health, including lower blood pressure and insulin sensitivity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Simple, cheap way to mass-produce graphene nanosheets

A new method for mass-producing high-quality graphene nanosheets has been developed by researchers, enabling the production of sheets at a lower cost than current methods. The technique uses dry ice and an industrial process to create flakes of graphite with opened-up edges, making them soluble in solvents and allowing for easy separat...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2012

Penn study reveals safety of CT scans for rapid rule out of heart attacks in ER chest pain patients

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that highly detailed CT scans can safely and quickly rule out heart attacks among many patients with chest pain. The study found that patients with negative CT scans can be discharged from the hospital within hours, reducing costs and emergency room crowding.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2012

Early-life exposure to secondhand smoke affects girls more than boys, new study suggests

A new study from the University of Cincinnati found that children exposed to high levels of secondhand smoke who also had allergic sensitizations during early childhood are at greater risk for decreased lung function. Lung function among girls was six times worse than in boys who were exposed to similar levels of both secondhand smoke ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMar 26, 2012

Lowering LDL, the earlier the better

New research shows that lowering LDL cholesterol beginning early in life can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. The study found that a consistent 50-60% reduction in CHD risk was associated with each 1 mmol/L lower lifetime exposure to LDL cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Top priorities in biodiversity science agreed

International experts agree on the need to better understand biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystem services, which are crucial for human well-being. The new framework sets out a strategy to address biodiversity-related research efforts and inform policy decisions.

Wide variation in emergency service response to elderly falls patients

A national survey of UK ambulance services found significant variation in response to elderly falls patients, with some trusts utilizing dedicated clinical advisors and triage systems. Despite efforts to reduce delays, the provision of care remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for research to inform policy and practice development.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateMar 26, 2012

Slime mold mimics Canadian highway network

Researchers have found that slime mold can compute a complex network similar to the Canadian highway system. This discovery provides evidence that nature is capable of computation, challenging our understanding of its capabilities.

SourceQueen's University·JournalInternational Journal of Natural Computing Research·DateMar 26, 2012

A new dimension for solar energy

A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to solar energy by creating 3D configurations of solar photovoltaic cells. Their results show that these structures can increase power output ranging from double to more than 20 times that of traditional flat panels, with the biggest boosts seen in locations far from the equator, i...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 26, 2012

Antibody injection lowers LDL, adding to effectiveness of statin therapy

A novel monoclonal antibody, SAR236553/REGN727, has been shown to dramatically lower circulating LDL cholesterol by 40-72% in patients, providing a potential new treatment option for those resistant to statins. The study's results demonstrate a dose-response effect, with higher doses resulting in greater reductions in LDL cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 26, 2012

Does the brain 'remember' antidepressants?

A new study by UCLA researchers found that the brain responds differently to antidepressant medication based on prior treatment history. Subjects who had never taken an antidepressant showed large increases in prefrontal brain activity during placebo treatment, while those with prior experience exhibited slight decreases in activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 26, 2012