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Science News for March 27, 2012


Nanostarfruits are pure gold for research

Researchers at Rice University created starfruit-shaped gold nanorods that can enhance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, allowing for more sensitive detection of organic molecules. The particles return signals 25 times stronger than similar nanorods with smooth surfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 27, 2012

Creativity and human reasoning during decision-making

Researchers found that humans can only monitor up to three strategies while making decisions, and creativity is favored over reliable options. The frontal lobe plays a crucial role in this process, with individual differences in performance linked to variations in creative ability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2012

Androgen suppression

A new mathematical model predicts optimal treatment length for prostate cancer patients to delay resistance, allowing clinicians to tailor therapy effectively. Intermittent androgen suppression therapy reduces side effects and improves patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMar 27, 2012

Finding reason in delusion

Researchers found that many dementia patients' delusions have logical explanations and can be treated through behavioral therapy. The study suggests a better understanding of delusions can lead to more humane and compassionate treatment, considering the patient's context and circumstances.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateMar 27, 2012

Wind turbines that learn like humans

Researchers developed a biologically inspired control system that uses memory of past control experiences and outcomes to generate new actions. This approach shows promise for enhancing wind power conversion efficiency, outperforming traditional methods in simulations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMar 27, 2012

Mount Sinai releases landmark research at American College of Cardiology meeting

Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine presented several studies at the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session. One study found that aggressive statin therapy reduced fat content in coronary blockage by 22 percent, while another showed that cardiovascular disease screening can identify risk factors and symp...

Poor colonoscopy prep hides pre-cancerous polyps

A recent study found that inadequate bowel preparation during a colonoscopy can lead to missed pre-cancerous lesions, which were later discovered during a second screening. This highlights the importance of proper preparation for colonoscopies, as even minor issues can have significant consequences.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 27, 2012

Interrogational torture: Effective or purely sadistic?

A recent study published in Political Research Quarterly found that information gleaned from interrogational torture is likely to be unreliable and used too frequently. The study's author, John W. Schiemann, concludes that the use of torture makes it difficult for states to distinguish between real and false confessions.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMar 27, 2012

IOF and ECTS issue guidance on management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) have published a guidance document outlining management strategies to prevent bone loss and related fractures in high-risk patients. The guidelines provide a framework for developing national assessment and treatment guidelines, emphasizing...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 27, 2012

Quantum effects and cancer

Researchers propose that quantum metabolism explains metabolic changes causing healthy cells to become cancerous, enabling cells to outcompete for space and nutrients. Understanding this process could lead to new cancer treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMar 27, 2012

Has modern science become dysfunctional?

The number of retractions in scientific journals has increased by over 10-fold in the past decade, driven by economic incentives and a hypercompetitive environment. This trend is seen as a symptom of a growing dysfunction in biomedical research, with researchers feeling pressure to publish in high-profile journals to secure funding.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateMar 27, 2012

Mustard -- not just for hotdogs anymore, research shows

Researchers discovered a compound in mustard seed meal with antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. The isolated sinapic acid lends a useful function to the previously economic value-less defatted seed meal, enabling its use as a natural food preservative.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·DateMar 27, 2012

When we test, do we stress?

A recent study by Sonia Lupien's team at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress found that testing older adults in unfamiliar and stressful environments can significantly reduce their memory performance. The researchers tested older adults under conditions similar to those in which cognitive examinations take place, and found that stre...

Researchers find diets high in saturated fat not associated with adverse effects in healthy cats

A study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research found that healthy cats can consume a diet rich in saturated fat without raising their cholesterol levels. The research also showed that increasing the proportion of fat in a cat's diet will not lead to weight gain, as long as daily calorie intake remains constant.

SourceCNC (UK) Ltd.·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·DateMar 27, 2012

IPTi in co-endemic falciparum and vivax malaria

A randomized trial found IPTi to be an effective preventive measure against malaria episodes in infants exposed to both falciparum and vivax malaria. The study showed a significant reduction in malaria cases with regular IPTi treatment during infancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 27, 2012

Transparent memory chips are coming

Rice University researchers have developed a transparent memory chip using silicon oxide, which can combine with transparent electrodes and integrated circuits. The technology has the potential to create flexible and transparent electronics, such as see-through cellphones.

Taking oral glucocorticoids for 3 months or longer? Beware of osteoporosis!

Long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy is associated with a significant risk of bone loss and fractures, particularly in older adults and those with higher doses. To mitigate this risk, patients should take preventive measures such as maintaining adequate calcium and protein intake, exercising regularly, and getting enough vitamin D.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 27, 2012

Substance use linked to Internet gambling

A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking found that online gamblers reported more frequent and problematic drinking and cannabis use compared to offline-only gamblers. The research suggests that online gambling may be associated with increased risks of substance-related behaviors.

Mental health workers: The overlooked victims of 9/11

A new study by Mary Pulido finds that mental health clinicians experienced high levels of secondary traumatic stress due to their work with 9/11 victims. The lack of support and supervision is a significant concern, but peer support was helpful in mitigating the effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Social Work Journal·DateMar 27, 2012

NIH study shows survival advantage for bypass surgery compared with non-surgical procedure

A new comparative effectiveness study found that older adults who underwent bypass surgery had better long-term survival rates than those who underwent a non-surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. After four years, the CABG group had a 21 percent lower mortality rate compared to the PCI group.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 27, 2012

Middle school boys who are reluctant readers value reading more after using e-readers

A new study by Southern Methodist University found that middle school boys who used e-readers rated reading more valuable as an activity, but girls struggled with motivation. The study, which included Amazon's Kindle e-reader, showed that boys improved their attitudes towards reading after using the e-readers.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Science and Technology·DateMar 27, 2012

Air pollution from trucks and low-quality heating oil may explain childhood asthma hot spots

A new study finds that high levels of black carbon, a pollutant from truck emissions and dirty oil, contribute to childhood asthma hot spots in NYC. Children with higher black carbon exposure have higher exhaled nitric oxide, indicating greater lung inflammation and increased risk for asthma exacerbations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateMar 27, 2012

Malaria prevention saves children’s lives

A new study published in Malaria Journal found that malaria prevention measures saved 850,000 child deaths in Africa between 2001 and 2010. The Lives Saved Tool model used by researchers estimated the impact of interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and pregnant women's malaria prevention.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateMar 27, 2012

The acid test: 21st century pH meter

A team from Graz University of Technology has developed a new method for measuring pH in enzyme reactions using luminescent dual-life-time referencing. This method, known as DLR-based pH meter, combines a pH indicator and a reference standard to provide real-time characteristics of enzyme reactions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateMar 27, 2012

Scientists suggest new age for East African Rift

A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the Eastern branch of the East African Rift system is approximately 25-30 million years old, nearly doubling its previously estimated age. This discovery has important implications for understanding climate change models, faunal evolution, and the development of Africa's unique l...

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 27, 2012

Researchers discover a new path for light through metal

Researchers have found a promising candidate for plasmonic materials in titanium nitride, enabling the transportation of plasmons and directing optical signals on the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to faster and more efficient optoelectronic devices with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateMar 27, 2012