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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 14


Page 14 of 32

Friendly to a fault, yet tense: Personality traits traced in brain

Researchers found abnormal development of the insula circuit hub is rooted in genes and causes overly friendly yet anxious behavior in individuals with Williams syndrome. The study uses neuroimaging to pinpoint the suspect brain area in people with the disorder, revealing structural and functional abnormalities.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2012

Test to improve peanut allergy diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new test using 'Arah2' to diagnose peanut allergy, reducing the need for oral food challenges by four-fold. The two-step screening process is more accurate and predictive than standard tests, minimizing over-diagnosis and alleviating pressure on healthcare services.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 20, 2012

Jellyfish inspires latest ocean-powered robot

Researchers from Virginia Tech have created a robotic jellyfish named Robojelly that mimics the natural movements of a real jellyfish. The robot is powered by chemical reactions taking place on its surface, fueled by hydrogen and able to regenerate fuel from its surroundings.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateMar 20, 2012

Collaboration rapidly connects fly gene discovery to human disease

A study discovered mutations in the mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA synthetase gene that cause neurodegenerative disorders in both fruit flies and humans. The findings suggest that antioxidants may counteract the negative consequences of these mutations in flies, raising hope for potential therapeutic approaches in human patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2012

A camera that peers around corners

Researchers at MIT Media Lab have developed a new imaging system that can produce recognizable 3-D images of objects outside its line of sight by using femtosecond laser pulses and analyzing reflected light. The system has potential applications in emergency response, vehicle navigation, and medical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2012

JCI early table of contents for March 26, 2012

Research published in JCI suggests a connection between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting potential new therapeutics for treatment. The studies found that defective insulin signaling is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease and that treatment with a new anti-diabetic drug normalized insulin signaling and improv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2012

Is there good research evidence for health systems interventions?

The article discusses the importance of researching health systems interventions and assessing the reliability of evidence. The authors argue that useful tools are available to evaluate effectiveness, but more work is needed to assess other key factors such as policy acceptability and implementation feasibility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 20, 2012

Penn researchers find mentoring provides health benefits for African American veterans with diabetes

A study by Penn researchers found that peer mentoring significantly improved glucose control in African American veterans with diabetes. The intervention, which included financial incentives, showed a statistically significant effect on improving HbA1c levels. The authors suggest that social support and camaraderie among veteran partic...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2012

Drug makes leukemia more vulnerable to chemo

Researchers have found that a new drug called plerixafor can help drive leukemia cells out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. In a clinical trial, 46% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia achieved complete remission after treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBlood·DateMar 19, 2012

'Look at me' toddlers eager to collaborate and learn

A Concordia University study reveals that toddlers' high-quality attention-seeking behaviors are associated with increased motivation to collaborate and learn. Parents who respond favourably to their child's needs can encourage positive expectations, leading to improved conscience development in children.

SourceConcordia University·JournalChild Development·DateMar 19, 2012

JCI early table of contents for March 19, 2012

Researchers discovered that radiation treatment inhibits monocyte entry into the optic nerve head, preventing neuronal damage in a mouse model of glaucoma. This breakthrough sheds light on a potential prevention strategy for glaucoma, which is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness worldwide.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2012

Avoiding the tragedy of overfishing

A study of 42 co-managed coral reef fisheries found that partnerships between government, conservation groups, and local fishers were successful in meeting the livelihood needs of local communities and protecting fish stocks. The research identified conditions for co-management success, providing vital guidance for conservation groups,...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Pediatricians' pain-medication judgments affected by unconscious racial bias, says UW study

A recent University of Washington study found that pediatricians who exhibit unconscious racial bias tend to prescribe better pain-management for white patients than they do for African-American patients. The study suggests that incorporating awareness of personal bias into medical education and training is necessary to avoid unintende...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2012