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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 32

NIH grantees find dengue affects genes, function of mosquito salivary glands

A recent study found that dengue virus infection triggers changes in the activity of genes and functions of mosquito salivary glands, which may lead to greater virus transmission. The researchers also identified three salivary gland genes that modulate dengue virus infection and two olfactory genes that help control mosquito behavior.

Data mining deep space

Bahram Mobasher has received a two-year grant from NASA to compile imaging observations of galaxy surveys taken by the Hubble Space Telescope since 2002. The project aims to provide multi-wavelength data for measuring physical properties of galaxies and studying their formation and evolution.

Study suggests why some animals live longer

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a method to detect proteins associated with longevity, finding that certain proteins evolve in non-random ways in long-lived species. This suggests that these species have optimised pathways for repairing molecular damage, which could help develop anti-ageing interventions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAGE·DateMar 29, 2012

Launch of PLoS Currents: Disasters

PLoS Currents: Disasters is a new publication channel for sharing research and operational analyses on disasters. It supports timely publishing and revision-friendly article formats.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Currents·DateMar 28, 2012

Sleep disturbances hurt memory consolidation

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that sleep disturbances significantly impair the overnight improvement and plateau performance of motor tasks in patients with sleep apnea. The authors concluded that optimal memory consolidation requires continuous sleep, independent of the total amount of sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2012

A new paradox on our plate?

A study published in the British Food Journal found that US consumers have a better understanding of dietary fats than French counterparts, which contradicts the notion that nutritional information encourages healthy eating habits. Researchers suggest that detailed nutritional knowledge may not be the key to healthy eating.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateMar 28, 2012

Study reports validation and clinical application of the first point-of-care genetic test in medicine, regarding use of antiplatelet therapy following coronary interventions

A new point-of-care genetic test identifies CYP2C19*2 allele, a common variant associated with increased risk of major adverse events. The test enables personalized dual antiplatelet treatment, reducing complications and improving outcomes for patients after coronary interventions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2012

No improvement in patient outcomes seen in hospitals with pay-for-performance programs

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that the largest hospital-based pay-for-performance program in the US did not improve 30-day mortality rates for patients with acute conditions. Non-Premier hospitals showed similar outcomes to poor-performing Premier hospitals, suggesting that incentives may need to be adjusted.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 28, 2012

Protein 'jailbreak' helps breast cancer cells live

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that protein survivin can prevent normal cell death when located outside the nucleus, but not inside. Researchers suggest measuring overall levels and locations of proteins like HDAC6 could provide new leads for investigating breast cancer.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 28, 2012

Major study shows that tobacco-related cancers and cervical cancer are important causes of death among working-age people in India

A new study published in The Lancet analyzed cancer death rates across India and found that oral, stomach, and lung cancers are major causes of death in men, while cervical, stomach, and breast cancers cause the most deaths among women. The study also highlighted significant geographical and social variations in cancer mortality rates.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 28, 2012

Penn research points to new way of preserving fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment

A team led by Ralph Brinster at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has successfully preserved spermatogonial stem cells in mice for over a decade, demonstrating their viability and ability to produce healthy offspring. The study provides promising evidence for a potential fertility treatment in humans, address...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 28, 2012

Taking some time off can help when learning a new language

A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that learning a new language can improve with time off. Adult subjects who took a break after high proficiency showed no decline in abilities and even processed the language more naturally. This unexpected result may be attributed to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2012