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Science News Archive May 2012 - Page 18


Page 18 of 31

Researchers identify key genes and prototype predictive test for schizophrenia

A research team identified a comprehensive group of genes linked to schizophrenia and developed a prototype predictive test that can accurately assess an individual's risk of developing the disease. The test was able to predict schizophrenia risk in about two-thirds of cases, providing guidance for early intervention and treatment.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 2012

Spurious switching points in traded stock dynamics

A study by Vladimir Filimonov and Didier Sornette challenges the existence of power laws governing stock market volatility, volume, and intertrade times. They found that 'switching points' are actually caused by biased interpretation of market data statistics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 15, 2012

Why omega-3 oils help at the cellular level

Scientists at UC San Diego mapped omega-3 fatty acid processes in mouse cells, discovering that they inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) and potentially generating anti-inflammatory compounds from EPA and DHA. This finding suggests possible manipulation to short-circuit inflammation or boost health benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

Anti-HIV drug tenofovir is safe to take during pregnancy

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pre-birth exposure to tenofovir did not increase birth defects or growth abnormalities among infants born to African HIV-positive women. The researchers analyzed data from the DART trial and found no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes or infant health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 15, 2012

UMD finding may hold key to Gaia hypothesis

A new study by UMD researchers provides a tool for tracing sulfur compounds through ocean organisms, atmosphere, and land, potentially proving or disproving the Gaia theory. The discovery reveals differences in sulfur compound metabolism that carry implications for tracking dimethylsulfide emissions and climate regulation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

When the soil holds not enough phosphorus

Scientists at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência have identified a new phosphate transporter in plant root cells that plays a crucial role in phosphorus uptake when Pi is scarce. The discovery provides insight into how phosphate transport systems can be manipulated to counteract stressful conditions and potentially improve crop yields.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMay 15, 2012

The elusive capacity of networks

Researchers at MIT demonstrate that network coding and error-correcting codes can be handled separately in wired networks, increasing capacity. In contrast, wireless networks pose challenges due to interference, but upper and lower bounds on capacities are calculated, providing a guide for future research.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Theory·DateMay 15, 2012

Reducing off-label use of antipsychotic medications may save money

A Penn State study found that 57.6% of patients prescribed antipsychotic medications in 2003 did not have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, highlighting potential savings through reduced off-label use. The study suggests that Medicaid programs may benefit from reducing non-FDA-approved use of these medications.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMay 15, 2012

Hitch-hiking with birds for life

Studies by University of Gothenburg researcher Daniel Gustafsson reveal that body lice can spread more easily than wing lice, defying expectations. Genetic data shows that almost identical body lice are found on most sandpipers worldwide, highlighting the importance of migration patterns and host bird size.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·DateMay 14, 2012

Back pain improves in first 6 weeks but lingering effects at 1 year

A large study published in CMAJ found that back pain symptoms improve significantly in the first six weeks, but pain and disability may persist even after one year. Patients with acute low-back pain experience a 90% reduction in pain intensity at one year, while those with persistent low-back pain see only a 50% improvement.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 14, 2012

Microbe that can handle ionic liquids

Researchers at JBEI have identified a tropical rainforest microbe that can endure relatively high concentrations of an ionic liquid used to dissolve cellulosic biomass. The discovery holds broad implications beyond the production of advanced biofuels, offering a potential solution to reduce biofuel production costs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2012

Bio-hybrid device acts as 'thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a bio-hybrid device that acts as an 'inflammation thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis. The device loads human liver cells engineered to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, which balance inflammation and immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDisruptive Science and Technology·DateMay 14, 2012

Lawrence Livermore work may improve the efficiency of the biofuel production cycle

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have discovered a bacterium that can tolerate toxic chemicals used in biofuel production, allowing for more efficient processing. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly benefit industrial processes and improve the efficiency of biofuel production.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2012

Measuring CO2 to fight global warming

Scientists from University of Utah and Harvard develop method to detect changes in CO2 emissions of 15% or more using three monitoring stations. The method is a proof-of-concept step towards verifying compliance with future greenhouse gas treaties.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2012

To get the full flavor, you need the right temperature

A new study by Dr. Gary Pickering and colleagues from Brock University found that changes in food temperature alter the intensity of sour, bitter, and astringent tastes but not sweetness. The research involved 74 participants who tasted sweet, sour, bitter, and astringent solutions at varying temperatures.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateMay 14, 2012

Embargoed news for Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that a comprehensive care management program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may not be safe or suitable for patients, as it led to excess mortality. In contrast, laxative-free colonography proved accurate in detecting most significant lesions and eliminated a major barrier to colon cancer screening. ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 14, 2012

New journal on disruptive science and technology launched by Mary Ann Liebert Inc. publishers

The inaugural issue of Disruptive Science and Technology explores new paradigms in scientific publishing, treatments for sepsis, and temperature regulation, among other topics. The journal provides a custom-designed forum for world-class papers that challenge the status quo and bring about new innovations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDisruptive Science and Technology·DateMay 14, 2012

Gastric feeding tubes may raise pressure ulcer risk

A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reports that gastric feeding tubes may not prevent but rather increase the risk of pressure ulcers in people with advanced dementia. The analysis of thousands of nursing home patients found that those with a feeding tube were 2.27 times more likely to develop a stage II ulcer, and ...

SourceBrown University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 14, 2012