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Science News Archive November 2012 - Page 2


Page 2 of 23

Next-generation treatments for Fragile X syndrome

A new study has identified a potential therapeutic mechanism for Fragile X syndrome, which is the most common heritable form of autism and intellectual disability. Researchers have found that blocking the serotonin 7 receptor may reverse synaptic plasticity in mice with FXS, suggesting a new approach to treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 2012

'Dark core' may not be so dark after all

Astronomers have found that a merging galaxy cluster's 'dark core' does not appear to be over-dense in dark matter. The study uses improved Hubble camera capabilities to map the cluster's dark matter distribution, with a ratio of 2.5 to 1 of dark matter to normal matter, aligning with expectations.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 29, 2012

Feeding the world fairly

A multidisciplinary group of scholars at Johns Hopkins University aims to develop guidelines for fair access to good food, addressing disparities in global nutrition. The project seeks moral common ground among experts and stakeholders from various fields.

As cigarette taxes go up, heavy smoking goes down

A recent study found that heavy smokers who experienced significant price hikes from increased taxes reduced their smoking by an average of 35% more than lighter smokers. This suggests that higher taxes can lead to a substantial decrease in smoking behaviors among the most heavy users, which is a positive development for public health.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalTobacco Control·DateNov 29, 2012

Mild vibrations may provide some of the same benefits to obese people as exercise

A new study suggests that daily exposure to low-magnitude mechanical signals partially rescues B- and T-cell populations damaged by obesity, improving immune function. Brief daily vibration interventions showed promise in obese mice, potentially leading to a cheap and drug-free way for people to regain health.

Marketing analytics ups Fortune 1000 return on assets 8 percent, says operations research study

A recent study finds that Fortune 1000 companies using marketing analytics see an average 8% increase in return on assets, with potential gains of $70-180 million in net income. The research highlights the key role of management support and analytics skills in successful marketing analytics deployments.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateNov 29, 2012

Alcoholic fly larvae need fix for learning

Research reveals that fly larvae fed alcohol-spiked food exhibit lasting changes in brain function, even after abstinence. This study provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying ethanol dependence and its evolutionary roots.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2012

Autism severity may stem from fear

A study by Brigham Young University found a strong correlation between the persistence of fears and the severity of classic symptoms of autism. Children with autism took longer to extinguish their original fear in response to a changing visual cue, highlighting the need to help them make emotional transitions.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAutism Research·DateNov 29, 2012

Birds may spread, not halt, fever-bearing ticks

A Turkish biologist's review of existing scientific literature suggests that releasing non-native guineafowl in Turkey to eat ticks may actually spread the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The birds carry ticks on their feathers, which could facilitate the spread of the disease despite initial intentions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateNov 29, 2012