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Science News for October 22, 2012


Immune cells make flexible choices

A team of researchers at the Weizmann Institute has discovered how immune cells produce a wide range of receptors to fight different diseases. By analyzing the genetic sequences of lymphocyte receptors in mice, they found that the flexibility and length of DNA segments play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of two distant se...

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Climate variability and conflict risk in East Africa measured by Boulder team

A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder team analyzed extensive climate datasets and violent conflicts in East Africa, finding moderate increases in temperature reduce conflict risk slightly, while very hot temperatures increase it. Socioeconomic factors have a much greater impact on conflict risk than climate change.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Rewards programs: When do consumers compare experience over value?

A new study reveals that consumers are less satisfied when they receive products with easily countable rewards, focusing instead on the value. In contrast, rewards that are harder to quantify, such as free products or vacation packages, lead to more satisfying experiences as consumers focus on the unique aspects of their own experience.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 22, 2012

Studies explore racial disparities in IBD symptoms and therapy

Two studies explored racial disparities in IBD symptoms and therapy, finding that African Americans are more likely to have extra-intestinal manifestations, joint symptoms, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Researchers also reported a higher prevalence of severe fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease among African Americans compared to Caucasians.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 22, 2012

Helping ex-smokers resist the urge

A new inhibitor has been shown to decrease relapses in ex-smoker rats by preventing the interaction of two neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. The study found that long-term nicotine exposure causes these receptors to interact, leading to increased cravings.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 22, 2012

Biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid can identify patients with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a method to differentiate patients with Alzheimer's disease from those with other types of dementia using biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid. The study analyzed five proteins and found that they could accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease, as well as distinguish it from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 22, 2012

Breast cancer cells enticed to spread by 'tumorous environment' as well as genetic changes

Researchers discover that breast cancer cells' ability to spread is influenced by the tumor's protein-rich environment as much as genetic changes within the cells. The study reveals that a specific molecular signal in the protein meshwork can initiate metastasis to distant sites, while a healthy environment can even coax healthy cells ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

The hidden threat posed by inconspicuous stripes

Researchers found that striped patterns formed by particles limit micro-patterned circuit size in electronics, reduce pharmaceutical effectiveness, and affect polymer manufacturing efficiency. The study reveals three distinct patterns of how particles 'stick' to surfaces, including stripe formation and clearing of surfaces.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 22, 2012

UFZ is breaking new grounds in water management

The UFZ has established a Project Office at the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation to develop an implementation strategy for decentralised wastewater treatment in rural and peri-urban areas. The initiative aims to alleviate water scarcity and groundwater protection issues in Jordan by reclaiming and reusing wastewater locally.

Wayne State researcher's take on brain chemical analysis featured

A Wayne State University researcher has developed a new method for analyzing brain chemicals using carbon fiber microelectrodes. The technique, which meets four key criteria of size, speed, selectivity and sensitivity, enables researchers to measure serotonin levels in mice with antidepressants within five minutes.

Not all juvenile arthritis is the same

Researchers identified molecular pathways involved in both systemic and arthritic components of SJIA, revealing differences in affected organs. The study found that glucocorticoid signalling was more heavily involved in inflammation associated with SJIA, highlighting the need for tailored treatment plans.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 22, 2012

Exercise and complete decongestive therapy best ways to manage lymphedema, MU expert says

A University of Missouri lymphedema expert found that full-body exercise and complete decongestive therapy are effective in managing lymphedema symptoms. The therapy approach incorporates skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging, and can be done by patients to minimize their symptoms and maintain quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNursing Research·DateOct 22, 2012

Breast cancer scans possible with a 25 times reduced radiation dose

Scientists have developed a method to produce 3D X-ray images of the breast with a radiation dose 25 times lower than current hospital scanners, enabling improved diagnosis and potentially reducing breast cancer mortality. The new technique combines high-energy X-rays, phase contrast imaging, and advanced mathematical algorithms.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Rejecting arsentate

Researchers discovered that bacteria in arsenic-rich environments developed a protein, PBP, with extreme selectivity for phosphate over arsenate. The unique bond between the protein and arsenate molecule led to repulsion and prevented its entry into the cell.

Saving time, saving lives

The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of timely medical care in cardiac emergencies. Early recognition and call for help can lead to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The organization aims to improve patient survival rates through education and collaboration among professionals.

Wits part of study that discovers a unique feature of HIV that helps to create antibodies

Researchers at Wits University and Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa have discovered a unique feature of HIV that enables infected people to create potent antibodies. These broadly neutralizing antibodies can kill up to 88% of HIV types, providing an important new approach for developing an AIDS vaccine.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 22, 2012

Risk of death significantly higher if both mother and newborn admitted to ICU following birth

A study found that mothers and newborns admitted to ICU together have a higher risk of death compared to those not needing ICU admission. This can lead to maternal-infant separation, negatively impacting bonding., The study suggests coordination of care plans and transfer to the same hospital may help lessen this burden.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 22, 2012

Crusty foods may worsen heart problems associated with diabetes

A University of Illinois study found that consuming foods with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can increase cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes. Foods like grilled meats and crispy fried foods contain AGEs, which are associated with plaque formation and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science and Nutrition·DateOct 22, 2012

Stem cell bodyguards

A recent study has revealed the existence of a rare sub-group of activated immune cells that act as bodyguards to protect stem cells from premature differentiation. These macrophage cells secrete prostaglandins, which delay differentiation and preserve the youthful state of the stem cells.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 22, 2012

Survival of the shyest?

A new study by Professor Grant Brown and colleagues reveals that a fish's personality affects its ability to recall predator threats. Shy trout retain information about predator odors for up to eight days, while bold trout forget within 24 hours.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 22, 2012

Breakthrough technique images breast tumors in 3-D with great clarity, reduced radiation

Researchers developed a new technique using phase contrast tomography and EST algorithm to create high-quality 3D images of breast tissue, allowing for earlier and more accurate detection of breast tumors. The technique uses lower radiation doses than current CT scanners, enabling clearer images with sharper details.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Kittens: Their microbiomes are what they eat

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that the gut microbiome composition of growing kittens differs depending on their diet, with high-protein diets linked to lower levels of health-promoting bacteria. Conversely, moderate-protein diets were associated with higher levels of beneficial bacteria, potentially promoting bett...

A new glow for electron microscopy

Researchers from MIT have developed a new tag, APEX, that enables high-resolution visualization of proteins in cells using electron microscopy. The APEX tag allows scientists to label and identify specific proteins with unprecedented clarity, resolving open questions regarding protein locations and functions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 22, 2012