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Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 3


Page 3 of 33

How does the brain measure time?

Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Center for Magnetic Resonance Research found a specific region of the brain, lateral intraparietal area (LIP), that measures time consistently even without external cues. LIP activity decreased at a constant rate between timed movements, suggesting an internal hourglass mechanism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 30, 2012

How the brain controls our habits

A new study from MIT neuroscientists has found that the brain's prefrontal cortex has a small region responsible for controlling which habits are switched on at a given time. The researchers used optogenetics to inhibit this region, allowing them to break and form new habits in rats.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2012

Bullying has long-term health consequences

A study by the Crime Victims' Institute at Sam Houston State University found that childhood bullying can lead to long-term health consequences, including general and mental health issues, behavioral problems, eating disorders, smoking, alcohol use, and homelessness. The study recommends investing in victim services and effective preve...

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 30, 2012

Women with lupus have a higher risk for preeclampsia

Research finds women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a two-fold increase in risk of preeclampsia. DMARD use during pregnancy may also pose a slight risk, with the severity of autoimmune disease contributing to the increased risk.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 30, 2012

E. coli adapts to colonize plants

Researchers discovered that E. coli strains can form biofilms more readily on plant surfaces, using plant-derived sugars for survival. The findings provide insights into the evolution of E. coli populations and offer targets for preventing dangerous strains from contaminating vegetables.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateOct 30, 2012

Cocktail achieves superconducting boost

Scientists have synthesized a new material with promising superconducting transition temperatures of 44 Kelvins, improving upon traditional copper-based high-temperature superconductors. The material, LixFe2Se2(NH3)y, displays an intercalation of potassium or rubidium, achieving a superconducting temperature of 32K.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 29, 2012

Smoking causes asthma in second generation offspring

Researchers found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases lung function issues in children and grandchildren due to increased levels of proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The effects are so long-lasting that stop-smoking education for expectant mothers is necessary.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 29, 2012

Overweight, obesity in adolescents linked with increased risk for end-stage renal disease over time

A nationwide population-based study found that adolescents' being overweight and obese during their teenage years are linked to a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the following 25 years. Researchers also noted an increased risk for diabetic ESRD, with risks increasing six-fold and 19-fold among overweight and...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 29, 2012

How silver turns people blue

Researchers at Brown University have discovered how ingesting too much silver leads to argyria, a rare condition where skin turns grayish-blue. The study shows that silver nanoparticles are broken down into silver salt in the stomach, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in the skin.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 29, 2012

No more tears from tears

A new quick-release medical tape minimizes skin tissue tearing upon removal, addressing a significant issue in neonatal care. The innovative three-layer design incorporates an anisotropic adhesive interface, allowing for strong adhesion and safe removal.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2012