Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 11, 2012


Improved nanoparticles deliver drugs into brain

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed nanoparticles that can safely and predictably infiltrate deep into the brain, delivering chemotherapy drugs to treat brain cancer. The breakthrough allows for controlled release of medication over time, reducing dosage challenges and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

Pregnancy exposures determine risk of breast cancer in multiple generations of offspring

Researchers found that maternal exposure to high-fat diets and excess estrogens during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk in daughters, granddaughters, and even great-granddaughters. The study suggests that biological alterations caused by maternal diet affect the offspring's breast tissue and make it more sensitive to carcinogens.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2012

New discovery related to gum disease

Researchers at UofL School of Dentistry have discovered a way to prevent inflammation and bone loss surrounding teeth by blocking the natural signaling pathway of enzyme GSK3b. This finding has implications for preventing periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition causing tooth loss.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

Quality of life and treatment of late-stage chronic kidney disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that renal transplantation offers the best treatment option for improving quality of life in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease. In contrast, home-based automated peritoneal dialysis provides a better quality of life than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 11, 2012

Who (and what) can you trust?

Researchers used a robot named Nexi to test how people assess trustworthiness in others. They found that sets of non-verbal cues, not just one cue, determine a person's trustworthiness. Participants exposed to untrustworthy cues with Nexi adjusted their financial decisions accordingly.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 11, 2012

How genetics shape our addictions

A study at McGill University reveals that people with genetically fast nicotine metabolism have a greater brain response to smoking cues than those with slow metabolism. This finding may lead to tailoring smoking cessation programs based on individual genetics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 11, 2012

Risk-glorifying video games may lead teens to drive recklessly, new research shows

New research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that playing mature-rated, risk-glorifying video games can lead to increased rebelliousness and sensation seeking among adolescents. These traits are strongly associated with risky driving habits, automobile accidents, police stops, and a willingness to drink and...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateSep 11, 2012

UCLA stem cell researchers use gene therapy to restore immune systems in 'bubble babies'

Researchers at UCLA have developed a gene therapy regimen that safely restores immune systems to children with ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a devastating disease. The treatment showed promising results in restoring immune function to three out of six patients, offering new hope for these children.

More traffic deaths in wake of 9/11

The article explores how terrorist attacks can lead to an increase in fatal traffic accidents, particularly in regions with well-developed infrastructure that encourages driving. The study found that the New York area saw a significant increase in car traffic after the 9/11 attacks, while other states did not experience the same surge.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 11, 2012

Genetic test predicts risk for Autism

A new genetic test developed by University of Melbourne researchers can predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with over 70% accuracy in people of central European descent. The test identifies genetic markers that either contribute to or protect an individual from developing ASD, allowing for early interventions ...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 11, 2012

Disaster is just a click away

A team of researchers at Kansas State University is working on a project to develop improved security warning messages that prompt users to make gut decisions about online safety. They aim to minimize traditional text warnings and icons, instead using visual images to convey the importance and danger level of certain choices.

Diet could combat adverse side-effects of quinine

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that individuals with high tryptophan levels experience fewer quinine side effects. The study suggests that dietary changes could potentially alleviate toxic effects of quinine treatment, improving its effectiveness and reducing risk of adverse reactions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateSep 11, 2012

Molecular beacons light up stem cell transformation

Researchers designed molecular beacons that bind to mRNA of three genes expressed only when stem cells transform into bone cells, allowing for real-time monitoring of gene expression. The technology provides a tool for discovering optimal conditions for stem cell differentiation and identifying desired tissue cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering Part A·DateSep 11, 2012

Parents of babies with sickle cell trait are less likely to receive genetic counseling, study says

A new study from the University of Michigan found that parents of newborns with sickle cell anemia are less likely to receive genetic counseling than those whose babies are cystic fibrosis carriers. This disparity may be due to physicians' perceptions of the risks associated with each condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling·DateSep 11, 2012

Aussie wasp on the hunt for redback spiders

Researchers have discovered a small wasp that hunts and paralyses redback spiders, reducing their population. The Agenioideus nigricornis wasp, previously forgotten for over 200 years, is widespread across Australia and plays a crucial role in controlling the redback spider population.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian Journal of Entomology·DateSep 11, 2012

Moffitt researchers say race affect likelihood of finding suitable stem cell donor

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that racial disparities impact the likelihood of finding suitable stem cell donors for non-Caucasian patients. The study revealed greater difficulty in matching donors for African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, with limited access to unrelated donor HCT.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateSep 11, 2012

Scripps Research scientists devise powerful new method for finding therapeutic antibodies

Scripps Research scientists have devised a powerful new technique to discover and expand the power of large numbers of antibodies, immune system proteins that detect and destroy invaders. The method rapidly identifies antibodies with useful biological activity, enabling the creation of unusual antibodies with desired effects.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2012

What are the effects of the Great Recession on local governments?

The Great Recession has brought severe challenges to city and county governments, with budget shortfalls cited as a top problem by nearly half of surveyed local governments. Local government managers have responded by freezing positions, trimming benefits, and reducing service delivery levels.

SourceSAGE·JournalState and Local Government Review·DateSep 11, 2012

Screening technique uncovers 5 new plant activator compounds

The new screening technique uncovers five novel immune-priming compounds in Arabidopsis plants that protect crops without impacting growth or yield. These compounds work by inhibiting enzymes that inactivate defense hormone salicylic acid, leading to enhanced disease resistance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateSep 11, 2012