Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 24, 2012


Cellular eavesdropping made easy

A new approach devised by EMBL scientists enables the distinction of proteins secreted by cells from those in their food, allowing measurement of secretion changes over time. This method has opened new avenues for drug and biomarker screening, as well as studying cell responses to drugs and 3D growth conditions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 24, 2012

JCI early table of contents for September 24, 2012

Researchers at University of California, Berkeley report that epithelial cells in cornea express small antimicrobial peptides to defend against bacterial infections. High levels of prolactin block expression of kisspeptin, a protein hormone that induces secretion of GnRH, leading to infertility in women.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2012

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that brief, multicontact behavioral counseling interventions delivered by primary care physicians reduced hospital stays for adults with risky drinking. The campaign 'Tips from Former Smokers' successfully encouraged smokers to quit, with calls to the toll-free quit line more than doubling during the 12-week campaign.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 24, 2012

Life in the extreme

Two single-celled Archaea species, nearly identical genetically, respond differently to uranium toxicity, one by metabolizing it as energy, and the other by inducing a dormant state. These findings could teach us about mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments and have implications for understanding antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

Managing soil copper in crops irrigated with cattle footbath wastewater

Researchers found that alfalfa growth stops when soil copper sulfate levels exceed 500 ppm and beneficial bacterial activity declines above 50 ppm. Crops irrigated with cattle footbath wastewater can accumulate plant-available copper levels up to 63 ppm, posing potential harm to grazing livestock.

New CU-Boulder study clarifies diversity, distribution of cutthroat trout in Colorado

A novel genetic study led by CU-Boulder postdoctoral researcher Jessica Metcalf has clarified the native diversity and distribution of cutthroat trout in Colorado, revealing a single surviving population outside its native range. The study also confirmed the extinction of two previously unknown cutthroat strains, including one from the...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 24, 2012

First-ever treatment for rare childhood aging disease shows improvement in all trial participants

A clinical trial demonstrates significant improvements in Progeria children's weight gain, bone structure, and cardiovascular system after receiving a farnesyltransferase inhibitor. The treatment, originally developed for cancer, has shown promising results in slowing down the progression of the disease.

SourceSpectrum Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

Florida State University chemist may hold key to building a better toxin mousetrap

Sourav Saha's research in the Journal of the American Chemical Society has led to the development of a compound that can strip electrons from toxic fluoride, producing tangible benefits for toxin detection and removal. This innovation has far-reaching potential applications in various fields, including the creation of new plastics and ...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 24, 2012

New IVF breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a chemical that can mature small eggs to healthy, mature eggs, offering new hope for women struggling with infertility. The breakthrough could provide an alternative method to preserving fertility in girls who have not yet reached puberty.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2012

Eunuchs outlive other men

A study of noble Korean males found castrated eunuchs lived 14-19 years longer than other men. The incidence of centenarians among Korean eunuchs is 130 times greater than in developed countries, offering clues to life extension.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2012

Study finds germ-killing power in the eyes

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have identified a germ-killing power in the eyes' keratin protein, which can effectively combat bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The synthetic molecules derived from this protein show promise as low-cost therapeutics against various infections.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2012

Like prostate cancer, bladder cancer patients may benefit from anti-androgen therapy

A University of Colorado study shows that bladder cancer patients with high CD24 expression have worse prognoses and may benefit from anti-androgen therapies. CD24 expression depends on androgens, and blocking these hormones may diminish the proliferative and metastatic power of bladder cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

When they do not all look alike: Using identity to reduce own-race bias

New research finds that identifying oneself as part of the same group can improve memory of members of another race. In three experiments, participants showed better memory for members of their own group than others, regardless of race. This effect was especially pronounced when people were motivated to serve a collective goal

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 24, 2012

Exposing cancer's lethal couriers

Researchers developed a new nanotechnology that detects micrometastases in mouse models of breast cancer, marking them for early diagnosis and treatment. The technology uses nanochains to target cancer cells with integrins, allowing doctors to guide surgery or deliver cancer-killing drugs directly to the cells before a tumor forms.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 24, 2012

Small proteins in the cornea protect against bacterial infection

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that corneal epithelial cells express small antimicrobial peptides to defend against bacterial infection. These peptides prevent bacteria from binding to epithelial cells and are crucial in protecting the eye against infections, as evidenced by mice lacking cytokeratin 6A being more susceptible.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2012

Little evidence supports medical treatment options for adolescents with autism

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that there is insufficient evidence to support medical interventions in adolescents and young adults with autism. Key findings include the potential benefits of antipsychotic medications in reducing problem behaviors, but limited effectiveness for vocational interventions.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateSep 24, 2012

Human brains outpace chimp brains in the womb

A new study tracked brain growth in human and chimpanzee fetuses, finding that human brains begin to show remarkable differences after 22 weeks of gestation. The findings suggest a faster rate of brain growth in humans compared to chimpanzees.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2012

UCLA scientists fine-tune probe for early Alzheimer's detection

Researchers have discovered how chemical agents bind to and detect amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain, enabling quicker diagnosis and earlier treatment. The study's findings will speed the development of new imaging agents, providing potential benefits for patients with early Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

MRI helps identify patients with prostate cancer who may benefit from active surveillance

A new study in The Journal of Urology presents promising results on the use of MRI to assess eligibility for active surveillance in men with clinically low risk prostate cancer. The findings suggest that clear tumor visualization on MRI is predictive of disease status upgrades on confirmatory biopsy, highlighting the potential of MRI t...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateSep 24, 2012

Near-roadway air pollution a major contributor to asthma in Los Angeles County, USC research finds

A USC study indicates that at least 8% of childhood asthma cases in LA County can be attributed to traffic-related pollution within 250 feet of busy roadways. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policies and near-roadway exposure can maximize health benefits. The research suggests a link between urban air pollution, including nit...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 24, 2012

Primate study adds to evidence of BPA harming human reproduction

A new study by WSU geneticist Patricia Hunt and colleagues reveals BPA can damage chromosomes, disrupt egg development, and increase the risk of miscarriages and birth defects in rhesus monkeys. The research bolsters earlier findings on reproductive effects in rodents and raises concerns about human exposure to this common chemical.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

White matter, old dogs, and new tricks at Dartmouth

A study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that brain white matter can change and adapt in response to long-term learning processes. Using diffusion tensor imaging, researchers observed significant structural changes in adults learning a complex skill over time.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2012

Video: 3-D time-lapse imaging captures twisted root mechanics for first time

Using 3D time-lapse imaging, scientists have discovered that plant roots twist and buckle to generate force and push through barriers, allowing them to grow in difficult soil conditions. The study sheds new light on the mechanics of root growth and reveals a previously unknown connection between root geometry and force generation.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012