Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2012 - Page 7


Page 7 of 27

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

Stratosphere targets deep sea to shape climate

A University of Utah study found that periodic changes in winds 15 to 30 miles high in the stratosphere influence deep-sea circulation patterns, affecting Earth's climate. The research revealed the North Atlantic as a sensitive area where warming or cooling from the troposphere can trigger downwelling events.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 23, 2012

New chemistry technique from the Scripps Research Institute reproduces nature's elusive complexity

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a new technique to synthesize complex terpenes, a crucial step towards cheaper and fully synthetic cancer drugs like Taxol. The breakthrough mimics a natural biochemical phenomenon that allows cells to make these compounds, overcoming significant challenges in organic chemistry.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 23, 2012

Understanding the brain by controlling behavior

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the behavior of worms by manipulating their neurons with precise laser beams. By hijacking key neurons, they can instruct the worm to perform specific actions, such as turning in a desired direction or responding to fake sensory inputs.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2012

Mount Sinai researchers identify predictors for inpatient pain

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified reliable predictors of pain in inpatients, enabling interdisciplinary teams to develop targeted intervention plans. These plans resulted in decreased pain levels and increased patient satisfaction across various departments, with reported pain levels decreasing by 3.6% per quarter.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateSep 21, 2012