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Science News Archive September 2012 - Page 9


Page 9 of 27

Mount Sinai researchers awarded 'Provocative Questions' grant from National Cancer Institute

Researchers Stuart Aaronson and Ross Cagan received a $351,713 grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate signaling pathways responsible for Wnt oncogene addiction. They aim to discover potent drugs that can disrupt this addiction in tumor cells, increasing the efficacy of therapy for Wnt-activated human cancers.

Understanding the flight of the bumblebee

Scientists tracked bumblebees to understand their route selection process. After an average of 26 attempts each bee refined its route through trial and error, selecting the most efficient path. The study revealed that bees don't easily forget a fruitful flower and can learn complex routes without visual cues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 20, 2012

DNA analysis aids in classifying single-celled algae

Researchers used DNA analysis to separate hundreds of coral symbionts into distinct species, revealing unique ecological distributions. This breakthrough should improve research into reef-building corals and their complex biology, potentially aiding in the survival of corals under global warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateSep 20, 2012

Fear can be erased from the brain

Researchers at Uppsala University found that newly formed emotional memories can be erased from the brain by disrupting the reconsolidation process. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders such as phobias and post-traumatic stress.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2012

'Psychopaths' have an impaired sense of smell

Research suggests that individuals with psychopathic tendencies exhibit impaired odor discrimination and identification skills. This finding supports the idea that front-brain inefficiencies are associated with psychopathy.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateSep 20, 2012

Survival of safety-net hospitals at risk

Research suggests public safety-net hospitals directly controlled by governments are more profitable than others, contradicting expectations. To sustain themselves financially, these hospitals must transform their organizations to adapt to the new market dynamic and reduce reliance on direct public subsidies.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 20, 2012

Solving the stink from sewers

A new study at the International Water Association Conference has made significant breakthroughs in reducing sewer gas emissions. The treatment, called Cloevis, uses a magic mix of chemicals to stop 99% of hydrogen sulphide emitted from sewers, significantly decreasing bad smells and their impact on corroding pipes.

Mosquito virus could lead to new vaccines and drugs

Researchers have discovered a harmless mosquito virus that's closely related to some of the world's most dangerous mosquito-borne pathogens. The Eilat virus could aid in the development of new alphavirus vaccines, therapies, and diagnostic techniques, potentially offering a unique tool for studying other alphaviruses.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2012

Cause of diabetes may be linked to iron transport

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that an increased activity of a particular iron-transport protein destroys insulin-producing beta cells, leading to type-2 diabetes. Mice without this iron transporter are protected against developing diabetes, providing potential insights into preventing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 20, 2012

Advancing the treatment of trauma

A new series published in The Lancet presents laboratory research and clinical trial results on traumatic brain injury, haemorrhagic shock and major musculoskeletal injuries. Researchers identified promising avenues for improving patient outcomes, including innovative treatments for these complex conditions.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 20, 2012

Taming physical forces that block cancer treatment

Researchers at MGH have identified components responsible for therapy-blocking solid stress and suggest therapeutic strategies. By measuring solid stress in tumor tissues, they found that inhibition of fibroblast growth can reduce solid stress and open up compressed blood vessels, improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2012

A solution to reducing inflammation

A team of researchers at the University of Manchester has found a novel solution to reducing inflammation by harnessing the power of hypertonic solutions. They discovered that bathing in or applying these solutions can shrink cells and deactivate the inflammatory response.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalImmunity·DateSep 20, 2012

A mother’s nutrition--before pregnancy--may alter the function of her children’s genes

Researchers found that a mother's diet before pregnancy can induce epigenetic changes in her genes, which are then inherited by her offspring. These changes affect the metabolism of essential fatty acids in the pups' livers. The study suggests a potential link between maternal nutrition and children's health outcomes.