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Science News for April 22, 2013


New research constructs ant family tree

Scientists construct largest ant family tree-of-life using DNA sequence data, confirming that modern ants originated between 139-158 million years ago. The study also reveals the Neotropics as a vital region for ant evolution, both preserving ancient groups and generating new species.

SourceField Museum·JournalEvolution·DateApr 22, 2013

Gone, but not forgotten

A team of neuroscientists studied the case of EP, a man with radical memory loss due to viral encephalitis. Unlike HM, who retained some residual tissue, EP's brain damage resulted in total destruction of specific memory-linked structures, rendering him unable to learn new information.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

Retrospective study suggests that patients with lung cancer who carry specific HER2 mutations may benefit from certain anti-HER2 treatments

A retrospective study suggests that patients with lung cancer carrying specific HER2 mutations may experience tumor shrinkage and delayed disease progression when treated with anti-HER2 drugs. The study found 1.7% of NSCLC patients in Europe had these rare mutations, which can lead to continuous activation of the HER2 protein.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 22, 2013

Scientists map all possible drug-like chemical compounds

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can model and catalogue the entire set of lightweight, carbon-containing molecules that chemists could feasibly create in a lab. The map helps scientists identify unexplored regions of the chemical space where new compounds may hold solutions to some of the world's most vexing challe...

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 22, 2013

Screening detects ovarian cancer using neighboring cells

A Northwestern University study has developed a pioneering biophotonics technology to detect ovarian cancer by analyzing cells from the cervix or uterus. The partial wave spectroscopic microscopy technique shows diagnostic changes in these cells even when they appear normal under a microscope, offering a potential breakthrough in early...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 22, 2013

Is food truly addictive?

Research examines similarities between food intake and addiction, but debates the application of the addiction model to food. A special issue in Biological Psychiatry explores the state of the field, covering neurobiological mechanisms, brain reward circuitry, and risk factors.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 22, 2013

Latest research shows 2 items are key to decrease symptoms and prolong survival for LMC patients

Researchers found that intraventricular chemotherapy can palliate associated symptoms in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from non-small cell lung cancer. The study shows that 20 of 69 patients achieved normal ICP, and careful patient selection is recommended for successful treatment.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 22, 2013

Lung cancer mortality rates linked to primary care provider density

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that higher primary care provider density is associated with lower lung cancer mortality rates, particularly among white populations. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at primary care providers may deserve more investigation to improve access to cancer care.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 22, 2013

'Clean' your memory to pick a winner

Researchers at UCL and Montreal found a way to train the brain to accurately predict event outcomes by providing idealised scenarios that conform to statistical probability. This 'cleans' their memory and provides good quality evidence for decision-making.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

RI Hospital: Nearly half of older women diagnosed with UTI not confirmed in urine culture

A new study at Rhode Island Hospital found that many older women are overdiagnosed and overtreated for urinary tract infections (UTIs), highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis. The study suggests that collecting urine by inserting a temporary catheter may reduce false-positive results and unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 22, 2013

Keeping the past in the future with 3-D mobile mapping

Australian researchers use CSIRO's Zebedee to create detailed 3D maps of historic sites in Moreton Bay, preserving fragile and remote cultural heritage. The technology allows for rapid data collection, enabling analysis of important aspects of Australian history, such as the segregation of Indigenous people in leper colonies.

Technology transforms health care

This special issue of Technology and Innovation explores transformative health care technologies, reducing costs and improving outcomes. Researchers have developed automated educational interventions to analyze prescription data, creating health outcomes indices to measure patient outcomes over time.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateApr 22, 2013

Forensic sciences are 'fraught with error'

Classic psychological research on expectancy and observer effects reveals flaws in forensic science, including the influence of human examiners and flawed evidence. The study proposes best practice recommendations to reduce confirmation biases and improve the quality of the judicial system.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateApr 22, 2013

Fighting the 'dumb jock' stereotype

A Michigan State University study found that student-athletes who believed their coaches expected high academic performance were more confident in the classroom. Researchers also highlighted the role of professors, academic advisers and classmates in boosting confidence

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of College Student Development·DateApr 22, 2013

New light shed on early stage Alzheimer's disease

A study published in PNAS reveals how disrupted cellular energy metabolism contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. In early-stage Alzheimer's, amyloid-beta-peptide accumulation disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to over-accumulation of calcium and neuronal death.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

Honor among (credit card) thieves?

A study by Michigan State University criminologist Thomas Holt reveals a sophisticated online marketplace for stolen credit data, where reputations drive sales and feedback helps weed out untrustworthy sellers. The network, similar to eBay or Amazon, uses web forums and electronic payments to facilitate transactions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Crime·DateApr 22, 2013

Geochemical method finds links between terrestrial climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide

A new geochemical method has found a link between the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and Earth's surface temperature, suggesting that the planet is inextricably linked. The study uses a recently developed technique to measure the change in terrestrial temperature associated with a shift in global atmospheric CO2 concentrat...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

Germanium made laser compatible

Researchers develop method to make germanium laser-compatible through high tensile strain, enabling faster data transfer via light. The new technique could increase computer performance and revolutionize computing chip design.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 22, 2013

After age 18, asthma care deteriorates

A study by Harvard Medical School found that losing health insurance leads to poor asthma management among young adults, who are more likely to use emergency rooms and struggle with accessing medical care. The researchers emphasize the need for addressing social factors and creating transition plans from pediatric to adult care.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 22, 2013

Bugs produce diesel on demand

A team from the University of Exeter has developed a method to make bacteria produce diesel on demand, using special strains of E. coli. The resulting diesel is almost identical to conventional diesel fuel and can be used with current supplies without modification.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

Health impact assessments prove critical public health tool

A recent study by the Colorado School of Public Health found that health impact assessments can identify potential health risks associated with natural gas development. The assessment identified health effects such as headaches and respiratory issues in a western Colorado town, highlighting the importance of considering public health i...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 22, 2013

Stanford researchers develop new method to assess options for heart-disease surgery

A new method to predict which patients with heart disease benefit more from surgery versus angioplasty has been developed by Stanford researchers. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that individual characteristics such as gender, age, and diabetes history significantly impact the effectiveness of these procedures.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 22, 2013

UCSB scientist identifies protein molecule used to maintain adult stem cells in fruit flies

A UCSB researcher has identified a protein molecule that helps maintain adult stem cells in fruit flies, revealing insights into regenerative medicine. The study found that this protein, castor, plays a critical role in specifying brain cell types during embryonic development and maintaining follicle stem cells throughout life.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

Ecology, economy and management of an agro-industrial Amazon frontier

The study highlights the importance of sustainable land management in reducing deforestation and preserving ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, combined with policies and incentives, can minimize environmental degradation and secure the health of forests and streams in the Amazon and other tropical regions.

SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 22, 2013

Bacteria may contribute to premature births, STDs

Research at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria is likely the cause of bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The condition affects one in every three women and often does not cause significant symptoms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2013

Positive effect of white button mushrooms when substituted for meat on body weight and composition changes during weight loss and weight maintenance

Participants who substituted white button mushrooms for meat lost seven pounds and showed improvements in body composition compared to those on the standard diet. The study found that mushroom substitution resulted in lower calorie and fat intake, as well as a reduction in waist circumference and body mass index.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 22, 2013

New review sets international standards for best practice in fracture liaison services

A new report sets 13 achievable standards for best practice in implementing fracture liaison services worldwide to identify and treat patients at high risk of secondary fractures. The initiative aims to provide essential resources, establish mentoring programs, and promote global recognition for fracture liaison services.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 22, 2013

Researchers discover mushrooms can provide as much vitamin D as supplements

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine discovered that eating mushrooms containing Vitamin D2 can increase and maintain vitamin D levels comparable to taking supplements. The study found that ingesting mushroom powder containing Vitamin D2 was as effective in raising and maintaining healthy adults' vitamin D status.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDermato-Endocrinology·DateApr 22, 2013

U. of Illinois researchers measure near-field behavior of semiconductor plasmonic microparticles

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to measure nanometer-scale infrared absorption in semiconductor plasmonic microparticles. This allows for direct observation of plasmonic behavior within microparticle infrared antennas, enabling confirmation of theoretical models and design parameters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 22, 2013