Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 28


Page 28 of 32

Asian carp DNA not widespread in the Great Lakes

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy found no evidence of widespread Asian carp presence in the Great Lakes, contrary to recent reports. Instead, they detected DNA only in areas where Asian carp have been caught, suggesting that live fish are the most likely source of the invasive species.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateApr 4, 2013

Breakthrough in hydrogen fuel production could revolutionize alternative energy market

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to extract large quantities of hydrogen from any plant, potentially bringing a low-cost, environmentally friendly fuel source to the world. The new process uses xylose, the most abundant simple plant sugar, to produce high-purity hydrogen with an energy efficiency of over 100 percent.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 4, 2013

Ben-Gurion U. students to present research projects at Clinton Global Initiative U. in St. Louis

Three Ben-Gurion University students present research projects focused on water conservation and renewable energy, addressing global challenges in education, energy, climate change, and poverty. Their initiatives aim to develop inexpensive technology for harvesting drinking water from the atmosphere and promote solar energy awareness.

Cancer checkpoint

Researchers discovered SIRT4 plays a crucial role in preventing DNA damage-induced cancer by controlling glutamine metabolism and arresting cell cycle. In mice lacking SIRT4, lung cancer developed spontaneously, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 4, 2013

Advances in molecular testing offer new hope for lung cancer patients

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has developed a guideline for molecular testing in lung cancer, recommending testing for EGFR and ALK abnormalities in all patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. This approach provides individualized treatment options and improved quality of life for patients.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 3, 2013

Cisplatin-resistant cancer cells sensitive to experimental anticancer drugs, PARP inhibitors

Researchers identified biochemical changes in cancer cells that render them vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, which showed promise as a novel treatment strategy for cisplatin-resistant cancer. The study found that high levels of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 and elevated amounts of poly (ADP-ribosyl) were linked to resistance to cisplatin.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 3, 2013

UTHealth research: Vermont's health care reform has lessons for other states

Vermont's aggressive health care reform initiatives offer valuable lessons for other states, including engaging stakeholders, coordinating implementation efforts, and capitalizing on federal financing opportunities. The state's centralized administrative board has resulted in lower costs by eliminating duplication of efforts.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2013

Diversity programs give illusion of corporate fairness, study shows

A new study reveals that diversity training programs can create an illusion of corporate fairness, leading people to believe work environments are equitable despite hiring, promotion, or salary inequities. The researchers recommend that companies examine their records to determine the effectiveness of diversity and mentoring programs.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 3, 2013

Painted turtle gets DNA decoded

The study reveals that turtles activate existing genes in new ways to adapt to oxygen deprivation, which may lead to improved treatments for human heart conditions. The research also highlights the importance of preserving turtle diversity due to their slow evolution rate and declining global populations.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 3, 2013

Physicists decipher social cohesion issues

A new study uses computer simulation to explore how directional migration influences cooperation levels and population structure. The results show improved cooperation among individuals in dense clusters resembling social cohesion.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 3, 2013

Baldness linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease

A meta-analysis of published evidence found a link between male pattern baldness and an increased risk of coronary heart disease, especially on the crown of the head. Men with extensive vertex baldness were 44% more likely to develop coronary artery disease than those with a full head of hair.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 3, 2013

Papyrus plant detox for slaughterhouses

Researchers found that papyrus sedge can absorb toxic matter from abattoir effluent, including nitrogen and phosphorus ions. The study suggests using constructed wetlands with papyrus as a final treatment step to reduce untreated effluent reaching Lake Victoria.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateApr 3, 2013

Tagging the launch of Animal Biotelemetry

The launch of Animal Biotelemetry aims to provide a forum for discussion on telemetric techniques used in various animal species. Key findings include the two-year migration pattern of female white sharks and the use of UV radiation to prevent infections in tagged animals.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateApr 3, 2013

A giant step toward miniaturization

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal and international partners create a new method for self-doping nanowires, allowing for precise control of electronic properties. This breakthrough enables the development of novel nanoscale devices with tailored shape and composition.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2013

Study: Environmental policies matter for growing megacities

A new study by Purdue University researchers shows that clean-air regulations have reduced acid rain in the US, Europe, and Japan over the past 30 years, but the opposite is true in fast-growing East Asian megacities due to lax antipollution rules or lack of enforcement. The effects of acid rain can propagate through aquatic ecosystems...

SourcePurdue University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 3, 2013