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Science News Archive April 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 32

Using microbubbles to improve cancer therapy

Researchers developed phase shift nanoemulsions that produce tiny microbubbles, which accumulate in tumors and amplify the effects of ultrasound. This reduces treatment time and power needed to destroy tumor tissue by over half, showing promise for improving cancer therapy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Therapeutic Ultrasound·DateApr 24, 2013

Mild blast injury causes molecular changes in brain akin to Alzheimer, Pitt team says

A multicenter study reveals that mild traumatic brain injury after blast exposure produces inflammation and oxidative stress, similar to disorders of memory processing such as Alzheimer's disease. Gene activity patterns akin to neurodegenerative diseases were also observed in the brains of rats exposed to a shock tube.

New research findings on the brain's guardian cells

Researchers have identified a structure deviation in microglia cells, allowing for their visualization and behavior study. This breakthrough enables the monitoring of microglia function over time in rats and mice, with potential applications in studying Parkinson's disease and stroke.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2013

Chernobyl follow-up study finds high survival rate among young thyroid cancer patients

A recent study found that nearly all children and teenagers with differentiated thyroid cancer due to radiation have responded favorably to treatment, with 64% in complete remission. The findings suggest victims of recent nuclear accidents like Fukushima may face a lower risk of developing advanced-stage thyroid cancer.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 24, 2013

Personalizing prostate cancer screenings

A new study from Northwestern University suggests that personalized PSA testing can help reduce the number of men who undergo unnecessary biopsies. Genetic correction of PSA levels using genetic variants has been shown to change the outcome for 17 men, and could potentially prevent 15-20% of prostate biopsies annually.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 24, 2013

People care about source of money, attach less value to 'tainted' wealth

A new UC Berkeley study suggests that morality plays a significant role in shaping our perception of money, with those who perceive money as 'tainted' viewing it as having less purchasing power. The research findings also shed light on why people avoid ill-gotten gains and the psychology behind socially responsible investing.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 23, 2013

New fatigue model leads to more durable ships

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new fatigue model that enables the creation of lighter structures, leading to more energy-efficient ships. The study's findings can be used to improve the design of various welded steel structures, predicting fatigue endurance more accurately and utilizing materials more efficiently.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Fatigue·DateApr 23, 2013

Alcohol industry attempts to influence alcohol policy

A study by UK experts found that the alcohol industry submitted policies in line with their interests, ignoring evidence-based approaches. The authors warn of conflicts between commercial and public interests, potentially compromising population health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2013

Achilles tendon injuries more likely in male 'Weekend Warriors' than others

A study of 406 patients found that male athletes, particularly those who engage in sports like basketball and tennis, are at a higher risk of Achilles tendon ruptures. The majority of these injuries occur during sporting activities, and delayed diagnosis can lead to poorer outcomes. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons emphasize the imp...

SourceSAGE·JournalFoot & Ankle International·DateApr 23, 2013

Air pollution and hardening of arteries

Long-term exposure to air pollution may accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Fine particulate air pollution was found to be associated with faster thickening of the inner two layers of the common carotid artery.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 23, 2013

What's old is new again

A UC Riverside engineer is exploring a nearly century-old manufacturing technique to strengthen tiny titanium-based medical devices, which could lead to significant improvements in their performance and reliability. The technique, known as gas nitriding, involves heating the device in a nitrogen atmosphere to increase its strength.

Ancient DNA reveals Europe's dynamic genetic history

Researchers reconstructed modern Europe's genetic history using ancient DNA from skeletons in central Germany, revealing dramatic migrations and a mysterious genetic turnover around 4000-5000 years ago. The study provides a high-resolution record of human DNA evolution over 4000 years, shedding light on the demographic history of Europe.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2013

The future of power?

Researchers at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have successfully split water molecules at low temperatures, paving the way for sustainable hydrogen energy. The team's high-temperature thermochemical process can exponentially double hydrogen atoms, creating a sustainable amount of hydrogen regeneration.