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Science News for August 20, 2013


A new role for sodium in the brain

Scientists at McGill University have identified a unique 'on/off' switch for a major neurotransmitter receptor in the brain, known as the kainate receptor. This discovery highlights a new target for drug development to treat diseases such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 20, 2013

X-ray vision to detect unseen gold

A new gamma-activation analysis (GAA) technique can detect gold more accurately and quickly than traditional methods, allowing mining companies to recover small traces of gold worth millions of dollars. This could save the Australian mining industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

Appetite hormone misfires in obese people

A recent study found that glucagon, a hormone involved in regulating appetite, fails to induce feelings of fullness in obese individuals. However, it successfully suppresses hunger pangs in people with type 1 diabetes, according to researchers from The Endocrine Society.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2013

The Aboriginal story of Burke and Wills

A new book by CSIRO Publishing sheds light on the critical role of Aboriginal people in the exploration of Australia during the Burke and Wills expedition. The book highlights the cross-cultural differences and perspectives between European explorers and Indigenous inhabitants.

Pulsars make a GPS for the cosmos

A team of scientists has developed a software that uses pulsar navigation to determine the position and velocity of spacecraft. By observing the timing of pulses from specific pulsars, the software can provide accurate location data for deep-space missions.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateAug 20, 2013

How untying knots promotes cancer

A breakthrough discovery reveals that high levels of the eIF4E protein can promote cancer by unwinding complex mRNA knots, allowing ribosomes to translate genetic code into proteins that trigger tumor growth. This understanding may lead to highly specific cancer treatments targeting growth-promoting cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2013

Multiple genes manage how people taste sweeteners

Researchers found that genetic variations in two bitter taste receptor genes can explain differences in the perception of artificial sweeteners like Ace K. Additionally, studies on stevia extracts revealed that RebD is perceived as less bitter than RebA, suggesting potential opportunities for developing new sweeteners.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Senses·DateAug 20, 2013

Community intervention program reduces repeat intimate-partner violence

A community-based intervention program in North Carolina found that mothers who completed a mandatory IPV program were less likely to be re-victimized and more likely to leave abusive relationships. The program, MOVE, showed promising results, with a 96.5% reduction in physical abuse and an 84% decrease in psychological abuse.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalResearch on Social Work Practice·DateAug 20, 2013

The minimum age of criminal responsibility

The minimum age of criminal responsibility is a contentious issue in modern juvenile justice systems. Experts debate the age at which children are considered mature enough to be held responsible, with many arguing for reforms to the current laws and policies.

SourceSAGE·JournalYouth Justice·DateAug 20, 2013

The blushing shopper: Does it matter what else you put in the basket with the anti-gas medication?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that shoppers should make more conscious choices about what to add to their shopping baskets. Researchers found that additional purchases can either attenuate or exacerbate embarrassment, depending on whether they counterbalance or complement embarrassing products. The findings h...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 20, 2013

Emergency rooms failing to meet seniors' needs

A new international study found that senior citizens face distinct challenges in emergency departments, including higher rates of dependency, cognitive impairment, and delirium. The study calls for staff training in geriatric care and specialized department layouts to better meet seniors' needs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 20, 2013

Social giving makes us happier

Research finds that social connection enhances generosity by fostering positive feelings in donors. The study suggests that donors feel happiest when giving to a charity via a friend or relative rather than an anonymous donation. This research has implications for not-for-profit organizations seeking to maximize donations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Happiness and Development·DateAug 20, 2013

Complications associated with continuous CSF drainage in patients with SAH

A randomized clinical trial found a significant increase in cerebral vasospasm and EVD-related complications when CSF was drained continuously in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study, halted early due to high complication rates, suggests continuous drainage may not be the best method for intracranial pressure management.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateAug 20, 2013

Harmony: How do Vietnamese wedding planners manage to please everyone?

Researchers Thuc-Doan T. Nguyen and Russell W. Belk found that Vietnamese consumers achieve harmony by considering the needs of others while also prioritizing their own interests. Through a series of interviews, they discovered that Asian values such as long-term mutuality and family loyalty promote social harmony in wedding planning.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 20, 2013

How sleep helps brain learn motor task

A new study by Brown University researchers found that sleep improves motor learning by changing fast-sigma and delta brainwave oscillations in the supplementary motor area. This reorganization is associated with improved speed and accuracy on sequential finger-tapping tasks after a few hours of sleep.

'Groovy' hologram creates strange state of light

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a nanostructured hologram that controls the intensity, phase, and polarization of light rays. This innovation enables the creation of radially polarized beams, which are crucial for high-resolution lithography and particle manipulation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 20, 2013

Guideline development for non-specialist mental health services in Nigeria

The WHO's Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) was adapted for Nigeria to address the substantial treatment gap. The adaptation process involved a multi-step approach, including situational analysis, focus group discussions, and pilot testing, to contextualize the guide for the Nigerian context. The resultin...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 20, 2013