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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 12


Page 12 of 29

Divers willingness to pay for biodiversity could help conservation efforts -- Ben-Gurion U. study

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University researchers found that divers are willing to pay to improve aspects of reef biodiversity, with respondents ranking biodiversity as the most desirable value. The study's findings may help inform conservation efforts and direct the design of future marine reserves.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateAug 19, 2013

A home for the microbiome

A team of scientists has discovered a mechanism by which beneficial bacteria reside and thrive in the gastrointestinal tract. By understanding how these microbes colonize, they may be able to correct abnormal changes in bacterial communities linked to disorders like obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.

Earliest known iron artifacts come from outer space

Researchers have discovered that ancient Egyptian iron beads were hammered from pieces of meteorites, not iron ore. The findings indicate that metalworkers mastered the smithing of meteoritic iron over 5,000 years ago, enabling the development of iron smelting and replacing copper and bronze as primary metals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 19, 2013

Therapeutic eye injections may be needed less often

Researchers have created a new drug-delivery strategy using a biodegradable coating that prolongs the effectiveness of an eye medication for macular degeneration. This innovation could significantly reduce the frequency of injections needed, potentially changing the standard of care from monthly to once or twice a year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 19, 2013

NEETs are prime suspects in breast cancer proliferation

A study by an international consortium of researchers found that reducing the expression of NEET proteins significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and tumor size. The overabundance of these proteins is linked to the progression of the disease, making them a prime target for anticancer drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2013

Experts describe ways to eliminate wasteful medical tests and procedures

New study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine outlines top recommendations for improving healthcare value, including reducing unnecessary tests and procedures. The recommendations aim to lower costs and lead to better care for patients, particularly children and adults hospitalized with respiratory illnesses.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateAug 19, 2013

Large moths need to hear better

Moths hear at 80 kHz to detect bats, but this ability also leads to unnecessary sound impressions and energy waste. Researchers found that moths' eardrums are more sensitive than small insects', allowing them to survive in environments with high-frequency bat calls.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 19, 2013

An organized approach to 3-D tissue engineering

IBN's novel technique allows researchers to incorporate different cell types into separate fibers, then assemble them into complex constructs with hierarchical tissue structures. This innovation enables the creation of prevascularized tissue constructs that have successfully integrated with the host circulatory system in a mouse model.

Brain network decay detected in early Alzheimer's

A study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that disruptions in brain networks emerge simultaneously with chemical markers of early Alzheimer's disease. The research provides an effective and less invasive way to detect early disease, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 19, 2013

Fires plaguing Idaho

A series of devastating wildfires has swept through Idaho, with multiple fires burning out of control due to strong winds and hot temperatures. The largest fire, the Beaver Creek Fire, has grown to over 100,000 acres and threatens nearby towns and ski resorts.