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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 14


Page 14 of 29

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 15, 2013

Researchers identified protein biomarkers that predict ovarian cancer recurrence and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development. The findings suggest a potential for using protein analysis to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment decisions in both diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2013

Study examines risk of severe blood sugar swings among diabetics taking fluoroquinolones

A recent study found that diabetic patients taking oral fluoroquinolones have a higher risk of severe blood sugar-related problems compared to those taking other antibiotics. The increased risk was low, but clinicians should consider this when treating diabetic patients with fluoroquinolones, especially moxifloxacin.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 15, 2013

Will to win forms at 4 years old

A study by University of Warwick researchers found that young children under 4 struggle to understand the concept of competition and how it relates to others' goals. They failed to appreciate the intentional use of poaching moves in games, even when faced with their opponent's actions.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateAug 15, 2013

Trio of fires in Northern California

A trio of fires in Northern California continues to burn, with the Corral Complex fire spanning over 2,500 acres. The Salmon River Complex has burned over 13,500 acres, with firefighters working to contain it. Crews are prioritizing structure protection and preparing for potential ignitions to strengthen containment lines.

Rice technique expands options for molecular imaging

The technique, dubbed 'multiple-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy,' captures the conformation of small molecules with great accuracy, measuring vibrations and determining angles between bonds. This method could revolutionize the study of catalysis, energy storage, and biomembranes.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2013

Hubble explores the origins of modern galaxies

Astronomers use Hubble to study distant galaxies 11 billion years ago, confirming the Hubble Sequence holds true as far back as 8 billion years. The study finds that all galaxies fit into different classifications of the sequence, with blue star-forming galaxies and massive red galaxies dominating at these early times.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 15, 2013

Slow earthquakes may foretell larger events

Researchers at Penn State have found a precursor signal to slow earthquakes, which can potentially foretell larger events. By studying the mechanisms behind slow earthquakes, they identified a transition in fault zone properties that supports slower velocities.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2013

Celery, artichokes contain flavonoids that kill human pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers found that flavonoids in celery, artichokes and Mexican oregano can kill human pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the GSK-3β enzyme. This pre-treatment approach may prolong life without curing the disease, while preventing it could reduce cancer risk with chronic flavonoid exposure.

Cell memory mechanism discovered

A team of scientists has identified a potential mechanism for cellular memory, which allows cells to recall the order of transcription factor binding. This discovery sheds light on how cells maintain gene regulation and may have implications for understanding diseases such as cancer.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateAug 15, 2013

Beating blindness with vegetable oil

New research shows that vegetable oil fatty acids can increase plasma membrane fluidity in retina cells, reducing the risk of retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil may also contribute to preventing retina diseases.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology·DateAug 15, 2013

Making the brain take notice of faces in autism

A new study found that oxytocin increases responses to social stimuli in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a potential treatment approach for the condition. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, used functional imaging scans to examine brain activity in participants with ASD and healthy controls.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2013