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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 2


Page 2 of 29

Rim Fire update Aug. 29, 2013

The Rim Fire in California has burned over 192,000 acres, with 30% containment achieved through aircraft and water/chemical dumping. Large burnout operations are planned for the southeastern edge of the fire in Yosemite National Park, hampered by remote terrain and extreme fire behavior.

Spider venom reveals new secret

University of Arizona researchers have discovered a new secret in spider venom, finding that the venom produces a different chemical product in the human body than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding how brown recluse spider bites affect humans and developing possible treatments.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2013

Tracking Huntington's disease through brain metabolism

A study has identified a metabolic network associated with Huntington's disease progression, allowing for predictive assessment of time to symptom onset. This discovery provides biomarkers for evaluating disease progression in carriers and supports the incorporation of this assessment into clinical trials.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 29, 2013

Genomic study: Why children in remission from rheumatoid arthritis experience recurrences

A new genomic characterization of remission in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients reveals that their immune systems remain perturbed even during symptom-free periods. The study highlights the importance of HNF4a as a master switch regulating therapeutic response, and its potential to inform personalized treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateAug 29, 2013

NAMS issues new guidance on vulvovaginal atrophy

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has published new guidance for diagnosing and treating vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), a condition affecting up to 45% of women after menopause. The guidance emphasizes the importance of effective treatments, including simple vaginal lubricants, estrogen therapy, and nonhormonal options.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateAug 29, 2013

New PRA gene identified in Phalenes and Papillons

A new PRA gene has been identified in the Phalene and Papillon dog breeds, causing progressive blindness in dogs. The CNGB1 mutation is linked to human retinitis pigmentosa, highlighting the shared genetic etiology of canine and human diseases. Genetic testing can help breeders avoid affected puppies and provide a diagnostic tool.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 29, 2013

Adding blood pressure drug to standard antibiotics speeds up TB treatment

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a blood pressure medication speeds up TB treatment in mice, potentially making it easier for infected people to complete their therapy. The study suggests verapamil, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and headaches, could be an effective add-on therapy when combined with standard...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 29, 2013

Socioeconomic status a significant barrier to living kidney donation for African Americans

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that African Americans with lower incomes have lower rates of living kidney donation compared to White Americans. However, among high-income African Americans, they actually have higher rates of donation. The findings highlight the importance of targeting soci...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 29, 2013

UCSB study examines heavy metal pollutants in fish at oil platforms and natural sites

A recent UCSB study analyzed whole-body fish samples from oil-and-gas production platforms and natural sites for heavy metal pollutants. The results showed that most elements were consistently present at both types of locations, with some species exhibiting varying levels of pollutants between juveniles and adults.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateAug 29, 2013

New medical conditions more likely to spark healthy changes among better-educated middle-aged people

A new study finds that better-educated middle-aged Americans are more inclined to make healthy behavior changes in response to new medical conditions. The research reveals significant differences in health habits between education levels, with college graduates more likely to quit smoking and engage in physical activity.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateAug 29, 2013

Simple urine test may help identify individuals with diabetes at risk for cognitive decline

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that individuals with type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function who have persistent albuminuria (protein in the urine) are at a greater risk for cognitive decline. The study, which followed 2977 diabetics over four to five years, showed that t...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 29, 2013

Men feel worse about themselves when female partners succeed, says new research

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that men subconsciously feel worse about themselves when their female partner succeeds, regardless of whether they excel or fail in a specific area. Women's self-esteem, however, is not affected by their male partners' successes or failures.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 29, 2013

Call for President Obama to 'remove public veil of ignorance' around state of US health

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health call for President Obama to create a National Commission on the Health of Americans to address the country's declining health status. The US ranks last among peer nations in health, with high rates of adverse birth outcomes, heart disease, and infant mortality.

The price of poverty

Researcher Sendhil Mullainathan discovers that poverty's financial constraints can lead to significant cognitive deficits, affecting IQ and impulse control. The 'cognitive tax' caused by poverty can result in reduced adherence to medication regimens, among other behaviors.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2013

Hydrogen fuel from sunlight

Researchers at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis have developed a method to interface molecular hydrogen-producing catalysts with a semiconductor that absorbs visible light. This breakthrough enables the production of hydrogen fuel from sunlight without external electrical potential.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 29, 2013