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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 21


Page 21 of 29

Hubble finds source of Magellanic Stream

Astronomers using Hubble Space Telescope have solved the mystery of the Magellanic Stream's origin, finding most of the gas came from the Small Magellanic Cloud two billion years ago. A second region was formed more recently from the Large Magellanic Cloud, contradicting previous computer models.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateAug 8, 2013

Cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty increase police force size

Research by University of Missouri sociologists found that cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty tend to increase their police forces. The study suggests that the perception of threat is influenced by a combination of large inequalities and severe poverty, leading city governments to boost police force size.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Sociology and Social Policy·DateAug 8, 2013

How to achieve a well-balanced gut

A new study published in PLOS Pathogens highlights the importance of balancing the gut microbiome to prevent food-borne infections. The researchers found that SIGIRR protein plays a critical role in protecting the gut against bacterial pathogens, and its dysfunction can lead to increased susceptibility to colonization by harmful microbes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 8, 2013

Study shows who survives Burkitt lymphoma

Researchers created a stratified risk score to predict patient prognosis, finding that age, race, and stage of cancer significantly impact survival rates. The score separates patients into groups with varying 5-year relative survival rates, aiding doctors and researchers in designing treatment strategies.

SourceBrown University·JournalCancer·DateAug 8, 2013

Dialysis patients may live longer if their kidney specialist sees fewer patients

A recent study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that nephrologists with a lower patient caseload tend to have better survival rates among dialysis patients. For every additional 50 patients cared for by a nephrologist, patients experienced a 2% higher risk of dying within six years.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 8, 2013

A powerful strategy for developing microbial cell factories by employing synthetic small RNAs

A Korean research team at KAIST has developed a powerful strategy for developing high-performance microbial cell factories by employing synthetic small RNAs. This approach allows for rapid identification of multiple genes to be attenuated in multiple strains simultaneously, making it easier to find the best platform strain.

Robot treats brain clots with steerable needles

A new image-guided surgical system uses steerable needles to penetrate the brain and remove blood clots with minimal damage. The system has shown promising results in removing up to 92% of simulated blood clots, offering a new treatment option for patients with life-threatening hemorrhages.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 8, 2013

Ozone hole might slightly warm planet

A new study suggests that the ozone hole could be causing a slight warming effect on the planet, rather than a cooling one. The ozone hole's impact on wind patterns causes clouds to move towards the South Pole, reducing their ability to reflect radiation and leading to increased temperatures.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 8, 2013

Atomic insights into plant growth

A team of scientists has discovered that a specific helper protein is necessary for a plant membrane receptor to sense and respond to a growth-promoting steroid hormone. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, with potential applications in basic research and synthetic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013

Signs of MERS coronavirus found in dromedary camels

Researchers found antibodies specific to MERS-CoV in 100% of serum samples from dromedary camels in Oman, but not in animals from other countries. This suggests that a MERS-CoV-like virus is circulating in dromedary camels, potentially serving as an animal reservoir for the human coronavirus.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 8, 2013

LEC: A multi-purpose tool

A new study led by Stowers Institute researchers reveals the Little Elongation Complex (LEC) as a critical component of small nuclear RNA (snRNA) transcription. LEC's unique 'Swiss Army knife' function is required for both initiation and elongation phases of snRNA transcription, shedding light on gene expression and regulation.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 8, 2013

Researchers have developed a strain of engineered rice that produces a rotavirus-specific antibody, protecting both normal and immune-deficient mice from the disease. This study provides a low-cost strategy for preventing rotavirus infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 8, 2013

NYU Nursing receives a $1.5M NEPQR grant from HRSA

The NYU College of Nursing's Dr. Tara A. Cortes leads a $1.5M grant project to develop an innovative interprofessional model of collaborative care for frail older adults. The Collaborative, Continuous Care (3C's) Model will standardize nurse-led practice and transform interprofessional education in community-based healthcare.

Nutritional values established in 3 new, high-energy protein ingredients fed to weanling pigs

The study determined the nutritional value of three new protein products: dried fermentation biomass, hydrolyzed porcine intestinal mucosa products, and fish meal. The results showed that these ingredients are relatively high in crude protein, with lysine content in dried fermentation biomass being particularly notable.

HSCI researchers extend human epigenomic map

HSCI researchers mapped nearly all cytosine-guanine pairs in human DNA and found that only a small fraction are dynamic, playing a key role in regulating gene expression. The study improves current approaches to mapping epigenetic marks and sheds light on how genes are controlled in different cell types.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateAug 8, 2013

Genetic evidence shows recent population mixture in India

A new study published in American Journal of Human Genetics suggests that modern-day India is the result of recent population mixture among divergent demographic groups. The findings provide evidence for a genetic mixture of two ancestral groups: Ancestral North Indians and Ancestral South Indians, which occurred around 1,900 to 4,200 ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 8, 2013

Telemedicine consultations significantly improve pediatric care in rural emergency rooms

A study published in Critical Care Medicine found that telemedicine consultations significantly improve the quality of care for seriously ill and injured children treated in remote rural emergency rooms. The research showed that patients' satisfaction and perception of their child's care are also improved when consultations are provide...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateAug 8, 2013