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Science News for December 23, 2013


Study finds axon regeneration after Schwann cell graft to injured spinal cord

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to bridge the glial scar following chronic spinal cord injury using self-donated Schwann cells. This breakthrough enables regenerated and elongated brainstem axons to cross the bridge, potentially leading to improved hind limb movement in rats with spinal cord injury.

In men, high testosterone can mean weakened immune response, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that men with high testosterone levels have a weakened immune response to the flu vaccine, whereas women and men with lower testosterone levels have a stronger response. The study also discovered that testosterone interacts with genes in a way that dampens immune response.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

1,000-year-old vineyards discovered

The terraced fields of Zaballa were used for intensive vine cultivation in the 10th century, according to archaeologists. The study provides material evidence of early vine cultivation and highlights the importance of considering abandoned settlements as part of archaeological heritage.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalQuaternary International·DateDec 23, 2013

Study shows value of calcium scan in predicting heart attack, stroke among those considered at risk

A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that coronary artery calcium screening is an accurate and personalized assessment for individuals at high or low risk of a heart attack or death from coronary artery disease. The study used data from almost 7,000 adult participants and showed that 15% of those considered at very...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 23, 2013

Making sad sense of child abuse

A Tel Aviv University study analyzed allegations of child abuse, finding that children tend to accommodate physical abuse but fight or flee sexual abuse unless severe. The research may aid in prosecution and treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding children's responses to abuse.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateDec 23, 2013

Resistance makes waves

Scientists have found that charge-density waves destroy superconductivity at a maximum of minus 135 degrees Celsius. To develop high-temperature superconductors, researchers must search for substances not subject to these periodic fluctuations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2013

Testosterone-regulated genes may affect vaccine-induced immunity

A new study suggests that testosterone levels may affect the body's response to vaccines, with men often experiencing weaker antibody responses than women. Researchers found that men with high levels of testosterone had suppressed immune responses, which could be linked to their sex-specific differences in infections and vaccinations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

Democracy pays

In a public goods game, participants preferred institutions with punishment for tax evaders to increase cooperation. A majority decision ensured the institution was established, promoting group benefits. Democratic choices led to more cooperative behavior and greater profits.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

Antibiotics before heart surgery protect against infection

A new study found that preoperative antibiotic therapy administered within two hours of cardiac surgery decreased the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly. SSIs were less common among patients who received prophylaxis during the optimized period than those who received it at a different time.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 23, 2013

Beatboxing poses little risk of injury to voice

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that beatboxers use the whole vocal tract to produce a range of sounds, spreading the energy among several structures and minimizing wear on any single part. This technique may be protective of the vocal folds and could help singers relieve stress on their vocal cords.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Voice·DateDec 23, 2013

Library that can determine resistance

Researchers have developed a comprehensive library of guide RNAs that can be used to identify the role of every gene in different cell types. This library was created using CRISPR technology and found that 50 out of 52 guide RNAs successfully cut both copies of specific genes, leading to a thorough understanding of how resistance occurs.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 23, 2013

Common antibiotic may combat dry eye disease

Researchers identify azithromycin as a potential therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction, leading to improved treatment options for dry eye disease. The study suggests that topical azithromycin could directly stimulate the function of human meibomian gland epithelial cells.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 23, 2013

Motor excitability predicts working memory

A study by researchers from the University of Basel found that individuals with high motor excitability have better working memory than those with low excitability. The research used transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure motor cortical excitability and its correlation with working memory performance, revealing a positive correla...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateDec 23, 2013