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Science News Archive December 2013 - Page 2


Page 2 of 27

Rock And Rho: Proteins that help cancer cells groove

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that low oxygen conditions inside tumors trigger the production of proteins RhoA and ROCK1, enabling breast cancer cells to become mobile and invasive. High levels of these proteins are associated with poorer patient outcomes and increased tumor spread.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2013

Building a better malaria vaccine: Mixing the right cocktail

A new malaria vaccine candidate, Quadvax, has shown promise in overcoming major limitations of earlier designs. By combining AMA1 proteins from multiple strains, scientists have created a more broadly protective vaccine that elicits antibodies against both variable and conserved epitopes on the AMA1 protein.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 26, 2013

What does compassion sound like?

A study published in Health Expectations identified key markers of compassion in doctor-patient conversations, including recognition of suffering, emotional resonance, and movement towards addressing suffering. The researchers aim to create a behavioral taxonomy that will guide medical training and education.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalHealth Expectations·DateDec 26, 2013

Epigenetics enigma resolved

Researchers have determined the molecular structure of a Tet family member from Naegleria gruberi, providing insights into its role in regulating gene expression and potential therapeutic targets for cancer. The study sheds light on how Tet enzymes interact with DNA, enabling scientists to design drugs that manipulate them.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 25, 2013

Special topic: Airworthiness and fatigue

The International Conference on Airworthiness and Fatigue explored the importance of energy efficiency in aviation transport, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and chemical effects. Researchers emphasized the need for 'Multiscaling and Mesomechanics' to balance these effects and ensure system stability.

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