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Science News Archive December 2013 - Page 21


Page 21 of 27

A*STAR scientists discover novel hormone essential for heart development

Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology and Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology have identified a gene encoding a hormone called ELABELA, which is crucial for heart formation in zebrafish embryos. The discovery holds great promise for the development of targeted therapies for heart disease and blood pressure control.

International study finds lower-dose IUDs are safe and effective

A recent international study found two lower-dose intrauterine contraceptive systems to be highly effective and well-tolerated over a three-year period. The devices were easier to use in women who had not delivered a child or had delivered by cesarean section, making them a suitable alternative for women seeking reduced hormone exposure.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 5, 2013

When it comes to peer pressure, teens are not alone

Researchers found that adolescent mice consume more alcohol when surrounded by peers, challenging the assumption that peer pressure is solely responsible for teen risk-taking. This study supports Steinberg's previous findings that peer influence primes the reward system in adolescents.

SourceTemple University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateDec 5, 2013

Deep-sea study reveals cause of 2011 tsunami

A team of international scientists has published studies revealing a submarine earthquake caused the devastating 2011 tsunami in Japan's Tohoku region. The findings suggest that other zones in the northwest Pacific may be at risk of similar huge earthquakes due to unusually thin and slippery geological faults.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2013

Those fruit flies are pickier than you think

A new study found that fruit flies exhibit a strong preference for laying eggs on citrus substrates compared to other types of fruit. The basis for this preference lies in a single odorant receptor called Or19a, which is responsible for detecting the characteristic smell of citrus.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 5, 2013

Tracking exercise as vital sign associated with weight loss and better glucose control for patients

A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that tracking exercise habits leads to small but clinically significant weight loss and improved glucose control in overweight patients. The program, which asks patients about their exercise habits during routine visits, has been implemented across the organization's healthcare system.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 5, 2013

UAlberta researchers uncover why combination drug treatment ineffective in cancer clinical trials

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta found that one chemotherapy drug prevents another from working, making combination therapy ineffective. This discovery will guide oncologists on how to combine or avoid certain drugs, ultimately leading to better treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2013

New method of DNA editing allows synthetic biologists to unlock secrets of a bacterial genome

Researchers have developed a novel DNA engineering technique to discover potentially valuable functions hidden within bacterial genomes. By reprogramming gene expression, they were able to increase the production of previously unknown compounds with useful biomedical applications.

Resistant against the flu

Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that mice lacking Tmprss2 protein are protected against certain flu viruses, including H1N1. This discovery highlights a potential new approach to treating flu infections by targeting the host's metabolism.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 5, 2013

Study shows how water dissolves stone, molecule by molecule

Scientists at Rice University and MARUM developed a new computerized model to simulate the complex chemistry at the boundary layer, where quartz and water meet. The model accurately predicts dissolution rates, which could revolutionize engineering calculations related to building materials and radioactive waste storage.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateDec 5, 2013

Cancer's game of hide-and-seek

Researchers discovered that glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells hide the signaling molecule targeted by therapies, adding complexity to current models of drug resistance. The findings suggest alternative approaches that could improve outcomes for cancer patients and may have significant implications for therapeutic regimens.

Love connection

Researchers developed an algorithm that pairs people according to their past interests and online mating success, rather than who they say they're interested in. The model improves return rates by 44 percent compared to existing models.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalIEEE Intelligent Systems·DateDec 5, 2013

Better water purification with seeds from Moringa trees

Scientists have discovered that seed material from Moringa trees can bind to impurities in water, allowing for more efficient purification. The study found that clusters of material produced with the protein are more tightly packed than those formed with conventional flocculating agents, making it easier to separate and treat waste water.