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Science News Archive February 2013


Page 1 of 28

Human trials for Streptococcus A vaccine

Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics has launched a human trial for a Streptococcus A vaccine, targeting a protein on the surface of Strep A bacteria. The year-long trial aims to ensure the vaccine's safety and effectiveness in preventing rheumatic fever, particularly in remote Aboriginal communities with high infection rates.

Wolf in sheep's clothing: Uncovering how deadly bacteria trick the immune system

A recent UCLA study reveals that certain bacteria, including those causing tuberculosis, can pretend to be viruses when infecting humans. This allows them to hijack the immune response and hide out inside cells. The findings may also explain how viral infections like the flu make us more susceptible to bacterial infections like pneumonia.

Mineral diversity clue to early Earth chemistry

A team of scientists analyzed 442 molybdenite samples to find that rhenium concentrations increased significantly over the past three billion years, reflecting increasing oxygen levels in the environment. The findings support previous research on hydrothermal activity and supercontinent formation influencing mineral evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 28, 2013

Atoms with quantum memory

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered an intermediate state between order and disorder in ultra cold Bose-Einstein condensates. This prethermalized state retains quantum memory for a surprisingly long time, characterized by a new length scale that emerges from the initial quantum gas.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2013

Space race under way to create quantum satellite

Researchers are pursuing a quantum satellite concept to establish a secure global quantum communication network by harnessing the signal's travel time in empty space. The team has emphasized precise alignment between the satellite and ground stations to ensure accurate measurement of photons.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateFeb 28, 2013

How did early primordial cells evolve?

New research reveals how primitive cells could have replicated without crucial structures, shedding light on the earliest forms of cellular life. Genetic changes required for L-form growth identified, including increased fatty acid production and imbalance between surface area and volume.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 2013

Action video games boost reading skills

Dyslexic children who played action video games for nine sessions showed significant improvements in reading speed and accuracy compared to non-action gamers. The study's findings suggest that visual attention deficits are at the root of dyslexia and that action video games can enhance visual attention, leading to better reading skills.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 28, 2013

The birth of a giant planet?

An international team led by Sascha Quanz has studied the disc of gas and dust around young star HD 100546, spotting a candidate protoplanet that could be a giant similar to Jupiter. The discovery provides an unique laboratory for studying the formation process of a new planetary system.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 28, 2013

Facebook 'Likes' a good indicator of quality hospital care

A recent study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality found that hospital Facebook 'Likes' are positively associated with patient recommendations and lower mortality rates. This suggests that hospitals with higher levels of quality and patient satisfaction tend to attract more 'Likes' on their pages.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateFeb 28, 2013

Study led by NUS researchers proves the existence of 3 overstretched DNA structures

Researchers led by NUS Associate Professor Yan Jie identify three new distinct overstretched DNA structures caused by mechanical stretching, resolving a long-standing scientific debate. The discovery has implications for understanding DNA damage repair and gene transcriptions, with potential applications in designing new DNA devices.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2013

Eating junk food while pregnant may make your child a junk food addict

Research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that pregnant mothers who consume junk food alter the development of their unborn child's opioid signaling pathway, leading to decreased sensitivity and increased tolerance for junk food. This can result in children being more likely to develop a lifelong addiction to unhealthy foods.

ACC/HRS release appropriate use criteria for ICDs and CRT

The ACC/HRS released appropriate use criteria for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The document assesses 369 real-life clinical scenarios to support physician decision-making, with 45% deemed appropriate for ICD implantation. The criteria help inform clinical judgment while ack...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2013

Brown unveils novel wireless brain sensor

Researchers created a novel low-power device that enables the recording of complex neural signals in freely moving subjects for over 16 months. The device, which transmits data wirelessly, has the potential to revolutionize brain-computer interfaces and help people with severe paralysis control devices with their thoughts.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 28, 2013

Zeroing in on heart disease

Scientists identify genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk by selectively decreasing gene expression using RNA interference. The study provides a new approach for understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and improving its prediction and diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 28, 2013

Loss of wild insects hurts crops around the world

A recent study found that managed honey bees are less successful at pollinating crops than wild insects, highlighting the negative consequences of losing wild insect populations. The research emphasizes the need for integrated management practices to promote long-term agricultural production and enhance global crop yields.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2013

'Crazy-busy' Canadians under pressure on the job

A new study from the University of Toronto found that Canadian workers who report high levels of job pressure often experience problems navigating work and family roles, as well as symptoms of physical and mental health issues. Having control over one's work schedule and job autonomy are associated with lower levels of job pressure.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 28, 2013

Double-jointed adolescents at risk for joint pain

A prospective study found that adolescents with joint hypermobility are approximately twice as likely to develop musculoskeletal pain at these joints. The study suggests a possible genetic basis for joint hypermobility, and further investigation is warranted to determine the long-term effects of joint hypermobility on osteoarthritis risk.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 28, 2013

Round or 'shaped,' implants yield good results in breast reconstruction

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery finds that round and shaped silicone implants have similar patient-reported outcomes in breast reconstruction, with few significant differences in quality of life. The researchers evaluated 65 women receiving round implants and 63 receiving shaped implants, finding average scores ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 28, 2013