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Science News for February 11, 2013


Is lead poisoning behind some juvenile crime?

Research suggests that lead exposure in children can lead to irreversible damage, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and lowered intelligence. Public education is needed to address the ongoing problem of lead exposure and its devastating effects on young people.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry·DateFeb 11, 2013

Cell circuits remember their history

Researchers at MIT have designed new synthetic biology circuits that combine memory and logic, enabling the creation of long-term environmental sensors and efficient controls for biomanufacturing. These circuits can be used to program stem cells to differentiate into other cell types and provide precise long-term memory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 2013

Elsevier announces the launch of a new journal: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging

The Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging aims to provide a cutting-edge communication platform for professionals developing and utilizing imaging techniques in forensic analysis. Research published in the journal covers topics such as imaging technologies, education, and best practices in forensic radiology and imaging.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging·DateFeb 11, 2013

Invisible tool enables new quantum experiments

Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a novel way to manipulate massive particles using nanosecond long flashes of laser light, enabling precise measurements of small forces and fields. This breakthrough allows for the investigation of quantum wave nature in both single molecules and clusters of molecules.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 11, 2013

Researchers strain to improve electrical material and it's worth it

University of Illinois researchers have devised a method to make ferroelectric thin films with twice the strain, resulting in improved performance. The films have a built-in electric field, called an intrinsic potential, which opens the door for new applications such as smaller, faster and longer lasting computer components.

Carbon sponge could soak up coal emissions

Researchers have discovered a photosensitive metal organic framework (MOF) that can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from coal power stations. The MOF can release stored CO2 when exposed to sunlight, making it a promising new tool for reducing emissions.

SourceMonash University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 11, 2013

Chemistry trick kills climate controversy

A team of atmosphere chemists has created a method to analyze ancient sulfur isotopes in ice cores, allowing for precise determination of the impact of volcanic eruptions on global climate. This breakthrough resolves debates over historical episodes of cooling and provides new insights into past climate events.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Multinational food and drink industries using similar strategies to tobacco industry to undermine public health policies and should be regulated

A study by the University of Melbourne found that multinational food and drink industries employ similar tactics to the tobacco industry to shape public health policies. The authors recommend government regulation to address this issue, citing a lack of evidence on the effectiveness or safety of industry self-regulation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 11, 2013

Study finds increase in dance-related injuries in children and adolescents

A study found a significant increase in dance-related injuries among children and adolescents from 1991 to 2007. The annual number of dance-related injuries climbed 37 percent, with sprains and/or strains accounting for 52 percent of all injuries. Falls were the most common cause of injuries, affecting 45 percent of dancers.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateFeb 11, 2013

Gene today, gone tomorrow: Genes for autism and schizophrenia only active in developing brains

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that genes linked to autism and schizophrenia are only switched on during early stages of brain development. Researchers used advanced techniques to map gene activity in mouse brains, identifying key populations of subplate neurons and shedding light on th...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

TB infection rates set to 'turn clock back to 1930s'

TB infection rates are forecasted to surge as antibiotics become less effective against the disease. The lack of progress in combating TB is attributed to increasing drug resistance, reminiscent of the 1930s when dedicated sanitaria and invasive surgery were common treatments.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateFeb 11, 2013

Parents of teen girls more accepting of birth control pills than other contraceptive methods

A recent study from UCSF found that parents are more accepting of oral birth control pills (59%) than other forms of contraception. The most effective methods, such as implants and IUDs, were less acceptable to a minority of parents. Parental recognition of their teen's autonomy was the only predictor of acceptability across all methods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 11, 2013

Potential treatment prevents damage from prolonged seizures

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a potential lead compound that can reduce mortality when given to mice after drug-induced seizures. The compound, TG6-10-1, blocks signals from prostaglandin E2, which is involved in the toxic inflammation in the brain arising after status epilepticus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Virtual vehicle vibrations

A UI researcher has developed a computer program that can accurately predict the effect of role posture on bone and muscle stress in the head and neck during whole-body vibration. The model may reduce the need for human subjects in design and testing, benefiting industries such as automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 11, 2013

1-2 punch strategy against bacteria and cancer

Researchers at Rice University propose combining synthetic and natural toxins to create a 'one-two punch' therapy against cancer and drug-resistant bacteria, potentially reducing side effects and preventing resistance. The approach targets the unique membranes of both cancer cells and Gram-negative bacteria.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Computerized 'Rosetta Stone' reconstructs ancient languages

Researchers have developed a sophisticated tool to reconstruct protolanguages, the precursors of modern languages, with high accuracy. The system analyzes sound changes at the phonetic level and has been applied to 142,000 word forms from 637 Austronesian languages, producing results that are 85% accurate compared to manual reconstruct...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

USC researchers find possible genetic clues to organ development, birth defects

Researchers at USC have identified two molecular signaling pathways that control the formation of head and face structures, shedding light on certain birth defects. The study used time-lapse photography to study organ development at the single-cell level in zebrafish embryos, providing insights into human health and disease.

A social networking approach to public health research raises hypoglycemia awareness

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital used a social networking approach to investigate the magnitude of hypoglycemia and promote healthy behaviors among participants with diabetes. The study showed that engaging patients in research through social media can help augment traditional surveillance methods and lead to meaningful behavi...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2013

AGU Journal Highlights -- Feb. 11, 2013

Recent AGU journal publications explore the global climatology of explosive cyclones and their impact on U.S. biomes under climate change. A study found that extreme precipitation patterns decrease vegetative productivity by 20% in some regions, while others show neutral or negative effects.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2013

Visualizing biological networks in 4-D

Scientists at Caltech have developed a unique microscope that captures the motion of DNA structures in both space and time, allowing them to directly measure stiffness and map its variation. This breakthrough technique has far-reaching implications for understanding biological nanomaterials and their properties.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Online or off, bullying proves harmful

A Michigan State University study suggests that physical bullying, cyberbullying, and mobile phone bullying have similar effects on students' behavior and suicidal thoughts. Parents and policymakers are urged to consider both online and offline forms of bullying when creating anti-bullying policies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Criminal Justice Review·DateFeb 11, 2013

Strokes associated with surgery can be devastating

Prompt identification and treatment of perioperative strokes can significantly improve neurologic outcomes. The article reviews management options for perioperative stroke, including blood thinners, clot-busting drugs, mechanical devices, ultrasound, and hemicraniectomy.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics·DateFeb 11, 2013

Community health workers help type 2 diabetes care

A randomized controlled trial found that community health workers led by a nurse case-manager improved blood sugar levels among Samoans with type 2 diabetes. The intervention, which included culturally tailored education and home visits, resulted in clinically significant improvements in HbA1c levels.

SourceBrown University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 11, 2013

Prostate-specific antigen screening: Values and techniques shape decisions

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men's decisions to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening are influenced by how information is presented. The researchers discovered that men who were given a balance sheet with relevant features of PSA screening were more likely to choose the screening option, while tho...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2013

Tree die-off triggered by hotter temperatures

A recent study found that hotter temperatures triggered a widespread die-off of Colorado trembling aspen trees, with the drought from 2000-2003 exacerbating the damage. The researchers used oxygen isotope analysis to determine that summer temperatures were the key factor in drying out surface soil and stressing the trees' water-transpo...

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 11, 2013

Synthetic circuit allows dialing gene expression up or down in human cells

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a synthetic gene circuit that can dial up or down gene expression in human cells, enabling refined research for drug resistance and cancer treatment. The circuit's precision will allow scientists to test the boundaries of genes known to confer resistance ...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2013