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Science News for February 12, 2013


Detecting cocaine 'naturally'

A team of researchers has adapted natural mechanisms to detect specific molecules like cocaine more accurately and quickly. The new biosensor responds optimally even with a large concentration window, paving the way for applications in cancer-targeting drugs and administration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 12, 2013

Study shows long-term success rates for eradication of Barrett's esophagus after endoluminal therapies

A study from researchers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reports that endoluminal therapies combining resection and ablation techniques have a high success rate in eradicating Barrett's esophagus, with durable results. Persistent vigilant surveillance is required due to recurrence risks.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 12, 2013

Helping or hovering? A parent's dilemma

A new study shows that college students with overcontrolling parents experience negative well-being outcomes, including depression and decreased life satisfaction. The study suggests that helicopter parenting behaviors can undermine children's autonomy, competence, and social relationships.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateFeb 12, 2013

PeerJ publishes its first articles

PeerJ, founded on principles of affordability, innovation, and Open Access, publishes its first 30 peer-reviewed articles, offering a rapid, peer-reviewed journal with a Creative Commons license. The organization assembles an Editorial Board of 800 esteemed academics to ensure rigorous peer review and high standards in publication.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateFeb 12, 2013

Anti-Muellerian hormone predicts IVF success

A recent study found that women with high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are 2.5 times more likely to have a successful IVF cycle than those with low levels. High AMH levels also signal increased chances of pregnancy and live birth, regardless of the number of eggs retrieved.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013

Kids teach parents to respect the environment

A new study shows that children can influence their parents' attitudes and behaviors towards the environment through education. The research, conducted in the Seychelles, found that children participating in wildlife clubs increased their parents' knowledge of wetlands and led to more environmentally friendly practices.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 12, 2013

New study examines victims and cyberstalking

A new study reveals that cyberstalking victims experience increased self-protective behaviors, including changing jobs or email addresses, and face higher financial costs compared to traditional stalking victims. The study also finds that cyberstalking victims exhibit greater fear over time, suggesting a more severe condition.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateFeb 12, 2013

Size of lunch dictates force of crunch

A new study reveals that bite force is influenced by the size of both the eater and the eatee, peaking at an optimal level of muscle stretch. The research found that too much or too little stretch leads to reduced bite force, with some fish able to crush stronger tubes when their muscles are optimally stretched.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 12, 2013

Mainz scientists confirm original tetrahedral model of the molecular structure of water

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz confirmed the original tetrahedral model of water's molecular structure, attributing its unique features to hydrogen bonds between molecules. The findings resolve a controversy that emerged in 2004, which was later attributed to temporary fluctuations in the bond network.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2013

Folic acid supplements early in pregnancy may reduce child's risk of autism by 40 percent

A Norwegian study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements during early pregnancy had a 40% reduced risk of having children with autistic disorder. The timing of the supplements was critical, with the greatest reduction in risk observed when taken between 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after the start of pregnancy.

Spotting the invisible cracks in wind turbines

Researchers developed a new analytical method to detect fatigue in wind turbines' parts while the turbine is in operation. This method distinguishes between mechanical properties and interfering noise, enabling precise detection of material fatigue or untightened screws.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 12, 2013

Discovering cell surface proteins' behavior

A new study by SFU chemist Bingyun Sun and colleagues reveals that the number of sugars (N-Glycans) on membrane proteins correlates with their function in five animal species. The correlation has been conserved through evolution, suggesting a universal mechanism for stabilizing glycoproteins.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2013

Flood research shows human habits die hard

A new report from Griffith University shows that most households did not make any changes to reduce their flood vulnerability despite lessons learned from the 2010-11 Australian floods. The research found that residents prioritized general home improvements over resilience measures, and insurers often only paid to replace like-for-like.

Field experiment finds significant electoral fraud in Moscow

A field experiment conducted during the December 2011 parliamentary elections in Russia suggests that fraud had a significant impact on the results. The researchers estimate that fraud accounted for at least 11 percentage points of the vote recorded for the ruling United Russia party in Moscow, resulting in the party retaining its majo...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2013

Flu outbreaks modeled by new study of classroom schedules

Researchers at Penn State University have developed a method to determine how to focus disease-control strategies based on individuals most likely to spread the infection. By analyzing classroom schedules and human-networking theory, they created a low-cost but effective way to predict disease outbreaks in closed groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2013

Molecular master switch for pancreatic cancer identified, potential predictor of treatment outcome

A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified a molecular master switch for pancreatic cancer, which could serve as a potential predictor of treatment outcome. The researchers found that Prrx1 and Sox9 regulate the emergence of an intermediate cell type that can give rise to cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 12, 2013

Research from the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new insights on high-risk prostate cancer prevalence and treatment, compares benefit of surveillance and surgery for management of small kidney tumors

Research from the 2013 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium highlights new insights on high-risk prostate cancer prevalence and treatment. Studies show that African-American men and older men of any race are more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer, while surveillance for small kidney tumors is a safe alternative to surgery for elderl...

Can therapy dogs be beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder?

A review of published studies suggests that interactions with therapy dogs can help children with ASD develop emotional attachments and interaction in a social setting, leading to improved interpersonal communication. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and build on the current evidence.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2013

Cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent, says U of T researcher

A new study by University of Toronto Professor Chris Kennedy and World Bank climate change specialist Lorraine Sugar shows that cities can make a positive difference in reducing GHG emissions. They propose realistic steps such as increasing bicycling infrastructure and encouraging electric cars to achieve a 70% reduction in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateFeb 12, 2013