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Science News for February 15, 2013


Neuronal activity induces tau release from healthy neurons

Researchers discover that neuronal activity induces tau release from healthy neurons, suggesting a physiological process that can be regulated by neural activity. The study suggests that altered tau release may occur in response to changes in neuronal excitability in the Alzheimer's brain.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 15, 2013

Not your conventional nucleic acids

Researchers at Northwestern University develop spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) for biomedical applications, offering improved delivery and targeting of therapeutics. SNAs show promise in treating genetic diseases and neurological disorders, including glioblastoma and Alzheimer's disease.

Is there a Neanderthal in the house?

Researchers examine how our evolutionary history contributes to current health problems, such as obesity and childbirth complications. They suggest that understanding our past can help us better address these issues with alternative solutions like doula support during birth.

Can hospital readmission rates be trusted?

A recent study found that 25% of hospital readmissions for spine surgery patients were not due to true quality-of-care issues. Planned readmissions, unrelated surgeries, and rescheduled procedures were among the cases not counted against hospitals. The study suggests modifying the calculation method to make it more clinically relevant.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateFeb 15, 2013

Statistics help clear fog for better climate change picture

Researchers are using statistical approaches to analyze climate change risks, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Bayesian statistics is a key tool in quantifying uncertainty and predicting future events. Collaboration between disciplines is essential for advancing climate science and risk management.

Breast cancer risk prediction model for African American women underestimates risk

A new study found that a commonly used breast cancer risk prediction model developed for African Americans tends to underestimate risk in certain subgroups, particularly those who first gave birth at an older age. The researchers conclude that a better risk model is needed for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, a subtype disprop...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 15, 2013

Extreme winters impact fish negatively

Research at Umea University found that extreme winter conditions impact fish negatively, particularly in streams and rivers with radical flow changes and anchor ice formation. The study highlights the need for more measurements and consideration of winter conditions in models to manage streams and rivers sustainably.

SourceUmea University·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 15, 2013

Playing quantum tricks with measurements

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck successfully reversed a quantum measurement using quantum error correction protocol, which contradicts foundational principles. This experiment demonstrates that information can be reconstructed from entangled states after individual particle measurements.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 15, 2013

Researchers found that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA alterations promote lung carcinogenesis by repressing miR-487b. Additionally, high levels of ox-CaMKII are linked to increased risk of sudden death after heart attack in diabetic patients, suggesting a potential mechanism for increased mortality.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2013

This is why it takes so long to get over tendon injuries

Researchers discovered that Achilles tendons retain high levels of carbon-14 from the Cold War era, indicating limited renewal and a slow healing process. This finding explains why tendon injuries often persist for years, but also opens up opportunities for developing new treatments to provoke dormant cells into repairing the tendon.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 15, 2013

A smoking gun in lung cancer epigenetics

A recent study reveals that cigarette smoke-induced miRNA expression alterations, specifically the repression of miR-487b, play a crucial role in lung carcinogenesis. Loss of miR-487b increases oncogene expression and enhances tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in both normal and cancer cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2013

Nano-machines for 'bionic proteins'

Physicists at the University of Vienna created nano-machines that replicate protein functions, enabling innovative pharmaceutical research. These 'bionic proteins' could be used as stable drug delivery vehicles and enzyme-like catalysts, revolutionizing various biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 2013