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Science News for February 4, 2013


Scientists prevent development of deafness in animals engineered to have Usher syndrome

Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic approach to treat deafness and balance impairment by injecting mice with an antisense oligonucleotide that targets a specific gene mutation. The treatment, which was tested on mice engineered to model human Usher syndrome, successfully rescues hearing and cures balance problems.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 5, 2013

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that exercising regularly earlier in life can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 adults and found a strong association between midlife fitness levels and reduced risk of all-cause dementia. Additio...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Biodiversity exploration in the 3-D era

A team of researchers from Hellenic Centre for Marine Research used X-ray computed tomography to create detailed 3D representations of tiny animals, facilitating the study of morphology and improving taxonomy. The method enables virtual rotation, magnification, and dissection of specimens, extracting new scientific information.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateFeb 4, 2013

Monogamous birds read partner's food desires

Researchers found that male Eurasian Jays can share food with their female partner according to her current desire, suggesting a 'state-attribution' ability. This behavior is crucial for species living in long-term relationships and may improve mate bonding.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Experimental therapy crosses blood-brain barrier to treat neurological disease

Researchers have developed an experimental molecular therapy that crosses the blood-brain barrier to reverse neurological lysosomal storage disease in mice. The therapy uses a modified enzyme called IDUAe1, which penetrates the blood-brain barrier and delivers large-molecule therapeutic agents to treat brain diseases.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Cells predict onset of graft-versus-host disease in men receiving BMTs from female donors

Researchers discovered a specific B lymphocyte marker that indicates the onset of cGVHD, a devastating syndrome where the patient's tissues are attacked by transplanted immune cells. This easily measured marker could help guide new therapies to mitigate or prevent cGVHD, which affects half of all bone marrow transplant procedures.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Sunlight may help ward off rheumatoid arthritis in women

Regular sunlight exposure is linked to lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in older women due to increased production of vitamin D. However, younger women who cover up with sunscreen may not experience the same protective benefits, according to a large-scale study.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 4, 2013

Men are fromMarsEarth, women are fromVenusEarth

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reveals that men and women share a significant number of psychological traits, with most characteristics falling along a linear gradation for both genders. The authors conclude that traditional gender categories are not as rigid as stereotypes suggest.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2013

Birds may need a hand to weather climate change

A new study predicts that climate change will lead to significant declines in suitable climates for many bird species, requiring enhanced protection and management of key sites. Conservation efforts will need to adapt to assist birds in moving to climatically suitable areas, with some species facing relocation in extreme cases.

SourceDurham University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 4, 2013

Scientists notch a win in war against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute used sophisticated computer modeling and biotechnology to target ROS production in E. coli, rendering the bacteria more susceptible to existing antibiotics. The study provides a promising approach to boost the global antibiotic arsenal against deadly superbugs like tuberculosis.

TV viewing, exercise habits may significantly affect sperm count

A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that sedentary TV viewing can nearly halve sperm counts, while moderate to vigorous exercise may boost them. Men who watched more than 20 hours of TV weekly had a 44% lower sperm count, while those who exercised for 15 or more hours weekly had a 73% higher sperm count.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Your history may define your future: Tell your doctor

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patients who use a web-based risk appraisal tool are more likely to have important family history documented, leading to better cancer screening and reduced mortality. The tool may help increase communication between physicians and patients about their risk factors.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Injection-free vaccination technique could address global vaccine challenge for HIV, malaria

Researchers at King's College London have developed an injection-free vaccine technique that uses dried live vaccines delivered to the skin without needles, offering a potential solution to global vaccine challenges. The technique has been shown to be effective in inducing immune responses comparable to traditional needle-based methods.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

The last Neanderthals of southern Iberia did not coexist with modern humans

A new study in PNAS challenges the long-held theory that Neanderthals persisted in southern Iberia alongside modern humans. Researchers used a novel radiocarbon dating technique to date bone samples from two sites, finding that Neanderthal occupation occurred approximately 45,000 years ago, rather than later than previously thought.

SourceUNED National Distance Education University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Grooming helps insects keep their senses sharpened

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that insect grooming, particularly antennal cleaning, helps maintain sharp olfactory senses. Grooming removes both environmental pollutants and chemicals produced by insects themselves, enabling them to detect food, danger, and potential mates effectively.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Some cancer mutations slow tumor growth

Researchers found that passenger mutations can slow or halt tumor growth when they accumulate. These deleterious mutations can tip the balance in favor of their effects, leading to reduced cell fitness. The study suggests a new approach to treating cancer by enhancing the impact of these mutations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2013

Finding the way to memory

A new study from McGill University reveals that the DCC receptor is essential for normal synaptic function and plasticity, leading to progressive degeneration of synapses and defects in memory formation. The absence of DCC leads to memory loss similar to Dr. Brenda Milner's famous subject HM.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 4, 2013

Human brain is divided on fear and panic

Researchers have identified multiple brain regions responsible for generating fear and panic, including the amygdala, brainstem, diencephalon, and insular cortex. The findings suggest that an intact amygdala normally inhibits panic, and its absence can lead to anxiety-related conditions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 4, 2013

Defying the laws of Mendelian inheritance

Researchers found that Arabidopsis thaliana plants exhibit genetic traits from older generations, contradicting Mendelian inheritance. New experiments support these findings, providing evidence for novel DNA-based genetic phenomena and implications for plant biology and agriculture.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000Research·DateFeb 4, 2013

Researchers develop Rx for deafness, impaired balance in mouse model of Usher syndrome

A new therapy called an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been developed by researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center, which partially corrects gene and protein expression and rescues hearing and balance in a mouse model of Usher syndrome. This breakthrough suggests the potential for treating deafness and balance disorders.

20 hours of TV a week almost halves sperm count

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that watching TV for more than 20 hours a week can almost halve sperm count, while exercising 15 or more hours a week can improve it by 73%. Moderate to vigorous exercise also has a positive impact on semen quality.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Hoodoos -- key to earthquakes?

Researchers studied two hoodoos in Red Rock Canyon to estimate the force necessary to break sandstone shafts, shedding light on ground motion during recent earthquakes. The study suggests median or low-level ground motion despite large quakes in the area, providing valuable constraints for probabilistic seismic hazard assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 4, 2013

New criteria for automated preschool vision screening

The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus has revised its guidelines for automated preschool vision screening, focusing on detecting amblyopia risk factors in young children. The new criteria include separate thresholds for different age groups, lower referral rates for young children, and the use of tradition...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·DateFeb 4, 2013

Chili peppers spark discovery

Researchers at Washington State University have made a breakthrough in repairing damaged brain cells using the active compound of chili peppers. The discovery has potential to provide relief for concussions and other health effects seen in athletes and head-injury victims.

Into the quantum Internet at the speed of light

A research team at the University of Innsbruck has successfully transferred quantum information from an atom to a single photon, paving the way for the construction of a quantum internet. This breakthrough enables the transfer of quantum information over optical channels between quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 4, 2013

Vitamin C supplements linked to kidney stones

A large population-based study of men found that those taking vitamin C supplements are twice as likely to develop kidney stones as non-supplement users. The risk increased with the frequency of supplement use. Conversely, multivitamin use was not associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

A little tag with a large effect

A recent study found that the epigenetic marker 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) plays a vital role in the selective expression of genes, particularly in healthy brain cells. The study also discovered that changes in 5hmC distribution are associated with gene silencing and may contribute to cancer development.