Tuberculosis and neglected diseases targeted by new center
A new centre will focus on lead optimisation for diseases of the developing world, including TB. The centre will create 11 new posts and receive a £6.5 million investment over five years.
Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 16
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Long noncoding RNAs control development of fat cells
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have identified long noncoding RNAs as essential regulators of white fat cell development, which can lead to obesity. The study found that knocking down specific lncRNAs reduced the formation of lipid droplets in fat cells.
SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2013
NASA scientists part of Arctic Sea ice study
Researchers found a 36% autumn and 9% winter decline in Arctic sea ice volume over the last decade. The study builds on previous studies using submarine and NASA satellite data, verifying compatibility with CryoSat-2 satellite measurements.
Gro Harlem Brundtland recieves Huntington Environmental prize.
The Woods Hole Research Center has awarded the Lawrence S. Huntington Environmental Prize to Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, a renowned leader in sustainability and climate change. Dr. Brundtland's vision of sustainability has inspired generations of scientists and policymakers.
Cure in sight for kissing bug's bite
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a potential cure for both acute and chronic forms of Chagas disease in mice using the small molecule VNI. The treatment achieved 100% survival without toxic side effects.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 13, 2013
New owl species discovered in Indonesia is unique to one island
A new owl species has been discovered on the Indonesian island of Lombok, with a unique vocalization that distinguishes it from other owls. The species, named Otus jolandae, is endemic to Lombok and was confirmed through field work and comparisons to museum specimens.
California's Tobacco Control Program generates huge health care savings, UCSF study shows
A new study by UCSF found that California's tobacco control program cost $2.4 billion and reduced health care costs by $134 billion over nearly 20 years. The program also led to a significant decrease in smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption, contributing to the overall healthcare cost savings.
Valentine's Day tales of romance and chemistry
A study found that nearly half of online Viagra samples contained only 30-50% active pharmaceutical ingredient. Meanwhile, bedbugs produce a foul odor during mating attempts to deter unwanted advances.
Happily married couples consider themselves healthier, expert says
Research suggests that happy marriages improve both partners' spirits and well-being, while lower stress levels. Health professionals are advised to consider patients' personal relationships when designing health promotion programs or treatment plans.
Opera's poisons and potions connect students with chemistry
This article from ACS' Journal of Chemical Education explores the real chemistry behind famous opera plots, including poisonous snake bites and deadly venoms. The author highlights several examples of operatic themes involving chemistry that can be used as a teaching tool for students and the general public.
Light-emitting bioprobe fits in a single cell
Researchers at Stanford have developed a light-emitting probe that can be injected into individual cells without harm. The device uses photonic cavities to amplify light and detect specific biomolecules, paving the way for real-time sensing and monitoring of cellular biology.
Advance promises to expand biological control of crop pests
A new discovery allows for expanded use of a mainstay biological pest control method, the sterile insect technique (SIT), which avoids health and environmental concerns. The approach involves mass release of radiation-sterilized insects that mate but produce no offspring, reducing pest populations.
Drug shown to reverse radioiodine resistance in some advanced thyroid cancers
Researchers found that selumetinib increased iodine uptake in tumors resistant to radioiodine therapy, allowing some patients to undergo treatment. The study shows promise for RAS-mutant disease and paves the way for a larger clinical trial.
SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2013
A neural basis for benefits of meditation
Researchers propose that mindfulness practitioners gain enhanced control over sensory cortical alpha rhythms, enabling optimal filtering of sensory information and regulation of negative thoughts. This control is linked to the practice of mindful awareness of breath and body sensations.
Research article coauthored by Pitt professor named best article of the year by Science
A paper coauthored by Pitt professor Sergey Frolov has won the 2012 Newcomb Cleveland Prize for its discovery of Majorana fermions, a physics particle ideal for quantum computing. The prize carries a $25,000 cash award and recognizes fundamental contributions to basic knowledge.
Why there are bad learners: EEG activity predicts learning success
Researchers found that brain insufficiently processes sensory information, affecting learning. Alpha waves in EEG indicate brain readiness to exploit new information.
European satellite confirms UW numbers: Arctic Ocean is on thin ice
A European Space Agency satellite confirms a University of Washington analysis that the Arctic has lost more than a third of its summer sea-ice volume since 2012. The Arctic is now shrinking and thinning, with summer ice volume estimated to be one-fifth of what it was in 1980.
Preventing obesity transmission during pregnancy
A recent publication by ILSI Europe identifies key contributors to child obesity, including maternal diet, gestational weight gain, and metabolic perturbations. Combining data from clinical studies could lead to more effective nutritional advice for pregnant women.
Magnetic shielding of ion beam thruster walls
A research team at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has found a way to effectively control erosion of Hall thruster walls by shaping the engine's magnetic field. By minimizing the effect of plasma on the magnetic field lines, they demonstrated 100 to 1,000 times less wall erosion when using magnetic shielding.
Key molecule suppresses growth of cancerous liver tumors, Mayo study finds
Researchers found that IQGAP1, a molecule controlling cell shape and movement, can suppress the growth of liver tumors when active in surrounding cells. The study provides new insight into cancer metastasis and points to potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating liver metastases.
Engineers show feasibility of superfast materials
Engineers at the University of Utah have shown that it is feasible to create organic topological insulators, which can conduct electricity on their edges but act as an insulator inside. This discovery could enable faster-than-light information transfer in quantum computers and spintronics devices.
Kinect teleport for remote medicine
A new system using Kinect technology and Azure connectivity can replace expensive telemedicine systems, reducing hospital-acquired infections and patient transport costs. The system uses low-bandwidth connections and can be used in areas with unreliable internet, making it a powerful tool for remote communities.
Genetic study pursues elusive goal: How many humpbacks existed before whaling?
A genetic analysis reveals that North Atlantic humpback whales once existed in numbers of over 100,000 individuals, with an estimated range of 45,000 to 235,000. The study's findings provide a more accurate estimate than previous catch data and have significant implications for determining the recovery threshold of the species.
'Significant' proportion of HIV positive patients may not be telling NHS staff about their infection
Research suggests a significant proportion of HIV positive patients are not disclosing their infection to NHS staff, potentially skewing estimates of undiagnosed HIV. This phenomenon may be linked to fear of judgment or stigma, highlighting the need for further study and education.
Major project on the quality of life for disadvantaged young people in Europe
The 'SocIEtY' research project aims to assess the quality of life of young people aged 15-24 across 11 European countries. Researchers will analyze how social mechanisms impact their participation in society and access to opportunities.
Hiding in plain sight: How invisibility saved New Mexico's Jicarilla Apache
The Jicarilla Apache successfully avoided incorporation on an American Indian reservation by assimilating into the Pueblo colonies and Hispanic societies. Their enclavement strategy allowed them to preserve their culture and avoid extermination for nearly two centuries.
Blood may hold clues to risk of memory problems after menopause, Mayo study finds
A Mayo Clinic study found that blood's tendency to clot may contribute to areas of brain damage called white matter hyperintensities, which can lead to memory problems and increased stroke risk. Women with higher levels of thrombogenic microvesicles were more likely to develop these changes.
Scientists discover how animals taste, and avoid, high salt concentrations
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified two opposing behaviors triggered by salt concentrations in mammals, allowing them to avoid high-salt diets. The discovery may lead to the development of taste modulators to control appetite and reduce the effects of excessive sodium intake.
UNC researchers discover gene that suppresses herpesviruses
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have identified a family of human genes known as Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) that play a key role in suppressing and activating herpesviruses. The discovery suggests that suppressing TLK enzymes may help prevent viral replication and reduce the risk of virus-associated cancers.
Copper depletion therapy keeps high-risk triple-negative breast cancer at bay
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that a copper-depletion compound, tetrathiomolybdate (TM), prevents cancer recurrence and metastasis progression. The study's findings are promising for high-risk triple-negative breast cancer patients with no current visible breast cancer.
A cooler way to protect silicon surfaces
Researchers at MIT have developed a new passivation process that can protect silicon surfaces at room temperature, reducing energy costs and enabling the production of more efficient solar cells. This breakthrough has the potential to replace traditional silicon nitride coatings, which are currently expensive and finicky.
MIND Institute researchers receive $1 million grant to study cognitive training in fragile X
MIND Institute researchers will examine whether children and youth with fragile X syndrome can improve their working memory, cognition, and behavior using an online computer-based cognitive training program. The four-year study aims to determine the efficacy of this intervention in improving working memory skills and potentially behavior.
Accelerated biological aging, seen in women with Alzheimer's risk factor, blocked by hormone therapy
A study found that healthy menopausal women with an Alzheimer's risk factor showed accelerated biological aging, but hormone therapy reversed this effect. The research used telomere length as a measure of biological aging and found that estrogen therapy protected against this aging process.
Robots with lift
Soft robots designed by Harvard researchers can leap up to a foot in the air using small explosions of methane and oxygen. This fast-acting system could aid in search and rescue missions. The robots' jumping ability is made possible by a simple valve system and the brief, high-energy explosion.
Cleveland Clinic develops clinical screening program for no.1 genetic cause of colon cancer
The Cleveland Clinic has developed a clinical screening program for Lynch syndrome, the most common genetic cause of colon cancer in adults. The program uses universal screening for colorectal cancers surgically removed at the clinic and successfully referred individuals whose tumors screen positive to genetics professionals.
Cellular renewal process may underlie benefits of omega fatty acids
Researchers found that omega-6 fatty acids stimulate autophagy in both C. elegans roundworms and human cells, leading to increased lifespan and improved immune response. This discovery suggests that balanced intake of omega nutrients may benefit human health.
Impact of stem cell transplantation location in brain a crucial factor for cell survival
Researchers found that non-self-donated stem cells survive better when injected into the striatum of the brain, accumulating along a 'pocket' between natural bordering regions. This discovery has important ramifications for designing cell therapies for neurological disorders.
SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 13, 2013
Study suggests infant deaths can be prevented
Researchers found that blocking a complement protein C5 reduces placental blood vessel growth limitations, allowing for improved fetal survival and growth. The study provides hope for preventing adverse birth outcomes worldwide.
Vanderbilt study reveals clues to childhood respiratory virus
The Vanderbilt-led research found that human metapneumovirus is the second leading cause of severe bronchiolitis in young children, affecting more children over age 1 than RSV. The study provides a clearer picture of how this virus impacts children and highlights the need for vaccines to prevent it.
Facial structure may predict endorsement of racial prejudice
A new study found that men with a wider face-to-height ratio are more likely to express racist remarks and be less concerned about social pressures. This association was not linked to explicit prejudice, but rather to social dominance.
Carnegie Mellon brain imaging research shows how unconscious processing improves decision-making
Researchers found that brain regions responsible for making decisions continue to be active even when the conscious brain is distracted, leading to better decision-making. The study suggests that our brains unconsciously process decision information in ways that improve effective problem-solving and decision-making.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2013
Video study shows which fish clean up coral reefs, showing importance of biodiversity
A recent study using underwater video cameras has identified four species of herbivorous fish as the primary cleaners of coral reefs in the South Pacific. These fish are highly picky eaters and target specific types of seaweeds, highlighting the importance of biodiversity for reef health.
Study in mice yields Angelman advance
A team of scientists at Brown University has made a breakthrough in understanding the neurological signaling breakdown in Angelman syndrome, a disorder affecting thousands of children. They demonstrated how a synthesized compound called CN2097 works to restore neural functions impaired by the disease.
World first for fly research
The University of Manchester has published the first-ever basic training package for using fruit flies in research, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer's disease studies. The package was developed by Dr Andreas Prokop and aims to educate scientists about the benefits of using Drosophila flies.
Stem cell source an important factor, impacting ability to treat myocardial infarction
Researchers compared ASCs and BMSCs from an elderly male donor to treat myocardial infarction in a rat model, finding that ASCs preserved more cardiac function. The study suggests age and health status of cell donors may impact the efficacy of stem cells in treating myocardial infarction.
SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateFeb 13, 2013
Clues to chromosome crossovers
Researchers at UC Davis have identified the essential role of Rnf212 protein in chromosome crossovers, a process vital for sexual reproduction. The study found that Rnf212 defines where crossovers occur, potentially reducing fertility and leading to chromosomal diseases.
Penn geologists quantify, characterize sediment carried by Mississippi flood to Louisiana's wetlands
A University of Pennsylvania-led study quantifies sediment transported to wetlands by the 2011 Mississippi flood, which may help maintain the area's wetlands. The research found that the flood deposited more than half a year's worth of sediment in some areas, making it a key factor in maintaining wetland elevations.
Resistance is futile
Researchers from Russia, Spain, Belgium, the U.K. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to efficiently stabilize tiny magnetic vortices that interfere with superconductivity. This breakthrough could remove one of the most significant roadblocks to advances in superconductor technology.
By guessing, clinicians may miss 3/4 of alcohol problems
Primary care clinicians may be missing three-fourths of the alcohol problems in their patients due to relying on hunches rather than screening questions. Regular screening with brief alcohol questions can identify individuals at risk and reduce risky drinking, according to a new study.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2013
Novel test streamlines testing for Huntington Disease
The novel TP PCR test yields accurate results without unnecessary additional testing, improving diagnosis and prognosis by accurately sizing the genetic abnormality characteristic of HD. The test correctly sized 240 of 246 samples, including those with a wide range of CAG repeats.
2 NASA satellites see Cyclone Gino's 'centered' power
Cyclone Gino maintained a large area of powerful thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures, indicating heavy rainfall. The storm's eye weakened due to cooler sea surface temperatures and increasing wind shear.
Canada's aquatic ecosystems research gets boost from NSERC
The NSERC Canadian Network for Aquatic Ecosystems will inform decisions on Canada's wetlands, lakes and rivers with a $4.4 million funding boost. Researchers will focus on the economic value of nature's goods and services.
New citation indicators needed to measure research performance
Researchers argue that traditional citation metrics like journal impact factors and h-index are insufficient for comparing the impact of different scientists or publications in unrelated fields. Percentile-based indicators can provide a more accurate assessment of scientific work.
Wetland trees a significant overlooked source of methane, study finds
Researchers found that wetland trees are a major source of methane emissions, accounting for up to 80% of total emissions. This challenges current models and highlights the importance of including tree emissions in field campaigns. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding methane flux in tropical wetlands.
New hope in fight against multi-resistant germs
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and TWINCORE are studying patient samples to find biomarkers for infectious diseases. The new antibiotic GSK1322322 targets gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, with minor adverse effects in Phase I clinical trials.
Team creates MRI for the nanoscale
Researchers create nanoscale MRI using tiny defects in diamonds, enabling detailed visualization of molecules. The technology could revolutionize diagnoses by examining damage on DNA strands or identifying cancer cells with unprecedented resolution.
Researchers discover biological diversity in triple-negative breast cancer
Researchers have identified at least four disease subtypes within triple-negative breast cancers, highlighting the need for targeted therapies that target individual biomarkers. The Basal-like subtype is the majority of TN patients, and therapies targeting its unique biology are crucial for therapeutic progress.
Recent marijuana use in HIV-infected Russians associated with increased sex and drug risk behaviors
Research reveals that marijuana use among Russian HIV-infected individuals with risky drinking habits is associated with increased sharing of needles, multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sex. This finding may help clinicians identify those at higher risk of transmitting HIV.
For some, deep brain stimulation brings lasting improvement in neuropathic pain
A large study found that two-thirds of eligible patients experience significant and lasting benefits from deep brain stimulation (DBS) for neuropathic pain. Benefits vary by cause, with improved outcomes seen in patients with amputation and stroke. Continued improvement is observed with longer follow-up.
Busy beavers give Canada geese a lift, study shows
A University of Alberta study reveals that busy beavers contribute to an earlier start for Canada geese's spring nesting by warming ponds and thawing winter snowpack. This helps the birds secure reproductive success.