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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 2


Page 2 of 28

Kessler researchers link left-sided brain injury with greater risk for hospital-acquired infections

A study published in Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that patients with left-sided brain injuries are more susceptible to hospital-acquired infections. The research suggests that optimizing the balance between left and right brain activity may improve infection resistance and lead to novel interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateFeb 28, 2013

Pixels guide the way for the visually impaired

Researchers developed a pixelated vision system to enhance retinal implants, allowing patients to detect motion, large objects, and improve orientation. The system uses mathematical algorithms to pick out salient locations in images and provides directional cues for navigation tasks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 28, 2013

Metal ions regulate terpenoid metabolism in insects

Researchers discovered that metal ions cobalt, manganese, and magnesium control the production of different terpenoids in insect larvae, one for defense and another for juvenile hormones. This study highlights the importance of metal ions in regulating metabolic pathways and challenges the traditional view of enzyme specificity.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2013

Study shows need for improved empathic communication between hospice teams and caregivers

A study by University of Kentucky researcher Elaine Wittenberg-Lyles found that hospice team members often respond to caregiver empathic opportunities with perfunctory responses, rather than addressing emotional needs. This highlights the need for better communication about psychosocial issues and emotional losses for caregivers.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateFeb 28, 2013

Winner of Physics Journalism Prize announced

The inaugural Physics Journalism Prize has been awarded to Anil Ananthaswamy for his article Hip Hip Array, which explores the Square Kilometre Array project. The prize is sponsored by IOP Publishing and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and includes a £10,000 award and an expenses-paid trip to Japan.

Progesterone may be why pregnant women are more vulnerable to certain infections

Research published in Journal of Leukocyte Biology reveals that progesterone receptor regulates helper T cells required for developing antibodies. This regulation affects immunity against diseases like malaria and herpes simplex virus, and sheds light on autoimmune disease remission during pregnancy.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateFeb 28, 2013

Ectopic eyes function without connection to brain

Scientists at Tufts University have shown that transplanted eyes can confer vision without a direct neural connection to the brain. The study used frog models and found that ectopic eyes could 'see' and elicit responses similar to those of animals with natural eyes.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 27, 2013

Defining the new normal in aging

Researchers argue that traditional notions of healthy and successful aging fall short for many Canadians living with chronic diseases. Instead, they advocate for supporting older adults to live well according to their own definitions of health.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNursing Inquiry·DateFeb 27, 2013

Trust makes you delusional and that's not all bad

Research from Northwestern University and Redeemer University College found that trusting partners remember transgressions as less severe, while low-trust partners recall them as more severe. This distorted memory affects how individuals think about their partner and relationship.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 27, 2013

Researchers look to breath to identify stress

A pilot study found six compounds in the breath that increase following stressful mental arithmetic exercises, which may lead to a rapid stress detector. The study's findings are promising but need to be scaled-up with more people and settings before concrete conclusions can be made.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateFeb 27, 2013

Silver nanoparticles may adversely affect environment

Researchers at Duke University found that silver nanoparticles can have adverse effects on plants and microorganisms in low doses, leading to reduced biomass and altered enzyme activity. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into the environmental impact of these particles.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2013

GSA Today: Putting time in its place

A team of scientists proposes a new system for classifying units of the Geological Time Scale, resolving the debate between single-time and dual-time hierarchies. The proposed realignment maintains both parallel sets of units, allowing for flexibility in choosing one or the other as needed.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateFeb 27, 2013

How much protection is enough?

Protection of marine areas from fishing significantly increases fish density and biomass. Even partial protection yields a 50% increase in biomass for target species like lobsters and scallops. However, the success of marine protection depends on its size and management style.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalEnvironmental Evidence·DateFeb 27, 2013