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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 4


Page 4 of 28

U-M study challenges notion of using Herceptin only for HER2-positive breast cancer

A new University of Michigan study found that the protein HER2 plays a role even in breast cancers traditionally classified as HER2-negative. The research suggests that the drug Herceptin may have a greater impact on treating breast cancer and preventing its spread, particularly when given early to prevent tumor recurrence.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 26, 2013

Kauai, the Petrified Forest, Costa Rica, and more: New GSA Bulletin articles now online

Researchers studied wind erosion and sediment traps in the Qaidam basin, rain erosion on Kauai, new insights from the Petrified Forest, a forearc sliver in Costa Rica, and bending and buckling mountain belts. Erosion rates on Kauai vary across a steep rainfall gradient, with modern rates no more than 2.3 times faster than past rates.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateFeb 26, 2013

Afterschool programs evaluated for community support, resources

Researchers evaluated an afterschool program called the Good Behavior Game, finding that high organizational ability and community involvement are key to its effectiveness. The study suggests that combining these elements can lead to improved implementation of evidence-based practices in afterschool settings.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2013

Linking insulin to learning

Harvard researchers show that insulin-like peptides play a crucial role in regulating learning and memory by fine-tuning neuronal activity. The study reveals a bidirectional regulation of learning, with some peptides inhibiting learning while others facilitate it.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 26, 2013

When morning sickness lasts all day

A study found that morning sickness lasting all day is often linked to hormonal and genetic factors, with ethnicity and diet also playing a role. Women who have experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies are at higher risk of severe nausea during subsequent pregnancies.

SourceThe Research Council of Norway·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 26, 2013

Ship noise makes crabs get crabby

Researchers found that ship noise increases crab metabolic rate, indicating elevated stress, and larger crabs are affected most strongly. This study highlights the importance of reducing noise in busy shipping areas to protect commercially important crustacean species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 26, 2013

Sweet news for stem cell's 'Holy Grail'

Scientists have developed a web-like scaffold coated with long-sugar molecules that enhances stem-cell cultures and encourages the formation of neuronal cell types. The results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are promising for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 26, 2013

The soldier as sexual aggressor

A Norwegian study examines the cases of soldiers convicted for sexual violence during the Bosnian War, highlighting three categories of perpetrators: romantic heroes, opportunists, and repentant sinners. The research emphasizes the importance of clear training and leadership to prevent such behavior.

SourceThe Research Council of Norway·JournalGlobal Responsibility to Protect·DateFeb 26, 2013

Brazilian Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases moves to BioMed Central

The Brazilian Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases has moved to BioMed Central's open access publishing platform, expanding the publisher's portfolio to 250 journals. The journal will publish research on all aspects of toxins, venomous animals, and tropical diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 26, 2013

A picture of health in schools

A research project led by Dr Laura Azzarito found that young people from ethnic minorities, especially girls, are more likely to be physically inactive and unhealthy due to negative stereotypes. The study used visual diaries to capture their experiences with physical activity, revealing visible gender, race, and social class boundaries.

An atlas of the human heart is drawn using statistics

Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of the human heart using 3D images from 138 people, demonstrating its feasibility for comparing individual cases and differentiating healthy from pathologies. The study provides a statistical description of the heart's shape and variations, offering an advantage over existing cardiac models.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateFeb 26, 2013

New tool in the fight against tropical diseases

A novel screening method using genetically engineered baker's yeast identifies chemical compounds that target disease-causing parasites without harming human hosts. The approach has shown promise in identifying potential anti-parasitic compounds with high sensitivity, reducing costs, and increasing reproducibility.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalOpen Biology·DateFeb 26, 2013

Connecting the (quantum) dots

Scientists develop a method to preserve quantum bits (qubits) for longer periods, using hole spins instead of electron spins. This breakthrough brings the researchers closer to creating the first viable high-speed quantum computer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 26, 2013

For some, surgical site infections are in the genes

A University of Utah study found a significant genetic connection to surgical site infections (SSIs) in families, suggesting personalized health care through genome analysis could be available soon. Researchers analyzed 651 hospital patients with SSIs and matched controls using the Utah Population Database.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalWound Repair and Regeneration·DateFeb 26, 2013

Pain can be a relief

Researchers found that moderate pain can be perceived as comforting when it's the lesser of two evils. The brain processes pain differently depending on context and expectation. This study may lead to new ideas for treating chronic pain and substance dependence.

U of M researchers identify genetic variation behind acute myeloid leukemia treatment success

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a genetic variation in CD33 that significantly affects the clinical outcome of AML patients who received gemtuzumab ozogamicin chemotherapy. This discovery may help predict which patients are most likely to benefit from the treatment and improve therapeutic efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 26, 2013

Police and firefighters at higher risk for mental disorders following traumatic events

A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that police and firefighters are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders after exposure to traumatic events. Protective services workers who recently joined the profession were more likely to develop mood or alcohol use disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateFeb 26, 2013