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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 7


Page 7 of 28

Floral signs go electric

Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that flowers produce electric signals to attract pollinators like bumblebees. These signals can convey information about nectar and pollen reserves, improving flower-pollinator communication.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2013

Influenza study: Meet virus' new enemy

Scientists have discovered a new class of molecular compounds capable of killing the influenza virus. The compounds work by clogging up an enzyme that helps the virus spread, and are more effective because they are water-soluble. This breakthrough could buy scientists time to develop new vaccines for emerging strains of influenza.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2013

'Stressed' bacteria become resistant to antibiotics

Research found that stressed bacteria can spontaneously develop resistance to rifampicin, a commonly used antibiotic. This discovery has significant implications for the evolution of antibiotic resistance and may impact treatment options for serious bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 21, 2013

Solar energy to get boost from cutting-edge forecasts

Researchers at NCAR are creating a prototype system to forecast sunlight and resulting power every 15 minutes, enabling utilities to continuously anticipate available solar energy. The project aims to improve cloud prediction accuracy, helping utilities tap into solar energy more effectively and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Queen's study shows psychotropic drug dispensing increases on entry to care homes

A study by Queen's University Belfast found that psychotropic drug dispensing increases dramatically on entry to care homes, with antipsychotic use more than doubling from 8.2% to 18.6%. The high rate of psychotropic medication in care homes cannot be explained by continued community use, highlighting the need for routine medicines rev...

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 21, 2013

Life's tiniest architects pinpointed by Yale researchers

A recent study published in Developmental Cell identifies piRNAs as the primary guides for epigenetic factors, controlling gene expression patterns in Drosophila. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer development and may lead to new therapeutic opportunities.

SourceYale University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2013

IBN creates unlimited source of human kidney cells

IBN researchers successfully generated human kidney cells from human embryonic stem cells in vitro, providing a potentially unlimited source of cells for in vitro toxicology testing and regenerative medicine applications. The cells displayed similar gene and protein expression patterns to those isolated from fresh human kidney samples.

Inhaled betadine leads to rare complication

A rare case of lung inflammation caused by accidental inhalation of povidone-iodine (Betadine) during cleft palate surgery has led to new precautions for craniofacial surgeons. The patient, a seven-year-old girl, required mechanical ventilation after developing difficulty breathing and a drop in blood oxygen levels.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateFeb 21, 2013

In rich and poor nations, giving makes people feel better than getting, research finds

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that spending on others provides a psychological reward, regardless of cultural or economic context. The researchers surveyed over 234,000 individuals across 136 countries and found a positive relationship between personal well-being and spending on others.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 21, 2013