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Science News for January 10, 2013


Herbal treatments for postmenopausal symptoms can be recommended as an alternative to HRT

Herbal and complementary medicines can effectively treat postmenopausal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Soy, red clover, and black cohosh have been shown to ease hot flush symptoms and other menopausal issues, making them viable alternatives for women seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Obstetrician & Gynaecologist·DateJan 10, 2013

UMMS experts seek better flu vaccines

Researchers led by Dr. Robert W. Finberg are working on a $12 million project to improve flu vaccine effectiveness by predicting the influenza virus's evolution in response to anti-viral drugs and human immune systems. The approach could potentially boost protection rates, reducing severe illness cases.

Study finds poorer outcomes for obese patients treated for lumbar disc herniation

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese patients with lumbar disc herniation tend to have poorer outcomes with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The study included 854 non-obese patients and 336 obese patients, and compared their outcomes over a four-year period.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 10, 2013

Virus caught in the act of infecting a cell

Researchers have observed the detailed changes in a virus's structure as it infects an E. coli bacterium, providing new insights into the viral infection process. The study reveals that the virus extends its ultra-thin fibers to find an optimal site for infection and ejects its genetic material through the host cell membrane.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2013

A cloudy mystery

The G0.253+0.016 cloud defies conventional wisdom on star formation, with a dense gas content 25 times higher than the Orion Nebula but only producing small stars. The cloud's high velocities and presence of silicon monoxide suggest it may be two colliding clouds, preventing star formation due to its dynamic nature.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 10, 2013

Solving puzzles without a picture

A team of genome and computer scientists developed an algorithm that can rapidly create virtual chromosomes using NGS data. The new RACA (Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly) algorithm performs even better with longer DNA reads, addressing the challenge of assembling complete chromosomes from short NGS fragments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2013

Decline in available liver transplants expected

A study found that non-use of donor livers rose significantly between 2004 and 2010, primarily linked to decreased donor liver quality and increased donation after cardiac death. This trend threatens a significant decline in liver transplant availability.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 10, 2013

Breath test identifies bacteria's fingerprint

Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateJan 10, 2013

Marriage linked to better survival in middle age

A new study by Dr. Ilene Siegler and colleagues found that having a partner during middle age is protective against premature death. Married individuals had a significantly lower risk of dying early compared to those who never married or lost their partner, even after controlling for personality and health behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 10, 2013

PLOS Pathogens additional press release -- Jan. 10, 2013

Researchers developed methods to synthesize and change the Schmallenberg virus genome, identifying a gene that protects the virus against the immune response. The study found that viruses missing this gene caused less sickness in mice, suggesting potential for new vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 10, 2013

Lower nitrogen losses with perennial biofuel crops

A University of Illinois study found that perennial biofuel crops such as miscanthus can greatly reduce nitrogen losses in the environment. The crops showed high efficiency in reducing nitrate leaching and nitrogen oxide emissions, making them a promising alternative to traditional corn-based ethanol production.

A saliva gland test for Parkinson's disease?

Researchers have discovered a potential new method for diagnosing Parkinson's disease by testing the saliva gland. The study found that abnormal proteins associated with the disease were consistently present in the submandibular salivary glands of patients, suggesting this non-invasive test could be used to diagnose living individuals.

Oxygen to the core

The team used laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments to demonstrate that depletion of siderophile elements can be produced under more oxidizing conditions, suggesting oxygen played a prominent role in the Earth's core formation. This discovery allows for a reevaluation of planetary accretion and core formation processes.

Surgeons may use hand gestures to manipulate MRI images in OR

Researchers developed a system using depth-sensing cameras and algorithms to recognize hand gestures as commands for medical image manipulation. The system reduced false positives from 20.8% to 2.3% and achieved a mean accuracy of 93%, improving surgery efficiency and reducing infection risk.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 10, 2013

Cheating -- and getting away with it

Researchers discovered a gene in amoebae that enables over-sharing without reducing evolutionary fitness, challenging our understanding of cooperation and cheating. The study tested a knockout mutant 'CheaterB' and found it performed just as well as its ancestor wild strain under laboratory conditions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 10, 2013

This week in Blood: Jan. 10, 2013

Researchers have identified a new approach to treating lymphoma by combining a toll-like receptor agonist with radiation, resulting in durable anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, scientists have developed model-based decision rules to predict the safety of therapy discontinuation for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

Which study strategies make the grade?

A new report finds that popular study strategies like highlighting and rereading don't improve student learning, while effective techniques like practice testing and distributed practice can boost performance. The researchers recommend using these evidence-based strategies to direct teachers, students, and parents.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateJan 10, 2013