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Science News for January 28, 2013


Safeguards needed for tissue donors

Donors to biobanks have a moral stake in what happens to their tissue samples, requiring ongoing updates and protection of their rights. Tomlinson recommends biobanks provide donors with plain language summaries of research projects and inform them about potentially controversial uses.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 28, 2013

Primates too can move in unison

Researchers from RIKEN Brain Science Institute found that pairs of macaque monkeys modify their body movements to be in tune with others. This phenomenon may reflect bonding and facilitate human interaction, shedding light on conditions like autism spectrum disorders.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 28, 2013

New research will help shed light on role of Amazon forests in global carbon cycle

A new tool devised by Berkeley Lab scientists detects forest mortality patterns and trends using satellite images, simulation modeling, and fieldwork. The study found that 9.1 to 16.9 percent of tree mortality was missing from conventional analyses, equating to over half a million dead trees per year.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

Slow-release 'jelly' delivers drugs better

Duke University engineers developed a novel delivery system that overcomes the limitations of peptide drugs, which are used to treat diseases like diabetes and cancer. The new system, called POD, uses a fusion protein that releases the drug slowly and steadily, reducing side effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

The tales teeth tell

Researchers at Harvard University challenged long-held assumptions about juvenile primate tooth development and weaning by studying chimpanzees in the wild. The study found that many young chimps continued to nurse as much, if not more, than before after their first molar erupted.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

First guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's released

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published the first guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's disease, providing a framework for healthcare practitioners to determine when to order this test. The guidelines emphasize that amyloid PET imaging should be used judiciously, particularly among elderly indi...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 28, 2013

Dual-hormone artificial pancreas is a step closer for patients with Type 1 diabetes

A randomized trial shows that the dual-hormone artificial pancreas system improved glucose levels and reduced hypoglycemia compared to conventional pump treatment in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The system delivered insulin and glucagon using continuous glucose sensor readings and an intelligent dosing algorithm.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 28, 2013

New research uncovers the neural mechanism underlying drug cravings

Researchers found that the lateral and orbital regions of the frontal cortex interact during drug-related cues, suggesting that addiction may result from abnormal brain circuitry. The study's findings suggest that a therapeutic approach for addiction could be developed by targeting this neural circuit.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

Bioinspired fibers change color when stretched

Researchers at Harvard University have developed color-changing photonic fibers inspired by nature, which can pass through a full rainbow of colors as they're stretched. The fibers' superior mechanical properties make them versatile for various applications, including smart sports textiles and sensors.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 28, 2013

New technique sheds light on RNA

A new technique called Bru-Seq allows researchers to label newly created RNA, enabling them to analyze the synthesis and stability of RNA in cancer cells. This breakthrough has the potential to provide deeper insights into gene expression and identify early warning signs of disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

Clinical trials with nonblinded outcome assessors have high observer bias

A systematic review of 24 randomized clinical trials found significant observer bias in nonblinded outcome assessment, favoring a more beneficial treatment effect. The study recommends using blinded assessors to remove this bias and suggests that conscientious nonblinded assessors may overcompensate for expected biases.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 28, 2013

Study finds taking the stairs, raking leaves may have same health benefits as a trip to the gym

A study of over 6,000 American adults found that incorporating short bursts of physical activity into daily life can be beneficial for improving health outcomes such as metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. Researchers suggest making movement a way of life by adding activity to everyday tasks like walking or raking leaves.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJan 28, 2013

A safer way to vaccinate

Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of vaccine-delivery film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins, potentially overcoming safety risks and improving effectiveness. The film is implanted under the skin using microneedles and degrades over time, releasing the vaccine over days or weeks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 28, 2013

Researchers find genes behind aggressive endometrial cancer

Researchers at Yale University have defined the genetic landscape of uterine serous carcinoma (USC), a chemo-resistant form of endometrial cancer. The study identifies three previously unknown genes that play a role in tumor growth and development, offering new avenues for personalized therapy.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

New study shows stable fisher population in the Southern Sierra Nevada

A recent study by the USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station has found that fisher populations in the southern Sierra Nevada are stable. The research, which monitored fisher distribution across a 7,606-square-mile area over eight years, found no increase or decrease in population numbers.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalJournal of Fish and Wildlife Management·DateJan 28, 2013