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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 18


Page 18 of 27

Rice researchers see surprising twist to protein misfolding

Researchers at Rice University used the AWSEM-MD software to simulate protein folding and found a surprising twist: short sequences can self-recognize and stick together, leading to misfolding. This discovery provides new insights into degenerative diseases and may lead to drug design.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

Liver controls wasting in cancer

Research reveals that a gene switch in the liver is responsible for lowering blood fat levels in cancer patients, leading to dramatic weight loss. The study found that silencing this gene switch in the liver can restore normal lipid levels and muscle mass.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJan 14, 2013

Better care from doctors who are culturally aware

A new study found that doctors who are culturally aware provide better quality of care to HIV patients from ethnic minorities. These patients tend to manage their treatment and condition better and have improved health outcomes. Increasing healthcare provider cultural competence can reduce racial disparities in both the quality of care...

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2013

Simple intervention helps doctors communicate better when prescribing medications

A new study led by UCLA researcher Dr. Derjung Tarn found that a simple training program improved physicians' ability to communicate key facts about prescribed medications, including potential side effects and medication adherence. The intervention resulted in higher ratings from patients on communication about medications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 14, 2013

Chimpanzees successfully play the Ultimatum Game

Researchers played the Ultimatum Game with six adult chimpanzees and 20 human children, finding that both groups responded similarly to adults. Chimpanzees split rewards equally when cooperation was required, similar to human behavior. This study provides evidence for a shared preference for fair outcomes between humans and apes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

NIH scientists identify protective role for antibodies in Ebola vaccine study

Researchers at NIH and OHSU found that an experimental Ebola vaccine elicits antibodies that protect nonhuman primates from Ebola virus infection. The study's results showed that antibodies induced by the vaccine appeared to be critical to protecting the animals, while immune cells had a minimal role.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

Diet may not impact certain health outcomes in older persons

Researchers found no link between dietary patterns and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome in older adults. However, a Western diet was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The study suggests that overly restrictive diets may not be beneficial for older adults.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·DateJan 14, 2013

How does your garden glow?

Researchers create mathematical model of plant petals to understand iridescence and its role in attracting pollinators. The study, published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface, provides a first analysis of how petal surface patterns might be produced.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 14, 2013

Impaired coordination of brain activity in autism involves local, as well as long-range, signaling

A study at Massachusetts General Hospital finds reduced local and long-range brain activity coordination in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Local connectivity was previously thought to be higher in autistic brains, but the current research reveals a more complex connection between brain regions.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

The secret sex life of the penicillin-producing fungus could make it more productive

Researchers have discovered a method to induce sexual reproduction in Penicillium chrysogenum, leading to the development of new strains with improved industrial characteristics. This breakthrough aims to increase penicillin production, making it cheaper to produce, and potentially applicable to other economically important fungi.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

Gene flow from India to Australia about 4,000 years ago

A recent study published in PNAS found evidence of gene flow from India to Australia around 4,230 years ago, challenging the notion that Australia remained isolated between initial colonization and European arrival. This migration also shares a common origin with populations from New Guinea and the Philippines.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

Hospital infection surveillance system flawed, say experts

A new study by De Montfort University reveals worrying inconsistencies in how NHS hospital trusts in England define and report surgical site infections. The findings suggest that published rates do not accurately reflect the true scale of surgical infections, highlighting the need for improved data collection and reporting systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·DateJan 14, 2013

Nations that consume a lot of milk... also win a lot of Nobel prizes

A study found that countries consuming large amounts of milk have a higher number of Nobel laureates, possibly due to the boost in vitamin D levels which can enhance cognitive function. However, the relationship may not be solely driven by education, as some nations with high milk consumption also exhibit strong educational systems.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalPractical Neurology·DateJan 14, 2013

AGU journal highlights -- Jan. 14, 2013

Researchers found significant influence of seabird activity on methane and nitrous oxide emissions in the Arctic tundra, contributing to global warming. Meanwhile, a new assessment reveals U.S. cities are less susceptible to water scarcity issues than previously thought.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2013

Salmon runs boom, go bust over centuries

New research reveals that salmon stocks varied greatly on centuries-long time cycles, with fluctuations lasting up to 200 years. The study found that natural variations in salmon abundance were as large as those due to human harvests, and that some regions showed different changes over time.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2013

Drug overdose now the leading cause of death among homeless adults in Boston

A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program found that drug overdose deaths have surpassed HIV as the leading cause of death among homeless adults in Boston, with a significant increase in opioid-related overdoses. The study highlights the dire need to address the epidemic of drug ov...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2013

Graphene plasmonics beats the drug cheats

Researchers have developed a graphene plasmonics device that can detect even trace amounts of substances in minutes, revolutionizing drug testing for athletes and detecting viruses. The breakthrough uses artificial materials with topological darkness to achieve high sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 13, 2013