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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 26


Page 26 of 27

Finding Chicago's food gardens with Google Earth

Researchers at University of Illinois mapped 4,648 urban agriculture sites in Chicago using Google Earth, finding that residential gardens and vacant lot gardens contribute substantially to food production. Backyard gardens, underappreciated and unsupported, also play a crucial role in food security, particularly in areas with limited ...

Itchy wool sweaters explained

Researchers found a specific type of sensory nerve cell that responds to itch-inducing stimuli but not pain, suggesting a possible solution for chronic itch. This discovery may help develop treatments for life-saving medications and improve our understanding of the relationship between pain and itch.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 2, 2013

New method for uncovering side effects before a drug hits the market

Scientists have developed a new computer-based approach to predicting possible side effects of medications. The method is based on knowledge about chemical and biological information about ingredients in these medications and has been shown to be useful in identifying potential side effects for both known and uncharacterized molecules....

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJan 2, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 2, 2013

Researchers found that bacterial imbalance contributes to intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis, with treatment reducing disease risk. Dysbiosis was shown to enhance intestinal inflammation and increase the risk for inflammation-associated colon cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2013

Nature-inspired advance for treating sensitive teeth

Researchers have developed a new substance inspired by mussels' adhesive, which can rebuild both enamel and dentin on teeth. Laboratory tests show that the gooey material promotes simultaneous remineralization of enamel and dentin, offering a potential solution for millions suffering from tooth sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 2, 2013

ALMA sheds light on planet-forming gas streams

Astronomers using ALMA have observed the first direct evidence of vast gas streams flowing across a gap in a young star's disc, thought to be created by giant planets guzzling gas as they grow. The discovery provides insight into planet formation theories.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

Bisexual men on the 'down low' run risk for poor mental health

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that bisexual men who live predominantly heterosexual lives and do not disclose their same-sex behavior are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Greater concealment of homosexual behavior was associated with lower positive emotions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJan 2, 2013

Biologists unlock 'black box' to underground world

Researchers analyzed 16 soil samples from around the globe and sequenced their DNA to understand the functional roles of microorganisms. The study reveals that different species perform unique jobs based on their environment, shedding light on the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

Our galaxy's 'geysers' are towers of power

Astronomers have detected giant outflows of charged particles from the center of our galaxy, stretching across half the sky and emitting an enormous amount of energy. The outflows were found to be driven by star formation and are carrying strong magnetic fields that may play a key role in generating the galaxy's overall magnetic field.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

Scientists have created a self-sterilizing composite material derived from Douglas fir needles that can coat medical implants and surgical devices to prevent microbial growth. The material uses silver nanoparticles generated from the plant extract, which acts as a natural chemical reducing agent.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·DateJan 2, 2013

Magnetic fields created before the first stars

A team of researchers has calculated the strength and distribution of magnetic fields in the early universe, finding that they existed even before the first stars formed. The calculations show that these weak magnetic fields were present throughout the entire plasma volume, with strengths as low as 10^-20 Tesla.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 2, 2013

Bonobos will share with strangers before acquaintances

Researchers found that bonobos will share food with a stranger before an acquaintance in a series of experiments. In most cases, the test subject chose to release the stranger first, even when there was no social interaction afterwards. This behavior contrasts with chimpanzees and highlights the unique social dynamics of bonobos.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 2, 2013

'Protecting' psychiatric medical records puts patients at risk of hospitalization

A Johns Hopkins study reveals that keeping psychiatric medical records separate from primary care doctors' access can lead to increased hospital readmission rates. The researchers found that patients whose records were shared with non-psychiatrists had a 40% lower risk of readmission within the first month after discharge.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateJan 2, 2013

In Ethiopia, HIV disclosure is low

In Ethiopia, a study found that only 66% of patients with HIV disclosed their status to their spouse, while 17% disclosed to siblings and 16.8% to other relatives. The lack of disclosure hinders treatment and prevention efforts.

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS Care·DateJan 2, 2013

Study refutes accepted model of memory formation

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that mice lacking a widely accepted enzyme for long-term memory formation were still able to form memories as well as normal mice. The study refutes the prevailing theory of how synapses strengthen, suggesting PKM-zeta is not the key molecule for long-term memory.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2013

Nature: Political action the biggest swing factor in meeting climate targets

A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of political action in limiting global warming to 2°C. The researchers found that political uncertainties, such as when countries will take serious action to reduce emissions, are the biggest swing factor in meeting this target. With a 20-year delay, the likelihood of success dr...

Dance of water molecules turns fire-colored beetles into antifreeze artists

Researchers found that fire-colored beetle antifreeze proteins protect against freezing temperatures through a combination of direct interaction with ice crystals and interactions via water molecules. This process, previously thought to occur only locally, also happens over longer distances due to the dynamics of water molecules.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

Previous studies on toxic effects of BPA couldn't be reproduced

A University of Missouri study failed to replicate previous research on the toxic effects of BPA and genistein, two chemicals that have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans. The findings suggest that the chemicals may not have the same adverse effects as previously reported, highlighting the need for more reliable data ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

Higher levels of obesity associated with increased risk of death

A study of nearly 3 million adults found that obesity and higher levels of body mass index (BMI) are associated with a significantly higher risk of death. Conversely, being overweight was found to have a lower risk of death. The researchers suggest possible explanations for these findings, including earlier presentation of heavier pati...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 1, 2013