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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 3


Page 3 of 27

Research study: Whistle away the need for diapers

Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy found that potty training from birth can improve bladder control and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in Vietnamese babies. This technique involves a special whistling sound to remind the baby when it's time to urinate, allowing for early elimination of diapers.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Pediatric Urology·DateJan 30, 2013

BRI researchers identify biomarker and potential therapy target in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute found that IL-6 signaling pathway proteins may serve as novel biomarkers for MS disease activity and a potential therapeutic target. The study discovered that T cells in patients with active MS were more sensitive to IL-6, which could lead to new therapies targeting the IL-6 pathway.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 30, 2013

Sorting out stroking sensations

Researchers at California Institute of Technology have identified a specific class of skin sensory neurons that react to massage-like stroking, paving the way for further study of pleasurable sensations. The discovery uses genetically modified mice and novel recording techniques to pinpoint individual neurons activated by touch.

Disease not a factor in Tassie Tiger extinction

A new population modelling approach contradicts the widespread belief that disease must have been a factor in the thylacine's extinction. The study found that European settlement, including hunting and habitat loss, was powerful enough to drive the species to extinction without invoking a mystery disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJan 30, 2013

Study reveals significance of second trimester markers for Down's syndrome

Researchers analyzed 48 studies on second trimester markers and found that most single markers have only a small effect on modifying the odds for Down's syndrome. However, some markers such as dilated brain ventricles, increased neck thickness, and absent nose bone significantly increase the risk by three- to four-fold.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 30, 2013

Binge drinking increases risk of Type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine has found a strong link between binge drinking and the development of insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that alcohol disrupts insulin-receptor signaling, causing inflammation in the brain and increasing the risk of metabolic disorders.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 30, 2013

Antibiotics cut death rate for malnourished children

Researchers found a 44% drop in mortality with cefdinir and a 36% drop with amoxicillin when antibiotics were added to therapeutic food treatment. This study has changed how children are treated worldwide, providing a lifesaving impact on hundreds of thousands of children annually.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 30, 2013

Confirmed: How plant communities endure stress

A global meta-analysis supports the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, showing that plant interactions become more influential in positive ways when ecosystems face threats like drought. The study found that as stress increases, negative interactions weaken, while mutual support strengthens across various plant types and conditions.

SourceBrown University·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 30, 2013

Hit by 2 hammers

Researchers identify new gene associated with Hirschprung Disease and demonstrate how deficiencies in two candidate genes synergize to halt gut nervous system formation. Understanding this genetic basis may lead to better diagnostics and treatment for the condition.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 30, 2013

Tuberculosis may lurk in bone marrow stem cells of infected patients, Stanford researchers say

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that tuberculosis bacteria can infiltrate and settle in mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow. This finding raises the possibility that other infectious agents may employ similar tactics, providing a new potential target for treatment. The research suggests that u...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 30, 2013

Rejuvenation of the Southern Appalachians

New research reveals that topographic relief in the southern Appalachians increased by over 150% since the Miocene era, suggesting a link to post-orogenic regional uplift. The findings contradict previous theories attributing landscape rejuvenation to climate change or erosion, instead supporting an epeirogenic uplift-driven explanation.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateJan 30, 2013

Aging cells lose their grip on DNA rogues

Brown University researchers discovered that as cells age, their ability to defend against parasitic strands of genetic material called transposable elements deteriorates. This breakdown allows the newly freed transposons to take full advantage, potentially leading to a decline in cell function and health.

SourceBrown University·JournalAging Cell·DateJan 30, 2013

3D microchip created

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of microchip that allows information to travel in three dimensions. The innovation uses spintronic technology and enables additional storage capacity on chips by spreading data across multiple layers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2013

Pioneering study shows that local volunteers increase early breast cancer detection rates in a low-income rural area

A pioneering study published in The Lancet Oncology found that local volunteers increased early breast cancer detection rates in a low-income rural area. The study showed that 70% of women screened were diagnosed with benign lesions or successfully treated for breast cancer, significantly improving long-term survival chances.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 30, 2013

How to be a social climber

Researchers discovered that all individuals are social climbers, as they seek to enhance their social importance through connections with central nodes. In hierarchical societies, this inclination leads to a clear identification of central nodes, resulting in an increasing number of social climbers.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJournal of Statistical Physics·DateJan 30, 2013