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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 17


Page 17 of 31

Susceptibility genes for cerebral infarction or hemorrhage in the Han in Hunan, China

A genetic study published in Neural Regeneration Research identified the G4A polymorphism of the scavenger receptor class B type I gene as a possible predisposing risk factor for atherosclerotic cerebral infarction. The study found that individuals with the G4A GA + AA genotype had higher serum levels of high-density lipoprotein choles...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 16, 2013

Researchers step closer to custom-building new blood vessels

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown new blood vessels from pluripotent stem cells and transplanted them into mice, a crucial step towards developing personalized treatments. The new technique could enable genetically matched blood vessels that are less likely to be rejected by patients' immune systems.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2013

Bias pervades the scientific reporting of animal studies

A new study reveals substantial bias in animal studies reporting, which may lead to misleading conclusions about potential treatments' effectiveness in humans. The researchers analyzed 160 meta-analyses of animal studies and found that over twice as many studies reached statistical significance than expected.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 16, 2013

Tide is turning in skin cancer battle

Recent advances in melanoma research have put the deadly skin cancer at the forefront of cancer research, raising hopes that scientists and clinicians may have cornered the deadliest form of skin cancer. New diagnostic tools and targeted therapies are showing promise in blocking cancer-causing signaling pathways.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateJul 16, 2013

Self-perpetuating signals may drive tumor cells to spread

A team of international researchers has identified a self-perpetuating signaling circuit in connective tissue cells that allows them to form a front and back and propel themselves in a particular direction. This propulsion is similar to the movement used by tumor cells to invade healthy tissue during cancer metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJul 16, 2013

Brain discovery could help schizophrenics

Researchers at Michigan State University found a link between the prefrontal cortex and learning and behavioral deficits in mice with mental illness genes. This study suggests targeting specific brain-behavior mechanisms may alleviate cognitive and motivational symptoms.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2013

How cranberries impact infection-causing bacteria

Researchers at McGill University have found that cranberry derivatives can inhibit bacteria from sticking to surfaces, potentially preventing infections in medical devices such as catheters. The study's findings also suggest that cranberries may play a role in preventing chronic infections, which are a major public health concern.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Journal of Microbiology·DateJul 15, 2013

Very preterm babies show bonding difficulties despite parental sensitivity

Research from the University of Warwick found that most very preterm and low birthweight infants were securely attached to their parents. However, they had a higher risk for disorganised attachment due to underlying neurological abnormalities. This contradicts the assumption that disorganised attachment is solely linked to parental sen...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 15, 2013

A new form of carbon: Grossly warped 'nanographene'

Researchers at Boston College and Nagoya University have synthesized the first example of a new form of carbon, grossly warped graphene, which alters its physical, optical and electronic properties. The new material consists of multiple identical pieces of warped graphene with exactly 80 carbon atoms joined together in a network of 26 ...

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 15, 2013

Distorted GPS signals reveal hurricane wind speeds

Scientists have developed a new technique to calculate wind speeds of hurricanes using distorted GPS satellite signals, providing valuable information at little additional cost. The method offers a broader view of wind speeds than traditional dropsonde measurements, which are expensive and only available over large bodies of water.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalRadio Science·DateJul 15, 2013

Early spatial reasoning predicts later creativity and innovation, especially in STEM fields

A new study found that early spatial reasoning skills at age 13 predict creative and innovative achievements, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains. This unique skill contributes to the development of new knowledge and innovation above traditional measures of mathematical and verbal ability.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 15, 2013

When diffusion depends on chronology

Researchers found that temporal characteristics, particularly bursts of activation events, significantly impact diffusion processes. This new understanding can help build more accurate metrics for analyzing real-world network data.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 15, 2013

Scientists construct visual of intracellular 'zip code' signaling linked to learning, memory

Researchers have visualized the mechanism of mRNA localization in cells, revealing how a unique 'zip code' signal ensures protein production at the right place and time. The study provides new insights into cellular function and has potential applications for understanding diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 15, 2013

Genetic secrets of the world's toughest little bird

A recent study published in Nature Communications has shed light on the genetic adaptations of the ground tit, a small bird thriving in one of the most hostile environments on earth. The research reveals key modifications in its genome that enable it to cope with extreme living conditions and survival strategies.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2013

Phytoplankton social mixers

Research shows that phytoplankton form concentrated patches in turbulent ocean water, counterintuitive to expectations of uniform distribution. This phenomenon, known as 'turbulent un-mixing,' helps phytoplankton find cells of the same species without sensory information.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2013

Attractive and successful

Researchers found that female motivation to help offspring and attractiveness significantly influence the outcome of intersexual conflicts in wild bonobos. Attractive females are more likely to win conflicts against males, with males displaying reduced aggression during times of elevated fecundity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 15, 2013

Dr. Valentin Fuster receives 2013 SCCT Arthur S. Agatston Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Award

Dr. Valentin Fuster received the 2013 SCCT Arthur S. Agatston Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Award for his groundbreaking work on atherosclerosis development and prevention of coronary artery disease. The award honors Dr. Fuster's pioneering efforts in uncovering the molecular and cellular bases of atherosclerosis.

Is workplace flexibility failing to give parents time with their children?

A study published in Journal of Marriage and Family found that flexible working schemes like ROWE led to increased schedule control for mothers, but did not change the actual amount of time spent with children. Mothers reported eating one additional family meal with their children compared to those in traditional departments.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 15, 2013

Researchers question practice of automatically transfusing large amounts of blood to trauma patients

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found higher rates of complications in blood-based resuscitation compared to conventional resuscitation, with no difference in mortality rates. Researchers led by Dr. Sandro Rizoli recommend larger trials to confirm findings and explore alternatives.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 15, 2013