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Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 22


Page 22 of 31

Study confirms link between omega-3 fatty acids and increased prostate cancer risk

A large prospective study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center scientists confirms the link between high blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and an increased risk of prostate cancer. High-grade prostate cancer tumors are more likely to be fatal, and the study found a 71% higher risk for high-grade prostate cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 2013

Trapping T-rays for better security scanners

Scientists at the University of Adelaide have created a novel structure that traps terahertz waves in tiny holes to produce higher contrast imaging. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of medical diagnostic and security scanners, leading to more accurate cancer detection and improved homeland security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 10, 2013

Sharks stun sardine prey with tail-slaps

Researchers tracked thresher shark activity and analyzed instances of tail-slapping to stun or kill sardines. The study highlights the diversity of shark hunting strategies in the ocean, where top predators adapt to prey's evasion behaviors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 10, 2013

Size matters for creatures of cold polar waters

Research challenges conventional wisdom on giant sea creatures in polar seas, suggesting that large body sizes have an advantage in cold conditions by regulating oxygen uptake. This allows them to survive in environments with limited oxygen availability, contrary to the long-held idea that a superabundance of oxygen drives gigantism.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJul 10, 2013

Cloud brightening to cool seas can protect coral reefs

Researchers propose targeted cloud brightening as a means to lower sea temperatures and reduce coral bleaching. The technique, which involves seeding marine clouds with tiny seawater droplets, could provide a 50-year reprieve for coral reefs threatened by acidification and warming.

SourceWiley·JournalAtmospheric Science Letters·DateJul 10, 2013

A new way to trap light

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new method to trap light that could find applications in lasers, solar cells, and fiber optics. The phenomenon involves destructive interference from waves of opposite phases, blocking certain wavelengths while allowing others to pass through.

Nanoparticles, 'pH phoresis' could improve cancer drug delivery

Researchers have developed a concept to improve cancer drug delivery using nanoparticles that concentrate and expand in acidic environments. The concept involves using nanoparticles made of weak polybases that expand when transported into environments mimicking tumor cells, accumulating long enough to deliver anticancer drugs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 10, 2013

Cells in the early embryo battle each other to death for becoming part of the organism

In early mammalian development, embryonic cells undergo a battle for survival between days 3 and 7. Cells with higher levels of Myc protein eliminate those with lower levels through an optimization mechanism. This study reveals that this process does not waste cellular resources but instead benefits the embryo.

First-ever presentation using holograms conducted by Dr. Sengupta at the ASE's 2013 24th Annual Scientific Sessions

Dr. Partho Sengupta presented the first-ever hologram presentation at the ASE's 2013 24th Annual Scientific Sessions, utilizing 3D digital images and expert interview recordings to analyze cardiovascular system structure, function, and flow patterns. This innovative presentation format was made possible through collaborative efforts of...

The dark side of artificial sweeteners

Consuming artificial sweeteners has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption can also lead to altered brain activation patterns and overindulgence in high-calorie foods.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 10, 2013

Don't worry, be healthy

Researchers found that participants with cheerful temperaments had a one-third reduction in coronary events, with those at highest risk experiencing nearly a 50% decrease. The study's findings suggest a general sense of well-being can have an actual effect on disease and may lead to better health outcomes.

Illinois chemical/bioengineers use adhesion to combine advantages of silicones and organic materials

University of Illinois bioengineers find way to permanently modify silicone polymer surface with organic material, resulting in stable adhesion for several months. The method enables practical applications in cell culture platforms, microfluidic devices, and tissue engineering.

Are clinical trial data shared sufficiently today?

The lack of transparency in clinical trials has been criticized by Ben Goldacre, who calls for the sharing of Clinical Study Reports to ensure informed decisions about medicines. The problem of missing trials is one of the greatest ethical challenges facing medicine today.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 9, 2013

Fewer Americans undergoing lower limb amputation

A new study published in Foot & Ankle International found a 28.8% decline in lower extremity amputations over the past decade, with advances in diabetic foot ulcer treatments contributing to this decrease. The number of orthopaedic claims for diabetic foot ulcers rose 143.3% during the same period.

SourceSAGE·JournalFoot & Ankle International·DateJul 9, 2013

Parasites in cat poop: Potential public health problem?

According to scientists, cat feces carry an infectious parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that has linked to various diseases and even mental health issues. The accumulation of oocysts in soil, grass, and water may be a significant public health problem, prompting calls for better cat population control.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateJul 9, 2013