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Science News for June 28, 2013


Divorce early in childhood affects parental relationships in adulthood

A new study found that children whose parents divorce early in life tend to have more insecure relationships with their parents as adults. The researchers also discovered that paternal relationships are more likely to be affected by divorce, possibly due to mothers being more likely to receive primary custody.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 28, 2013

Boat noise stops fish finding home

Research finds that boat noise can scare fish away from their habitats, disrupting ecosystem balance. The study suggests regulating human activities in protected areas to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on marine communities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJun 28, 2013

Large-scale quantum chip validated

The USC-Lockheed Martin Quantum Computing Center has successfully demonstrated the functionality of a large-scale quantum optimization processor, with 128 qubits. The team verified that the device operates as a quantum processor, using quantum mechanics to solve optimization calculations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2013

Study links cardiac hormone-related inflammatory pathway with tumor growth

A recent study by University of South Florida researchers found that a cardiac hormone signaling receptor plays a key role in the link between inflammation and cancer-causing tumors. By blocking this receptor, scientists hope to develop new treatments that cut off tumor growth by cutting off blood supply. The research aims to create in...

Is it alive or dead?

A Korean team of mechanical engineers has created a novel nanoscale biosensing technique to detect uniform heat signatures from individual cells. This innovation allows for the measurement of cell viability and may lead to early diagnosis of diseases like cancer based on differences in thermal properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 28, 2013

Pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons may be a viable Parkinson's disease treatment

Researchers have successfully transplanted human embryonic stem cells into monkeys with Parkinson's disease, demonstrating robust survival and integration of the cells. The study found that the gene expression of dopamine-producing neurons was transient after transplantation, highlighting the need for further research to optimize cell ...

Registered dietitians help critically ill children get necessary nutrition for recovery

A new report published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that documented caloric requirements in medical records lead to higher caloric intake among critically ill children. Registered dietitians had a significant impact on nutritional outcomes, with over 95% determining the documented caloric requirement.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 28, 2013

Survival of the Galapagos sea lion

Scientists from the Zoological Society of London reveal that Galapagos sea lion exposure to humans and pets impairs their immunity, making them more prone to starvation. The research suggests a link between human activity and the emergence of diseases in the Galapagos sea lion population.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2013

Mimicking living cells: Synthesizing ribosomes

Scientists have successfully synthesized ribosomes from scratch using a novel technology that mimics the natural process. This breakthrough enables the creation of functional ribosomes with exotic functions and could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and modified protein-generators.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJun 28, 2013

Type 2 diabetes patients transplanted with own bone marrow stem cells reduces insulin use

A study found that autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell transplantation in patients with type 2 diabetes resulted in a significant reduction in insulin requirement. The treatment was associated with improved glycemic control, and the researchers suggest it may be a promising therapeutic option for managing the disease.

Exploring dinosaur growth

A team of scientists studied Psittacosaurus dinosaurs to understand their growth patterns. They found that arm bones grew fastest during the first few years of life, while leg bones experienced a massive growth spurt, eventually becoming twice as long as the arms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2013