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Science News for June 4, 2013


Helicopter takes to the skies with the power of thought

In a groundbreaking study, researchers successfully controlled a remote-controlled helicopter using non-invasive brain waves. The experiment, published in IOP Publishing's Journal of Neural Engineering, demonstrates the potential for brain-computer interfaces to aid patients with disabilities or neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJun 4, 2013

Older adult clumsiness linked to brain changes

New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that older adults use less effective reference frames to visualize nearby objects, leading to difficulties with daily tasks like dialing phones and grasping objects. This study sheds light on the cognitive changes associated with aging and their impact on hand-eye coordination.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 4, 2013

Unraveling tumor growth one stem cell at a time

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that a single mutation in the JAK2 gene reduces the ability of blood stem cells to self-renew without affecting their progeny daughter cells. This finding has implications for understanding how single stem cells contribute to tumor growth in cancers suspected to have a stem cell origin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 4, 2013

Spintronics approach enables new quantum technologies

Researchers at University of Chicago develop a spintronics approach to manipulate the spin of atomic-scale defects in diamond for new quantum technologies. This approach enables new nanoscale sensors, including single-spin thermometers, with potential applications in temperature measurement and information processing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2013

Why innovation thrives in cities

Researchers found that cities with higher social-tie density experience increased productivity due to face-to-face interactions. This concept was previously attributed to 'superlinear scaling', but the new study provides a more nuanced explanation. Cities with poor transportation infrastructure and megacities may not benefit from this ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2013

Gastric bypass surgery may help manage diabetes risk factors

Adding gastric bypass surgery to lifestyle and medical management improved metabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients, particularly those who experienced significant weight loss. The study found that 43% of the gastric bypass group achieved an HbA1c level of less than 7%, compared to 32% in the lifestyle-medical management group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 4, 2013

Anxious? Activate your anterior cingulate cortex with a little meditation

A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that meditation can significantly reduce normal everyday anxiety in healthy individuals. The study used arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activity before and after four 20-minute mindfulness meditation sessions.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2013

A new species of yellow slug moth from China

A new species of yellow slug moth from China has been identified, with characteristics including a yellow coloration and a face blending from yellow to pale red. The study's findings highlight the importance of revising previous works due to errors in identifying this genus.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateJun 4, 2013

IUPUI neuroscience research collaboration examines neural synchronization patterns during addiction

The IUPUI research collaboration used advanced mathematical models and laboratory testing to examine the effects of simulated drug addiction on neural circuits. The study found that recurrent stimulant injections caused neurons to lose their ability to engage supervisory control over brain function and behavior.

Fear: A justified response or faulty wiring?

A new technique developed by Dr. Fred Helmstetter and his research group studies the brain's reaction to anticipated pain, focusing on the amygdala's role in emotional learning and behavior. The study uses a combination of MRI and MEG to map amygdala activity over time, providing new insights into anxiety disorders and psychopathology.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateJun 4, 2013

Quantum model helps solve mysteries of water

Researchers developed a quantum Drude oscillator (QDO) that mimics the behavior of real water molecules, producing a realistic liquid with well-developed hydrogen bonds and other properties. The 'bottom up' approach has clear biological applications and potential for simulating other substances.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 4, 2013

Innate immunity

A team of researchers has identified an enzyme called cGAS that detects cytosolic DNA, triggering the innate immune response. This discovery has significant clinical implications for understanding autoimmune diseases and developing new therapies.

National review: Non-adherence among teenage heart transplant recipients is widespread, often fatal

A new study found that 9% of pediatric and adolescent heart transplant recipients experience non-adherence within two years of receiving their transplant. The risk of mortality among non-adhering patients is significantly higher, with a 26% chance of death within one year and 33% within two years.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateJun 4, 2013

Sexual selection in the sea

Female southern bottletail squid consume male ejaculates, using nutrients for egg growth, and target larger females to minimize consumption. This strategic behavior affects males' chances of fertilizing eggs.

SourceMonash University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 4, 2013

Weather conditions do not affect fibromyalgia pain or fatigue

A study of 333 female patients with fibromyalgia found that weather conditions had no significant impact on their pain and fatigue symptoms. Individual patients may still experience some sensitivity to certain weather conditions, but this is not associated with demographic or mental health status.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 4, 2013

Exposure to rocket attacks in Israel increases adolescent violence -- Ben-Gurion U. study

A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that chronic exposure to rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel is associated with an increase in severe adolescent violence. The study followed 362 Israeli adolescents and found that prolonged exposure predicted a steep increase in violent incidents.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 4, 2013

Quality improvement educational initiative proves to be a model program for surgical residents

A novel graduate medical education initiative at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine enhances surgical residents' skills in quality improvement. The program, which began in 2008, teaches residents the fundamentals of QI theory and pairs them with process improvement mentors for hands-on projects.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 4, 2013

Genetic editing shows promise in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel genetic editing technique that repairs faulty genes responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach, which uses artificial enzymes to modify gene sequences, has shown promise in treating the disease, with over 60% of patients potentially benefiting from this new method.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJun 4, 2013

Neighborhood features could prevent obesity

A five-year longitudinal study found that living in neighborhoods with healthier food environments significantly reduces the risk of obesity. The study, conducted across six US cities, analyzed data from over 4,000 adults and found that healthy food options and walkability are key predictors of lower obesity rates.

SourceDrexel University·JournalObesity·DateJun 4, 2013

Detecting disease with a smartphone accessory

Cornell University engineers have developed a new smartphone-based system for in-the-field detection of Kaposi's sarcoma and other conditions, utilizing a plug-in optical sensor and disposable microfluidic chips. This novel technique provides a quick method to quantify viral DNA levels, requiring minimal training and expertise.

SourceOptica·DateJun 4, 2013

Heart health matters to your brain

A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center suggests that cardiovascular disease (CVD) plays a role in cognitive decline before it is clinically apparent in patients with type 2 diabetes. The research found that CVD risk factors, such as calcified plaque and vascular status, contribute to type 2 diabetes-related cognitive decline.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Diabetes and its Complications·DateJun 4, 2013