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Science News Archive March 2013


Page 1 of 30

Pitt team finds immunity protein that ramps up inflammation, and agents that can block it

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a biological pathway that triggers excessive inflammation in pneumonia and sepsis, leading to improved lung function and survival in animal models. The team developed small molecules to inhibit this protein, offering hope for new treatments for these conditions.

Congestion in the Earth's mantle

In some Earth's mantle regions, the movement of subducted plates stagnates due to slow diffusion and transformation of mineral components. High-pressure experiments revealed that exchange of elements between minerals slows down significantly at depths of 440-650 kilometers, leading to congestion.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 31, 2013

Teachers' gestures boost math learning

A study published in Child Development found that instructors who use hand gestures while teaching math problems outperform those without gestures. Students who learned from gesture videos performed better on tests compared to those who learned from speech-only videos, with improved retention over time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalChild Development·DateMar 29, 2013

Estrogen plus progestin use linked with increased breast cancer incidence and mortality

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that estrogen plus progestin use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer incidence. However, survival after diagnosis did not differ between users and non-users, suggesting higher mortality rates among hormone therapy users.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 29, 2013

Multi-toxin biotech crops not silver bullets, scientists warn

A new study by University of Arizona entomologists reveals that the pyramid strategy for genetically modified crops may not be as durable as previously assumed. The research found that critical assumptions underlying the strategy do not always apply, and that some degree of cross-resistance between toxins can reduce its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2013

Making do with more: Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers engineer plant cell walls to boost sugar yields for biofuels

Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute develop new strategy to enhance polysaccharide deposition in plant cell walls, reducing lignin content and improving sugar release. This breakthrough could increase cell wall content for the pulping industry, bioenergy applications, and improve crop yields.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateMar 29, 2013

UCLA study finds heart failure medications highly cost-effective

A UCLA study found that heart failure medications recommended by national guidelines are highly cost-effective in saving lives and may also provide savings to the healthcare system. The combination of these medical therapies demonstrated the greatest gains in quality-adjusted life years for heart failure patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2013

Should I trust my intuition?

A study published in Neuron found that rats achieved optimal performance in less than 300 milliseconds, indicating that taking more time doesn't necessarily lead to better decisions. The researchers suggest that, for certain types of decisions, relying on intuition may be the most effective approach.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalNeuron·DateMar 28, 2013

Picking apart photosynthesis

Caltech chemists have explained one of the remaining mysteries of photosynthesis, the chemical process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy and generate oxygen. The discovery provides a new way of approaching the design of catalysts that drive water-splitting reactions in artificial photosynthesis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 28, 2013

Sustainable fishing practices produce local rewards

Research in Papua New Guinea reveals that local community-led efforts to regulate fish catches benefit both the fishermen and their neighbors. The study found that many larvae produced by managed adults return to the same fish population, highlighting the effectiveness of cooperative management.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 28, 2013

Scientists identify brain's 'molecular memory switch'

Researchers have identified a key molecule responsible for triggering chemical processes in the brain linked to memory formation. The study found that the gene CASK regulates the 'molecular memory switch', enabling it to remain active even after calcium has gone, paving the way for new therapies to reverse memory loss.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalFrontiers in Neural Circuits·DateMar 28, 2013

Creating inclusive child-care spaces

A new study found that 91% of Alberta child-care centres have provided inclusive care in the previous two years. However, many still face challenges, with 36% turning away children with special needs due to capacity issues or inadequate staff training.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateMar 28, 2013

Even graphene has weak spots

Researchers found that the seven-atom ring defects at junctions in polycrystalline graphene result in reduced strength due to amplification of tension. This finding is significant for materials scientists using graphene, particularly in composite materials and stretchable electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 28, 2013

Combinations of estrogen-mimicking chemicals found to strongly distort hormone action

A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers found that combining low doses of multiple xenoestrogens can have a dramatically greater effect on hormone signaling than any one compound alone. The combination of bisphenol A, bisphenol S and nonylphenol was found to gang up on estradiol and thwart its response.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateMar 28, 2013

HIV antibodies that are worth the wait

Researchers have discovered that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can handle HIV's high mutation rate, offering a promising strategy for vaccine development. The study found that mutations in framework regions strengthened the antibodies' antiviral activity while conserving key structural features.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 28, 2013