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Science News for March 14, 2013


College kids who don't drink milk could face serious consequences

A new University of Illinois study reveals that college-age kids who don't consume at least three servings of dairy daily are three times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. The researchers found that only one in four young persons met the recommended amount of dairy, leaving three-fourths at risk.

Night shifts may be linked to increased ovarian cancer risk

Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that night shift workers have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who identified as 'owls' had a lower risk compared to those who were 'larks'. The study, based on data from over 1,100 women, suggests that melatonin may play a role in the increased risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 14, 2013

Polar bears' family secrets revealed with DNA sequencing

A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that brown bears on Alaskan archipelago descended from polar bears through hybridization, not the other way around. The research used DNA sequencing to analyze the X chromosomes of the brown bears and found that 6.5% of them had recently come from polar bears.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 14, 2013

Series of studies first to examine acupuncture's mechanisms of action

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have demonstrated how acupuncture can significantly reduce the stress hormone response in an animal model of chronic stress. The study used rats and found that electronic acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateMar 14, 2013

Guiding responsible research in geoengineering

Geoengineering experts Edward Parson and David Keith propose a new structure for regulating geoengineering research to manage climate change risks. They advocate for scientific self-regulation, government authority, and international coordination to ensure low-risk research advances while addressing public concerns.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2013

Teen sexting, the gender gap

A survey of 236 US adolescents found that teens believe sexting causes more harm to others than themselves, but also consider consensual sexting between two people as less harmful. The study reveals a significant gender gap in perceptions, with girls perceived as more harmed by sexting.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateMar 14, 2013

High-fat dairy products linked to poorer breast cancer survival

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that consuming high-fat dairy products following breast cancer diagnosis increases the risk of dying from the disease. The study tracked over 1,800 women and found an association between high-fat dairy intake and poorer breast cancer survival.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2013

HPV vaccine trends point to failures in patient education, vaccine programs

New research from the University of Texas Medical Branch reveals staggering low HPV vaccine uptake rates among females and males across various age groups and socio-economic spectrums. The studies suggest inadequate knowledge, lack of physician recommendation, and negative beliefs about vaccines as major hindrances.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·DateMar 14, 2013

Outside the box: UCLA uses brain aneurysm treatment to stop irregular heart rhythms

Researchers at UCLA successfully treated two patients with severe ventricular arrhythmias using a minimally invasive technique normally employed in treating brain aneurysms. The coil embolization procedure helped stop the electrical storms and eliminate the blood supply to the affected area, allowing the heart to return to normal rhythm.

One gene, many mutations

Researchers have found that nine separate mutations within a single gene in deer mice result in changes to their camouflage, illustrating the power of small genetic changes. The study suggests that natural selection acts on many small genetic changes to produce rapid and dramatic adaptations.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2013

No clear evidence that decline in HRT use linked to fall in breast cancer

A recent study published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care analyzed data from three major studies on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and found no clear evidence linking its decline to a decrease in breast cancer rates. The authors point out methodological flaws in the original studies, including detection...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateMar 14, 2013

No sons linked to lower contraception use in Nepal

A study from the University of California, San Diego found that Nepalese women who do not have sons are less likely to use birth control, with young wives being among those least likely to use contraceptives. The preference for sons over daughters is rooted in cultural bias and historical practices, affecting reproductive decision-making.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateMar 14, 2013

Hovering is a bother for bees: Fast flight is more stable

New research published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology found that bumblebees are unstable when hovering and flying slowly, but become neutral or weakly stable at medium and high flight speeds. This is due to a sideways wind made by the movement of their wings, which can be reduced by increasing speed.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMar 14, 2013

Surprising rate of women depressed after baby

A large-scale study by Northwestern University researcher Katherine L. Wisner found that 14% of new mothers screened positive for depression, with many experiencing recurrent episodes of major depression. The study emphasizes the importance of prenatal and postpartum screening to prevent mental health issues in women and their infants.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2013

Witnessing starbursts in young galaxies

Researchers have discovered vigorous starbursts in young galaxies, indicating the universe produced stars much earlier than thought. The findings reveal a rate of star formation 1,000 times greater than today's Milky Way and provide new insights into the history of the universe.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2013

New details of atomic structure of water under extreme conditions found

Researchers have uncovered the microscopic atomic structure of water at high temperatures and pressures, revealing a homogeneous molecular arrangement throughout. The findings provide insights into the unique properties of supercritical water, which may play a key role in geological processes such as ore deposits and volcanic activity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2013

Oh mother, where art thou?

A recent study challenges the hypothesis that mass strandings of pilot whales are driven by family relationships. The research found that stranded groups are not necessarily members of one extended family and that many calves have no identifiable mother among the other beached whales. This suggests that social bonds among kin may actua...

SourceAmerican Genetic Association·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateMar 14, 2013

Study: Dynamic new software improves care of aging brain

A new study introduces an automated decision-support system that enables care coordinators to track the health of older adults' brains and provide personalized care plans. The software captures and monitors various symptoms and provides evidence-based non-pharmacological protocols.

SourceIndiana University·JournaleGEMs (Generating Evidence & Methods to improve patient outcomes)·DateMar 14, 2013

Pig brain models provide insights into human cognitive development

Researchers have developed a model of the pig brain to study human cognitive development, characterizing normal brain growth trajectory from neonatal period to sexual maturity. The model provides unique insights into brain structure and function, including effects of prenatal infections and early-life nutrition on brain development.

Researchers divide enzyme to conquer genetic puzzle

Researchers at Rice University have found a way to divide and modify enzymes to create a genetic logic gate, which can be used to mimic digital circuitry. The discovery could lead to the development of diagnostic systems that look for signs of disease and gene therapies in one step.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2013

'Metasurfaces' to usher in new optical technologies

Researchers have developed metasurfaces that can manipulate and control light, enabling new optical technologies with applications in solar cells, computers, and telecommunications. The technology uses metamaterials to harness surface plasmons and reduce the size of photons, promising breakthroughs in nanophotonic devices.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2013

Chemical chameleon tamed

Researchers from RUB discover that adding hydrogen molecules to CH5+ gives it a rudimentary structure, freezing its dynamically flexible form. This breakthrough could enable experimental measurements of the molecule's vibrational spectra.

Alcohol, fibromyalgia, and quality of life

Research suggests that low to moderate drinkers of alcohol may experience lower severity of fibromyalgia symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Moderate drinking has also been found to improve quality of life, with benefits seen in physical function, ability to work, and overall well-being.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 14, 2013