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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 16


Page 16 of 30

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

Lower incidence of genital warts in young girls

A Swedish national registry study found that HPV vaccination before age 14 significantly reduced the incidence of genital warts in girls. The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in vaccination rates, with higher educated parents more likely to vaccinate their daughters.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 13, 2013

Breakthrough in battle against leukemia

Researchers have identified a carbohydrate modification on leukaemic cells that can be targeted to eradicate cancer. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Medicine, offers hope for new treatment options against drug-resistant forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 13, 2013

Polycystic ovary syndrome puts glucose control in double jeopardy

Research shows PCOS affects both insulin and non-insulin approaches to glucose control, with declines in non-insulin activity seen in women with high insulin resistance. The study found visceral fat predicted difficulty controlling glucose via insulin, while subcutaneous fat was linked to regulation by non-insulin means.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 13, 2013

Chicken pox vaccine saving children's lives

A national study of chicken pox admissions found a 68% drop in hospitalizations since the introduction of the vaccine in 2006. The results show that unvaccinated children were more likely to require intensive care treatment, highlighting the importance of herd immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMar 13, 2013