Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 28


Page 28 of 30

ADHD takes a toll well into adulthood

A long-term follow-up study of 367 children with ADHD found that nearly a third still had ADHD as adults and were more likely to have psychiatric disorders, commit suicide, or be incarcerated. The study highlights the need for continued treatment and monitoring beyond childhood.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 2013

For birds, red means 'go'

Certain Australian native flowers have shifted from using insects as pollinators and evolved flower colour to the red hues favoured by birds. The study found that bird-pollinated flowers have spectral signatures that are best discriminated by those birds.

SourceMonash University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 4, 2013

The right dose for oncology

A new tool developed by EPFL researchers can accurately determine the optimal dose of chemotherapy for individual patients, reducing the risk of resistance mechanisms and relapse. The method measures a cancerous cell's electrical conductivity to assess the treatment's effect, allowing oncologists to make more patient-specific decisions.

How the brain loses and regains consciousness

A new study tracked brain activity in human volunteers as they lost and regained consciousness, revealing distinctive patterns linked to different stages of general anesthesia. The findings could improve monitoring systems used during surgery, reducing the risk of rare cases where patients wake up during operations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Discovery of 'executioner' protein opens door to new options for stroke ALS, spinal cord injury

Researchers have discovered a protein that turns into a 'cell executioner' when damaged by oxidative stress, opening up new options for treating conditions such as ALS and spinal cord injuries. This modified protein is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and aging.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Vanderbilt study finds maternal diet important predictor of severity for infant RSV

A Vanderbilt study found that maternal diets high in carbohydrates during pregnancy correlate with severe RSV cases in infants. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests a dose-dependent relationship between carbohydrate intake and RSV severity.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 4, 2013

Speech emerges in children with autism and severe language delay at greater rate than thought

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that 70% of children with autism spectrum disorders achieve phrase or fluent speech by age eight, driven by nonverbal intelligence and social interest. The study also found that core abilities, such as nonverbal intelligence and social engagement, have a greater influence on communication dev...

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 2013

Human Y chromosome much older than previously thought

A newly discovered Y chromosome variation has pushed back the age of the most recent common ancestor for the Y chromosome lineage by almost 70 percent. The findings suggest that the Y chromosome divergence occurred around 300,000 years ago, before the emergence of anatomically modern humans.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 4, 2013

Global warming will open unexpected new shipping routes in Arctic, UCLA researchers find

New UCLA research finds global warming will make Arctic shipping routes accessible due to melting sea ice, allowing ordinary vessels to navigate previously inaccessible areas. By mid-century, ships will be able to traverse the Arctic Ocean without icebreakers, and even the Northwest Passage may become viable for commercial shippers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

A vaccine that works in newborns?

Researchers have identified a potent compound that activates immune responses in newborns' white blood cells substantially better than anything previously tested, potentially making vaccines effective right at birth. The compound, VTX-294, produced strong immune responses and triggered production of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2013

Contraception in women over 40

Women over 40 face declining fertility and require effective contraception to prevent pregnancy. Various methods are considered safe and effective, including copper IUDs, progestin implants, and sterilization, with benefits outweighing risks for most women.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 2013

Stress hormone foreshadows postpartum depression in new mothers

A new study found that pregnant women who received strong social support from their families had lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced depressive symptoms after giving birth. The researchers also discovered that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, while father support was not as strong of a protective factor.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMar 4, 2013

One law to rule them all -- sizes within a species appear to follow a universal distribution

A study by Andrea Giometto reveals that body sizes in aquatic microorganisms follow a mathematical expression common to all species, influencing size distributions and ecosystem balance. This finding could lead to new insights into population dynamics and the existence of universal laws governing natural ecosystems.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Protein synthesis blocker may hold key to reducing effects of traumatic events

Researchers found that a protein synthesis blocker can significantly reduce fear and stress in rats after they experienced a mildly traumatic event. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that this approach could have clinical implications for treating posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Brain adds cells in puberty to navigate adult world

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the brain adds new cells during puberty to help navigate complex social cues, a process previously thought to be limited to two brain regions. The findings suggest that these new cells play a crucial role in adult reproductive function and behavior.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

HIV infection appears associated with increased heart attack risk

A large study of veterans found that HIV infection is independently associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI or heart attack), even after adjusting for standard risk factors. The study also identified other risk factors, including low CD4 cell count and hepatitis C virus, as contributing to the increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2013

MIT researchers develop solar-to-fuel roadmap for crystalline silicon

A team of MIT researchers has published a detailed analysis of the factors that limit the efficiency of artificial leaf systems, which could lead to the production of a commercial viable prototype. The study suggests that combining the right solar cells and catalysts can improve efficiencies of 16 percent or more.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Pregnant mothers with strong family support less likely to have postpartum depression, study finds

A new study by UCLA life scientists suggests that pregnant women who receive strong social support from their families during pregnancy have lower levels of a stress hormone and reduced risk of postpartum depression. The research found that emotional support was the most powerful form of support, and early interventions may provide a b...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMar 4, 2013

Why your brain tires when exercising

A new study published in PNAS reveals that excessive serotonin release triggers central fatigue, a condition where the brain and nervous system become exhausted during exercise. The findings may help develop better drugs for conditions like spasticity and cerebral palsy, as well as improve understanding of antidepressant side effects.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Survey finds public support for legal interventions to fight obesity, noncommunicable diseases

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found significant public support for government actions to address obesity and noncommunicable diseases, particularly those promoting healthy choices. Support was highest for menu labeling requirements and lower for penalizing certain behaviors or health conditions.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 4, 2013