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Science News Archive March 2013 - Page 3


Page 3 of 30

Environmental enrichment important factor impacting cell transplantation and brain repair

Researchers found that environmental enrichment, including running and exposure to novel objects, improved neurobehavioral function in mice after transplanting adipose-derived stem cells. Exercise-induced fibroblast growth factor 2 enhanced brain repair by promoting angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and astrocytic activation.

Seeing happiness in ambiguous facial expressions reduces aggressive behavior

A study found that encouraging young people to see happiness rather than anger in facial expressions leads to a decrease in their levels of anger and aggression. The researchers also discovered that this effect can be induced in healthy adults, suggesting that emotion processing plays a causal role in anger and aggressive behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 27, 2013

The placodonts are fellow Europeans

A new find in a 246-million-year-old sediment layer reveals the skull of a juvenile placodont, confirming its European origin and providing insight into the group's early evolution. The discovery highlights the significance of crushing dentition in placodonts, with pointed teeth appearing earlier than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

Sex discrimination begins in the womb

A study by Michigan State University researchers found that women in India are more likely to receive prenatal care when pregnant with boys. The research suggests that sex discrimination begins in the womb, leading to unequal access to healthcare for girls. This can have long-term effects on children's health and well-being.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Human Resources·DateMar 27, 2013

Proteins in detail

Researchers have successfully studied the shape of proteins using a novel strategy combining computational modeling and experimental techniques. This breakthrough has implications for understanding protein functions and diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2013

Missed opportunities to help smokers with mental illness

Despite declining smoking prevalence, people with mental health disorders remain significantly more likely to smoke and are less likely to receive cessation support from their GP. GPs can effectively intervene with nicotine replacement therapy and other medications, but often miss opportunities due to unequal consultation rates.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 27, 2013

How does innovation take hold in a community? Math modeling can provide clues

A mathematical model analyzes the spread of energy-efficient technologies in a community, highlighting the role of social networks and personal factors. The study provides tools for local authorities to assess the success of intervention strategies and reduce household energy bills and carbon emissions.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems·DateMar 27, 2013

A new way to lose weight?

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that drastic changes in the gut microbes of mice occur following gastric bypass surgery, resulting in rapid weight loss. The study suggests that manipulating microbial populations could become a valuable tool to address obesity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 27, 2013

Just 'weight' until menopause

Research reveals that estrogen deficiency after menopause leads to increased fat storage in the abdomen, associated with a higher risk of health issues. Post-menopausal women experience changes in cellular processes, leading to more fat being stored overall, which can be a target for future medical advances.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 27, 2013

America: Time to shake the salt habit?

A review of literature suggests that lowering salt intake is associated with decreased cardiovascular disease and mortality. National studies in Finland and Great Britain show a significant decrease in death due to stroke and coronary heart disease after instituting a national salt-reduction program.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 27, 2013

Fewer children mean longer life?

Research from the University of Gothenburg found that birds with few offspring and delayed reproduction have better-protected telomeres, leading to longer lives. This study sheds light on the correlation between reproduction and aging in animals, particularly species like barnacle geese and elephants.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 27, 2013

York scientists discover driving force behind prostate cancer

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a cancer-inducing DNA realignment in human prostate cancer stem cells that can lead to more effective therapies targeting the root cause of the disease. This breakthrough has challenged previous understanding of solid cancers and offers new opportunities for targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2013

Stressful life events may increase stillbirth risk, NIH network study finds

A National Institutes of Health network study found that pregnant women who experienced financial, emotional, or other personal stress had an increased chance of having a stillbirth. The researchers asked over 2,000 women about stressful life events and found that most women reported at least one event in the previous year.

Transmission routes of spreading protein particles

Researchers found that certain protein particles can multiply and spread from one cell to the next, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new methods for treatment by preventing the spreading of disease-related protein particles.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2013

Restrictive Medicaid eligibility criteria associated with higher rates of delayed medical care

Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that states with restrictive Medicaid eligibility criteria have higher rates of patients delaying needed medical care. Regions with the highest rates of delayed medical care are primarily in the southeast, including Florida and Texas, where Hispanics are at a higher risk for delaying care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 27, 2013

The first caffeine-'addicted' bacteria

Researchers genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to metabolize caffeine, enabling its use for decontamination of wastewater and production of medications for asthma. This breakthrough could also lead to the development of a sensor to measure caffeine levels in beverages.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 27, 2013