Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 1, 2013


JCI early table of contents for May 1, 2013

Researchers identified a specific pattern of DNA modifications dependent on HPV presence that correlates with improved survival in patients with OPSCC. A new combination therapy for PEL was found to reactivate virus-induced cell lysis and induce cancer cell death, increasing mouse lifespan.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2013

Gentle touch and the bionic eye

Researchers suggest using haptic devices early in children fitted with visual prosthetics and for older congenitally blind and late-blind individuals. Haptics provide supplementary information that helps train the brain to understand electrical input from prosthetics, leading to improved outcomes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Autonomous and Adaptive Communications Systems·DateMay 1, 2013

Genetic cause for migraines found

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has identified a genetic mutation that makes people more susceptible to migraine headaches. This finding is significant because it represents the first demonstration of a genetic cause for migraines, which could lead to new research avenues and potential treatments.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 1, 2013

Riders take load off horses

A study by Patricia de Cocq and colleagues found that 'rising trot' reduces the force exerted on a horse's back, decreasing the risk of injury. By analyzing data from experienced dressage riders using both techniques, they showed that rising trot significantly reduced the load on horses' backs.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 1, 2013

Study shows growing gap between teens' materialism and desire to work hard

Researchers found a growing gap between materialism and the desire to work hard among recent high school graduates. Materialism peaked in the 80s and 90s with Generation X, but has continued to stay high. In contrast, work ethic declined, with 39% of students admitting they didn't want to work hard in 2005-07 compared to 25% in 1976-78.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 1, 2013

The biology behind binge eating

A study by Michigan State University scientists discovered sex differences in binge eating rates among female and male rats, suggesting biological factors contribute to eating disorder prevalence. The study's findings have implications for understanding risk factors and mechanisms in humans.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateMay 1, 2013

Proper cleat choice gives turf injuries the boot

A literature review highlights the evolution of synthetic playing surfaces and their association with injuries, particularly to the foot, ankle, toe, and knee. The study suggests that optimal shoe-playing surface conditions are level and sport-specific, and further research is needed to improve playing conditions for all athletes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMay 1, 2013

Searching for therapeutic synergy in primary effusion lymphoma

Researchers found that a Bortezomib/Vorinostat combination therapy reactivated virus-induced cell lysis and induced PEL cell death, increasing the lifespan of mice with PEL tumors. This treatment combination could potentially be beneficial for immunocompromised patients with KSHV-associated malignancies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2013

New genetic clues to breast and ovarian cancer

A major international study has found that sequence differences in a gene crucial to chromosome integrity predispose individuals to certain cancers. The study, published in Nature Genetics, identified variations in the TERT gene as influencing telomere length and breast and ovarian cancer risk.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 1, 2013

Vitamin D: More may not be better

New research from Johns Hopkins finds that high doses of vitamin D supplements do not confer additional benefits on cardiovascular health or longevity in healthy adults. However, elderly individuals, postmenopausal women, and those with kidney disease may still benefit from higher blood levels of the sunshine vitamin.

Gastric bypass findings could lead to diabetes treatment

A recent study at Lund University has discovered a key factor behind gastric bypass surgery's ability to rapidly send type 2 diabetes into remission. The researchers found that insulin levels and intestinal hormones increase significantly after the procedure, suggesting a new potential treatment avenue for diabetes patients.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2013

Brain region may hold key to aging

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have found that the hypothalamus controls aging throughout the body, opening up new avenues for treating age-related diseases. Activating specific pathways can accelerate or slow down aging, and blocking them may increase longevity by up to 20 percent.

Reflections on chevaline

A recent horse meat detection incident in European food products led to concerns in the US. The incident involved tiny amounts of horse meat mistakenly added to beef products due to equipment issues. The American Chemical Society discusses the issue and its implications for the US market.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 1, 2013

Bug's view inspires new digital camera's unique imaging capabilities

Researchers have created a digital camera with a design inspired by the arthropod eye, offering exceptionally wide-angle fields of view and low aberrations. The camera uses large arrays of tiny focusing lenses and miniaturized detectors in hemispherical layouts, providing unmatched field of view and other powerful capabilities in imaging.

Use of laser light yields versatile manipulation of a quantum bit

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have successfully manipulated a quantum bit using laser light, enabling more unified and versatile control than conventional methods. This breakthrough opens up the possibility of exploring new solid-state quantum systems and potentially leading to the creation of more efficient quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2013

Computer algorithms help find cancer connections

Researchers developed powerful data-sifting algorithms to assemble the most complete genetic profile of acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. The work aims to lead to new AML treatments based on the genetics of each patient's disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 1, 2013

Self-affirmation improves problem-solving under stress

Research published in PLOS ONE found that self-affirmation exercises can improve problem-solving skills and reduce acute stress. Students who performed a self-affirmation exercise scored higher on a subsequent problem-solving task than those who did not, suggesting that self-affirmation may be a useful buffer against chronic stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 2013

Shaking things up: NIST researchers propose new old way to purify carbon nanotubes

A team at NIST has developed a simple and cost-effective way to separate metallic from semiconducting carbon nanotubes, paving the way for high-purity samples in electronics applications. The method uses liquid extraction with subtle differences in polymer hydrophobicity, yielding high-resolution results.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 1, 2013

Expanding Medicaid -- mental and financial health improve, but no improvement shown in physical health

A new study from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment shows Medicaid coverage substantially reduced depression and eliminated catastrophic medical expenditures, increasing diabetes diagnosis and medication use among low-income adults. However, it had no detectable effect on physical health outcomes such as hypertension, high choleste...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 1, 2013

Fossil of great ape sheds light on evolution

A University of Missouri expert analyzed the pelvis fragments of an early hominid fossil, revealing insights into the evolution of modern great apes. The study suggests that the ape's wider pelvis indicates greater lateral balance and stability, while its distinct finger bones indicate a different evolutionary path than initially thought.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMay 1, 2013

Global networks must be redesigned

Helbing's research reveals that global networks can amplify vulnerability to disasters, making it difficult to predict and control complex systems. By redesigning these networks with real-time data, we can enhance transparency, adaptive control, and mitigate catastrophic failures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 2013

ATS publishes clinical practice guidelines on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

The American Thoracic Society has released new official guidelines for the diagnosis and management of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), a common condition affecting subjects with and without asthma. The guidelines provide practical guidance for clinicians, including treatment recommendations and preventive measures.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 1, 2013

Team finds substances in honey that increase honey bee detox gene expression

A new study found that certain compounds in honey, including p-coumaric acid and propolis, can stimulate the expression of detoxification genes and immunity genes in honey bees. This suggests that a diet rich in these substances may help protect against pesticide exposure and other threats.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2013

BUSM study shows positive impact of mind-body course on well-being of medical students

A Boston University School of Medicine study found that a mind-body class elective increased self-regulation and self-compassion among medical students, while decreasing perceived stress. The course, which combined mindfulness meditation and yoga, helped students better manage stress and feel more empowered to connect with patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMedical Education Online·DateMay 1, 2013

'Dirty dozen' invasive species threaten UK

The study identifies 12 high-risk invasive aquatic plants and animals that pose a significant threat to UK biodiversity. The 'Dirty Dozen' includes species like the killer shrimp and Asian clam, which may spread rapidly in coastal areas with high population density and transport routes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 1, 2013

Opening leadership's 'black box'

A Wake Forest University researcher and four colleagues found that measurements of brain activity in the prefrontal cortex can help assess a person's potential for leadership. Leaders with higher levels of neurological self-complexity demonstrate greater adaptability when facing novel situations.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMay 1, 2013

Genomics to reshape endometrial cancer treatment

A new study found that adding genomics-based testing to the standard diagnostic workup could lead to a change in recommended treatment for some women. The research identified four novel genomic-based subtypes of endometrial cancer, which suggest that genetic changes can help guide treatment decisions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 2013

Study: Amusement rides injure 4,400+ kids a year

A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 92,885 children under 18 were treated for amusement ride-related injuries from 1990 to 2010. The most common injury types were soft tissue injuries and head/neck region injuries, with nearly one-third occurring on fixed-site rides.

SourceMediaSource·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 1, 2013