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Science News for May 29, 2013


Change, conflict cue memories of life's milestones: Study

A study by Connie Svob and Norman Brown found that people are more likely to remember transitional moments from their life stories, such as promotions or pets. The researchers identified distinct elements or life markers that separated the two groups of participants, suggesting a positive predisposition to detect and remember change.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 29, 2013

New chemical approach to treat Alzheimer's

Scientists at the University of Liverpool and Callaghan Innovation have developed a new chemical approach to harness the natural ability of complex sugars to treat Alzheimer's disease. They produced a library of sugars called heparan sulphates, which can inhibit an enzyme that creates small proteins in the brain causing memory loss.

Apes get emotional over games of chance

Chimpanzees and bonobos display negative emotional responses to failed risk-taking decisions, including vocalizations and tantrums. The apes' emotional responses are influenced by individual differences and species-specific traits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2013

A new addition to the Hall of Fame of science venues

The Purdue University R.B. Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry has been recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its 80-plus years of service as a center for education and cutting-edge research. The laboratory, which has educated generations of chemists and chemical engineers, includi...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 29, 2013

Putting the brakes on distracted driving

A University of Alberta sociology researcher identified key characteristics of people who use cellphones while driving, emphasizing social pressure and education as critical in curbing this behavior. The study found that males, those in the 35-44 age group, and lower-income earners are more likely to use their phones behind the wheel.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateMay 29, 2013

A molecular chain reaction in Alzheimer's disease

A team of researchers at Lund University has identified the molecular mechanism behind the formation of Alzheimer's disease-causing plaques. The discovery reveals a self-perpetuating and autocatalytic process that creates cell-killing formations, potentially paving the way for new treatments targeting early stages of the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2013

Walking or bicycling to work influenced by others

A new study found that social influences, including spouse and coworker encouragement, employer support, and community bike-friendliness, significantly impact active commuting. However, factors like age, BMI, and lack of on-street bike lanes also negatively influence active commuting.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateMay 29, 2013

A new kind of cosmic glitch

Researchers detected a magnetar suddenly rotate slower, dubbed an 'anti-glitch', revealing puzzling behavior in the internal structure of neutron stars. This finding may lead to renewed progress in understanding these exotic objects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2013

Team describes molecular detail of HIV's inner coat, pointing the way to new therapies

A team led by Peijun Zhang has described the 4-million-atom structure of HIV's capsid protein shell, revealing critical molecular interactions that could lead to new treatments. The findings may enable the development of drugs that disrupt the shell's assembly or disassembly, potentially stopping the virus from replicating.

Travelers play valuable role assisting crew in common medical emergencies on flights

A University of Pittsburgh study found that most medical emergencies on flights are well-treated by passengers and flight attendants, with physicians providing guidance via FAA-required emergency medical kit. In nearly half of calls, physician passengers provided medical assistance, while nurses and EMTs helped in another 28 percent.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2013

Coupled particles cross energy wall

Researchers have demonstrated a new type of quantum phenomenon called Klein tunnelling for two interacting particles. By crossing an energy barrier together, the particles can tunnel through what would otherwise be impassable to individual particles.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 29, 2013

Want to move up at work? Be a true believer

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that employees who exhibit a strong belief in a brand's mission or cause become more influential in important company circles. Those who simply focus on their job performance without being invested in the organization's mission tend to be less influential.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalOrganization Science·DateMay 29, 2013

Childhood abuse linked with food addiction in adult women

A new study finds that women who experienced childhood abuse are more likely to have a food addiction, with eight percent meeting the criteria for food addiction. Women who experienced both physical and sexual abuse in childhood had an even higher likelihood of developing food addiction.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateMay 29, 2013

New possibilities for prostate cancer treatment revealed

Researchers at Monash University have identified a sub-group of cells that can contribute to prostate cancer recurrence, opening up new treatment options. These previously unidentified cells are potential targets for future therapies and may be targeted before the cancer reaches an incurable stage.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 29, 2013

New research finds hernia surgery offers value for money

Hernia surgery appears cost-effective, with an average cost per QALY of £1,881, and patients report greater health benefit after keyhole surgery than open surgery. The study challenges the idea that hernia surgery has low clinical value.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2013

Organic polymers show sunny potential

Researchers at Rice and Penn State universities have created solar cells using block copolymers, which outperform other polymer compounds as active elements. The new cells reach about 3% efficiency, surprisingly better than previous labs have achieved.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 29, 2013

Gene therapy gives mice broad protection to pandemic flu strains, including 1918 flu

Researchers develop a gene therapy that gives mice complete protection against lethal strains of H5N1 and H1N1 flu virus, including the infamous 1918 flu. The treatment involves expressing a broadly neutralizing antibody in nasal epithelial cells, providing substantial reductions in flu replication and virus load.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 29, 2013

Low sodium diet key to old age for stars

Researchers found that 70% of stars in a globular cluster do not undergo the final nuclear burning and mass-loss phase, contradicting previous theories. The team discovered that these stars have low levels of sodium, suggesting a link between sodium content and stellar evolution.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2013

Wildfires in Siberia

Wildfires in Siberia have been reported across two regions, with multiple hotspots detected by NASA's MODIS satellite. The Kosmosnimki website reports a total of 85 outbreaks in the Suntarsky Ulus region and 237 outbreaks in the Kobjajsky ulus region.

Immigration status affects educational achievement

A study by Penn State and University of California, Irvine researchers found that Mexican American mothers' formal immigration status impacts their children's and grandchildren's educational attainment. Unauthorized immigrant mothers' children lag behind in education compared to authorized immigrant mothers' and U.S.-born mothers' chil...