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Science News for May 6, 2013


Boosting 'cellular garbage disposal' can delay the aging process, UCLA biologists report

Researchers found that increasing parkin levels in fruit flies extended their life span by more than 25 percent, reducing damaged proteins and improving mitochondrial function. The study suggests that boosting cellular 'garbage disposal' could delay the onset of aging-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

Solid-state controllable light filter may protect preterm infants from disturbing light

A new solid-state controllable light filter has been developed to shield preterm infants from most wavelengths of visible light, promoting better maturation. The device switches between blocking out all light and allowing red light through, enabling medical staff and parents to monitor the infants without disrupting their sleep.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 6, 2013

National study of nanomaterial toxicity sets stage for policies to address health risks

A national study on nanomaterial toxicity has provided comparable health risk data, enabling regulators to develop policies to protect workers and consumers. The researchers found that carbon nanotubes caused inflammation in the lower regions of the lung, but made them less hazardous by modifying their structure.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 6, 2013

Traumatic brain injury poses complex diagnostic, management and treatment challenges in older people

Recent research on TBI in the elderly highlights the need for specialized diagnostic tools and treatments due to unique characteristics of older brains. Studies have found associations between lifetime TBI and dementia risk, as well as differences in cognitive function and medical history between those with dementia and a history of TBI.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMay 6, 2013

New perspective needed for role of major Alzheimer's gene

Scientists have reevaluated the role of the APOE gene in Alzheimer's disease, finding minimal interaction between APOE and amyloid beta in cerebrospinal fluid. This suggests a need to rethink therapeutic strategies targeting APOE, as current approaches may not be effective.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

Breaking the silence of suicide

A Concordia University study shows that a veil of shame surrounds suicide in cultures worldwide, forcing those affected to grieve alone. Researchers used arts therapy to facilitate dialogue and find common themes across diverse communities, promoting healing and hope.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateMay 6, 2013

Flame retardants may be toxic to children

A new study found that prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is associated with lower intelligence and hyperactivity in early childhood. The study, presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting, suggests that maternal exposure to PBDEs can disrupt thyroid hormone and cause learning problems.

Possible treatment for serious blood cancer

Researchers at Lund University are testing an antibody-based treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer without a cure. The antibody, BI-505, has shown promising results in cell studies and animal experiments, and a clinical trial is currently underway to test its effects on patients.

SourceLund University·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 6, 2013

Bats use blood to reshape tongue for feeding

Researchers discovered that nectar-feeding bats use blood flow to erect tiny hair-like structures on their tongues, allowing them to gather nectar from flowers. This unique technology enables the bats to slurp up nectar quickly and efficiently.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

Reversal of the black widow myth

Researchers found that male spiders of the Micaria sociabilis species are more likely to consume female spiders than be consumed by them. This behavior is linked to male size and age, suggesting a possible type of male mate choice.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 6, 2013

Do-it-yourself invisibility with 3-D printing

Using 3D printing, researchers have created a simple and inexpensive way to produce plastic cloaks that can deflect microwave beams, making them appear invisible. The technique involves designing algorithms to create holes in the cloak, which allows it to suppress scattering from objects, effectively making them invisible.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 6, 2013

Competing antibodies may have limited the protection achieved in HIV vaccine trial in Thailand

Researchers analyzed data from the RV144 HIV vaccine trial, which showed a 31% protection rate. They found that specific antibodies may interfere with the protective effects of other antibodies, reducing the vaccine's efficacy. This discovery can inform future vaccine development strategies to overcome these limitations.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for May 7, 2013

Researchers found that ambrisentan treatment worsened IPF progression and hospitalization rates. Assessing acute changes in Lung Allocation Score can inform organ wait-list strategies to reduce post-transplant mortality. Inexpensive behavioral interventions helped TB patients in poor countries quit smoking, offering a basis for effecti...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 6, 2013

Anti-depressant link to Clostridium difficile infection

A recent study has found a significant link between certain antidepressants and an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection. People with major depression were 36% more likely to develop CDI, while the use of mirtazapine and fluoxetine doubled the risk. Researchers stress that the exact cause of this association is unknown.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 6, 2013

Saving money on medical costs

A slowdown in healthcare spending growth could result in Americans saving up to $770 billion on Medicare costs over the next decade. This decrease is attributed to a decline in new drug development and increased efficiency in the healthcare system.

SourceHarvard University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 6, 2013

Managing fibromyalgia: A guide for physicians

Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by relying on the art of medicine, as physical findings or laboratory tests are often absent. Primary care physicians are best positioned to manage this condition due to its prevalence rate, with a combination of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies being the most appropriate management strategy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 6, 2013

Summer sees a spike in chemical injuries in kids

A new study found that hydrocarbon exposure incidents increased significantly during summer months, with most cases occurring in boys between one to two years old. The study also highlights the importance of proper storage and supervision to prevent these types of injuries.

SourceMediaSource·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 6, 2013

Millions pass up free health subsidy

A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that millions of eligible seniors are turning down free prescription drug coverage due to impaired cognitive abilities. The researchers suggest that the design of the program needs to be changed to make it easier for low-income adults to enroll and access the benefit.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 6, 2013

Stanford researchers develop new technique to track cell interactions in living bodies

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a new technique to visualize cell interactions in living mice, pinpointing metastatic cancer cells' locations after breaking off from initial tumor sites. The method uses light-emitting proteins and has potential applications in studying various cell interactions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013