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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 11


Page 11 of 30

Rice unveils method for tailoring optical processors

Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel approach to arrange metal nanoparticles in geometric patterns, enabling control of light with light. The breakthrough enables the creation of optical devices that can transform incoming light signals into output of a different color.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2013

H. pylori, smoking trends, and gastric cancer in US men

A study by Jennifer M. Yeh and colleagues found that H. pylori and smoking trends accounted for almost half of the observed decline in intestinal-type noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma incidence in US men between 1978 and 2008, with projections suggesting further declines until 2040.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2013

Bird's playlist could signal mental strengths and weaknesses

A new study by Duke University finds that male song sparrows with larger playlists learn to solve food-finding puzzles more slowly than those singing fewer songs. This unexpected result suggests a trade-off between song learning and spatial memory in birds' brains, with potential implications for human brain development.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 21, 2013

Race and gender influence diagnosis of COPD

A study of nearly 9,000 patients found that African-Americans are less likely than whites to have had a prior diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), regardless of their current disease severity. In contrast, women are more likely than men to have been diagnosed with COPD, even in the absence of airflow obstruction.

Climate change and wildfire

A new article synthesizes recent findings on climate-fire interactions, highlighting the significant regional climate effects of smoke particles and their impact on global temperatures and precipitation. The study also explores the role of black carbon in accelerating snow melting and its influence on terrestrial ecosystem services.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateMay 21, 2013

Glaucoma drug can cause droopy eyelids

Researchers found that prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) can cause upper and lower eyelid drooping, hollowing of the inferior periorbital fat pads, and levator muscle dysfunction in glaucoma patients. The study suggests reevaluating PGA use for new patients to prevent vision loss.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 21, 2013

Novel RNA-based classification system for colorectal cancer

A novel transcriptome-based classification of colon cancer has been developed, improving disease stratification based on clinicopathological variables and common DNA markers. The analysis identified six molecular subtypes associated with distinct clinical and pathological characteristics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2013

Minus environment, patterns still emerge

A Rice University study found that regulatory patterns in E. coli cells can arise from mutation, genetic drift, and neutral evolution, challenging the idea that environmental factors drive such patterns. The researchers generated computer models of random regulatory networks, which evolved through millions of generations without progra...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2013

Global recommendations on child medicine

The Ghana National Drugs Programme followed international recommendations on pediatric medicines, but faced challenges due to limited data on African settings. The programme ultimately included four out of five medicines in the national essential medicines list.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 21, 2013

New method for producing clean hydrogen

Duke University engineers have created a novel method for producing clean hydrogen, reducing carbon monoxide levels to nearly zero. This approach uses a new catalytic process with nanoparticle combinations of gold and iron oxide, making it a more practical option.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateMay 21, 2013

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Studies of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients reveal that older, sicker men are unlikely to benefit from aggressive therapy. Researchers found that those aged 61-74 and over 75 with multiple health issues face high risks of mortality from non-prostate causes, suggesting a shift towards more conservative treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 20, 2013

Do salamanders hold the solution to regeneration?

Researchers from Monash University found that macrophages play a crucial role in salamander regeneration. Without them, salamanders lose their ability to regenerate and form scar tissue instead. The study brings scientists closer to understanding the conditions needed for human regeneration.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2013