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Science News Archive May 2013 - Page 20


Page 20 of 30

Routine screening for depression not recommended for adults with no apparent symptoms of depression

New guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommend against routine screening for depression in adults without apparent symptoms. The recommendations are based on a lack of high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of screening. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of depression in patients wi...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Higher child marriage rates associated with higher maternal and infant mortality

A study published in Violence Against Women reveals that countries with high girl child marriage rates have significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests a 70% reduction in maternal mortality could be achieved by reducing girl child marriage rates by just 10%. The findings support greater advocacy and ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalViolence Against Women·DateMay 13, 2013

Family trees for yeast cells

Researchers have developed a new method to analyse the genomes of yeast families, which is several hundred times faster than current methods. The new method uses barcode-enabled sequencing and allows for the analysis of tetrad relationships between spores, enabling the study of complex traits.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 13, 2013

How much a single cell breathes

Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the distance between electrodes and cells, allowing for accurate measurement of single-cell oxygen consumption. This enables quick analysis of cell activity and metabolic processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 13, 2013

Living close to major road may impair kidney function

A study of over 1,100 adults who had a stroke found that those living closest to major roads had lower kidney function and increased cardiovascular death rates. Exposure to air pollution from traffic was linked to reduced renal function and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMay 13, 2013

Study defines level of dengue virus needed for transmission

Scientists have identified the minimum dose of dengue virus needed to infect mosquitoes when bitten. This finding has significant implications for preventing the spread of the disease. The study provides a target for experimental vaccines and drugs to prevent the virus from reaching humans.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

'I care about nature, but ...'

A study by Technische Universität München found that entrepreneurs who prioritize their business goals over environmental concerns do so unconsciously, despite having strong values. Entrepreneurs with high self-efficacy and a challenging business climate were more likely to disengage from pro-environmental values.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 13, 2013

Circadian clock gene rhythms in brain altered in depression, UC Irvine Health study finds

Researchers found that genes controlling circadian clock rhythms are profoundly altered in the brains of people with severe depression, suggesting a physical basis for many symptoms. The study provides clues for potential new classes of compounds to rapidly treat depression by resetting abnormal clock genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Alligator stem cell study gives clues to tooth regeneration

Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. The study found that alligator teeth are complex units of three components, including a functional tooth, replacement tooth, and dental lamina, which contain stem cells for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2013

Individual and small-chain restaurant meals exceed recommended daily calorie needs

A new study reveals that individual and small-chain restaurant meals significantly exceed recommended daily calorie needs, with an average single meal containing two to three times the estimated calorie needs of an individual adult. The findings suggest that limiting menu labeling to large chain restaurants may not be enough to lower t...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2013

'Look but don't touch'

Researchers at ICFO have successfully demonstrated a new quantum-mechanical measurement technique, allowing for the observation of spinning electrons in atoms without disturbing them. This achievement exceeds the standard quantum limit and paves the way for the observation of individual atoms.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 12, 2013

Mutation causing wrong-way plumbing explains 1 type of blue-baby syndrome

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that a mutation in the Semaphorin 3d molecule disrupts the development of pulmonary veins, leading to Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC). The condition causes poorly oxygenated blood throughout the body, resulting in cyanosis. Researchers found that Sema3d mutations cause ab...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 12, 2013

Carnivorous plant throws out 'junk' DNA

The Utricularia gibba genome, smallest sequenced from a complex plant, contradicts the notion that vast quantities of noncoding DNA are crucial for complex life. The bladderwort has purged most of its genetic material, including noncoding 'junk' DNA, while maintaining a functional set of genes similar to those of other plant species.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2013

Study supports alternative model for personality disorders in upcoming DSM-5

A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reports a hybrid categorical-dimensional diagnostic model proposed for DSM-5 aligns well with the current approach to personality disorder diagnoses. The findings support the adoption of this alternative model, which combines core dimensions of personality disorder with various m...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateMay 10, 2013

Background noise in the operating room can impair surgical team communication

A new study found that high levels of OR noise can have a disruptive effect on a surgeon's auditory processing abilities and cause a decrease in speech comprehension. The researchers tested 15 surgeons with varying years of experience under different listening conditions, including quiet, filtered noise, background noise, and music.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 10, 2013