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Science News for November 25, 2013


The British Sexual Health Survey comes of age

The study highlights that many people remain sexually active well into later life and positive sexual experiences are related to overall health and wellbeing. It also shows changes in sexual behaviour over the last century, including earlier onset of sex, increased older people's activity, and a closing gap between men and women.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2013

EORTC Cancer in the Elderly Task Force investigates appropriate treatment for elderly patients

The EORTC task force evaluated physiological reserves and biomarkers of aging in elderly patients with cancer. They identified potential biomarkers that may indicate functional biological age, such as inflammatory markers, telomere length, and genetic predisposition for longevity. The study provides a guideline for integrating these bi...

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalJournal of Geriatric Oncology·DateNov 25, 2013

Golden staph paralyzes our immune defenses

Researchers have identified how golden staph bacteria target and destroy key immune cells, disrupting the body's defense against infection. By visualizing this process using advanced microscopy techniques, the team gained insights into how golden staph evades the immune system and causes tissue damage.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 25, 2013

Balancing T cell populations

Researchers found that loss of TSC1 in T cells disrupted the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, leading to severe inflammation. The study suggests that fine-tuning mTOR activity through regulators like TSC1 may be beneficial for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Identifying targets of autoantibodies

Researchers at Stanford University developed a microarray to identify cytokines, chemokines, and other proteins targeted by SLE patients' autoantibodies. They found that patients with high levels of autoantibodies against B cell activating factor (BAFF) experienced more severe symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Dunn Foundation awards bioscience grants

The John S. Dunn Foundation awards seed grants to researchers at Rice University's BioScience Research Collaborative to support new collaborations in cancer diagnosis and treatment, vascular health, and plant-inspired energy conversion. The grants aim to foster interdisciplinary and multi-institutional research.

Not so dumb

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a system to investigate microglia functions, revealing their role in shaping neuronal networks and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. The study uses a genetic switch to target microglia cells, shedding new light on their mechanisms of action.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 2013

Graphic warnings labels on cigarette packs could lead to 8.6 million fewer smokers in the US

A new study suggests that graphic warning labels on cigarette packs could lead to a significant decrease in smoking rates in the US, with potential reductions of up to 8.6 million smokers. The study found that the FDA's model under-estimated the actual impact of graphic warnings, leading to a sharper decrease in smoking rates in Canada.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalTobacco Control·DateNov 25, 2013

Co-transplanted cells and treadmill training aids rats with spinal cord injury

Researchers found that co-transplanting Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells, combined with daily treadmill training, promotes functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. The study reveals a synergistic benefit of the combined therapy on axonal regeneration and motor function improvement.

Studies find methane emissions in California and US 1.5 times greater than expected

Studies conducted by Berkeley Lab researchers suggest that methane emissions from oil and gas production may account for a significant portion of underestimated emissions in California and nationwide. The research found that methane emissions are 1.3 to 1.8 times higher than current official inventory estimates in California.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

EPC secreted factors favorably impact on pancreatic islet cell cotransplantation

Researchers found that co-transplanted endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) improved the engraftment of pancreatic islet cells in mouse models, leading to a significantly improved cure rate and glycemic control. This study suggests that EPCs modulate the expression of connexin 36 and affect glucose-stimulated insulin release.

Broken cellular 'clock' linked to brain damage

Researchers found that disabling a circadian clock gene blocks the brain's antioxidant surge, allowing free radicals to cause more damage. This can lead to neurodegeneration and age-related brain cell injury, similar to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

UCI, Northwestern researchers create compounds that boost antibiotics' effectiveness

UC Irvine and Northwestern researchers develop inhibitor compounds that inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase, enhancing the ability of antibiotics to treat bacterial diseases. The compounds demonstrate potential in combating diseases such as MRSA and anthrax by suppressing pathogenic bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Important clue to how the circulatory system is wired

An international team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a new mechanism that regulates the way blood vessels grow and connect to each other. The discovery provides essential insights into vascular development and could lead to new opportunities for cancer therapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

First large-scale PheWAS study using EMRs provides systematic method to discover new disease association

Researchers used genotype data from 13,835 individuals to perform the first large-scale phenome-wide association study (PheWAS), discovering 63 previously unknown SNP-disease associations. The study validated known associations across hundreds of previous studies and found genes associated with multiple diseases or traits.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 25, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 25, 2013

Researchers found that LIF levels were predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients having higher serum levels of LIF being resistant to treatment. LIF itself promotes NPC progression and radioresistance. Circadian clock proteins BMAL1 also regulate redox proteins preventing oxidative stress damage in neurons.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Bad proteins branch out

Rice University researchers used computer models to study the behavior of misfolded proteins, finding that they can form branching structures similar to those found in spider silk. These structures may be an early stage in the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Breastfeeding provides babies with iodine

Researchers found that giving an iodine capsule to breastfeeding mothers is more effective in providing their babies with the essential trace element than administering it directly to the infant. However, both methods have limitations and do not guarantee sufficient iodine intake for both mother and child.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 25, 2013

A step closer to composite-based electronics

A new study demonstrates that electrical resistivity in composite materials follows a staircase-like pattern with increasing conducting particle concentration. The findings, published in European Physical Journal B, use percolation theory to explain the discrete series of resistances observed.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 25, 2013

Circadian clock proteins maintain neuronal cell function

A study published in JCI Journals found that circadian clock proteins regulate neuronal redox homeostasis and prevent neurodegeneration. BMAL1-deficient mice showed accumulated astrocytes, neuronal degeneration, and reduced blood flow, highlighting the importance of core clock proteins in maintaining healthy neurons.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Flashes of brilliance

Researchers at Rice University discovered the mechanism behind superfluorescent bursts in quantum wells, enabling compact semiconductor devices to produce picosecond pulses of light. The discovery may lead to new telecommunications equipment and other devices transmitting signals at picosecond speeds.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2013

Maternal mood disorder and newborn neurobehavior

Researchers investigated epigenetic changes in response to maternal cortisol exposure, finding support for prenatal transmission of risk for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of treating maternal prenatal depression and anxiety to mitigate newborn behavioral problems.

SourceLandes Bioscience·JournalEpigenetics·DateNov 25, 2013

7 Texas A&M professors elected AAAS Fellows

Seven Texas A&M faculty members have been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their contributions to various fields. They include Nancy M. Amato, Perla Beatriz Balbuena, Raymond J. Carroll, Jonathan C. Coopersmith, Bani K. Mallick, H. Joseph Newton, and Matthew S. Sachs.

Video game play may provide learning, health, social benefits, review finds

A review of research suggests that video game play can enhance cognitive skills such as spatial navigation and problem-solving. Playing video games is also found to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience in children. Additionally, gaming communities provide opportunities for social interaction and cooperation.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateNov 25, 2013

Virginia Tech plant scientist named AAAS Fellow

John Jelesko, an associate professor of plant pathology and physiology at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to the field of plant specialized metabolism. His research has led to a better understanding of plant metabolism with significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2013

Hands off -- please

Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Ornithology found that friendly labels reduced interaction with equipment, with 40% less interference compared to neutral or threatening labels. The study suggests that friendly messages could minimize the number of incidences of vandalism and theft.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 25, 2013

Chromosomes show off their shapes

A new method combines high-throughput DNA sequencing and computer analysis to produce reliable maps describing contacts between genes along individual chromosomes. The results suggest that the arrangement of genes on chromosomes is modular and based on their functions, with active genes exposed at chromosome boundaries.

Tidy knots are faster

Researchers studied the release of genetic material from viral capsids into host cell nuclei, finding that highly ordered DNA strands exit faster than tangled ones. The study's findings have implications for designing artificial viral vectors and understanding complete DNA stalling in experiments.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Insights into type 2B von Willebrand disease

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that type 2B von Willebrand disease is associated with platelet dysfunction. Researchers found that a mutation in the von Willebrand factor protein can inhibit platelet activation and promote thrombocytopathy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Einstein-Ferkauf researchers secure $2.5 million NIH grant to study diabetes self-management and behavioral interventions

Einstein-Ferkauf researchers have been awarded a $2.5 million NIH grant to develop a telephone-based approach to improving diabetes self-management and treatment outcomes in primary care. The program aims to reduce complications, emotional distress, and improve medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes.

New tales told by old infections

A recent study by Uppsala University researchers mapped nearly 90,000 ERVs from 60 host genomes, revealing a host reservoir for one group of retroviruses with rampant host switching throughout history. This finding adds credence to the possibility that many additional retroviruses may remain to be discovered in vertebrate species.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

The reality behind Europe's response to climate change

A study of 200 urban areas in eleven European countries found that one in every three cities has no plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while seven in ten have no formal adaptation plans. Cities are crucial in addressing climate change due to their significant emission contributions and vulnerability to climate hazards.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateNov 25, 2013

Key guidance document released on transcatheter therapies for mitral regurgitation

The Transcatheter Therapies for Mitral Regurgitation Societal Overview highlights critical components of successful treatments, including operator training, protocols for care, and assessment of outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of a high-volume center setting and careful data collection through registries.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 25, 2013

Making sense of sensation in autism

Researchers found that occupational therapy using sensory integration (OT-SI) provided better outcomes than standard care for children with autism. OT-SI therapy helps improve processing of sensation, leading to better participation in everyday activities.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 25, 2013

ERC grant awarded to physicist Florian Schreck

Florian Schreck has received the ERC Consolidator Grant for his research on quantum many-body systems. His team will investigate new phenomena using strontium atoms, which have unique properties that allow for precise measurement and new material discoveries. This award recognizes Schreck's outstanding research results in Innsbruck.

Super SQUID

Researchers have developed a nano-SQUID-on-tip that measures magnetic fields at distances as small as a few nanometers from the sample, breaking the record for sensitivity and resolution. This tiny device may also enable measuring the magnetic field from the spin of a single electron, a major breakthrough in magnetic imaging.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 25, 2013

Postmenopausal estrogen decline largely unrelated to changes in cognition, mood, Stanford study finds

A new Stanford University School of Medicine study found that decreased estrogen levels after menopause are largely unrelated to changes in cognitive ability and mood. However, the researchers discovered a possible link between levels of another hormone — progesterone — and cognition among younger postmenopausal women.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

PCBs still affecting our health decades later

A study by University of Montreal researcher Maryse Bouchard found a significant association between PCB levels and cognitive abilities among individuals aged 70-84 years. Higher exposure to PCBs in older age groups led to greater diminution in cognition, particularly in women.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 25, 2013

Search for habitable planets should be more conservative

Recent research suggests that the frequency of Earth-like planets in habitable zones around M-dwarfs is 0.4-0.5, requiring surveying about 10 cool stars. A conservative approach would focus on surface water, as subsurface water testing is impossible to verify remotely.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Killer cocktail fights brain cancer

Researchers at Rockefeller University Press develop a novel two-pronged approach to combat glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. By combining interleukin-12 with a CTLA-4 blocking drug, the cocktail successfully eradicated tumors in mice, showing promise for future treatment.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 25, 2013

Underestimated future climate change?

A new study by Thomas Frölicher suggests that the Earth's atmosphere could continue to warm for hundreds of years after a complete stop of CO2 emissions, leading to a 25% increase in global temperature. The ESM2M climate model reveals that regional ocean heat uptake is crucial in understanding the effects of climate change.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 25, 2013

New immunotherapy for malignant brain tumors

Researchers developed a new immunotherapy approach that successfully treated glioblastoma, a fatal brain tumor, by stimulating the immune system and inducing tumor rejection. The treatment, combining intra-tumoral Interleukin-12 with CTLA-4 blockade, achieved a success rate of up to 80% in preclinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 25, 2013

Oxytocin leads to monogamy

Researchers found that oxytocin administration increases attractiveness of partner and strengthens monogamy by stimulating brain's reward center. The study suggests a biological mechanism for maintaining love relationships.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Controlling our circadian rhythms

A new study in The Journal of General Physiology has shed light on the biophysical processes underlying regulation of circadian rhythms. Researchers found that decreased BK channel activity, particularly a specific variant containing SRKR, contributes to reduced SCN neuron excitability during the day.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateNov 25, 2013