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Science News Archive November 2013 - Page 16


Page 16 of 30

Starting dialysis after -- not before -- conception may improve birth rates in women with advanced kidney disease

A recent study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that women with advanced kidney disease who start dialysis during pregnancy have a higher live birth rate compared to those already on dialysis. This discovery may help guide care for young women who need dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 14, 2013

A*STAR scientists bring to light mechanism of drug for infections

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network discovered the exact mode of action of plerixafor, a drug that stimulates immune responses in patients with neutropenia. The study found that the inhibition of CXCR4 by the drug plays a dual role, increasing neutrophil count in the blood and promoting retention in the bloodstream.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 14, 2013

SDSU launches InforMath collaborative

The InforMath Collaborative brings together university researchers and staff from local art and science museums to design new programs that connect visitors with mathematics in creative ways. The initiative aims to change the way communities perceive mathematics and establish a research center for informal mathematics learning.

A question for Jupiter

Scientists Pedram Hassanzadeh and Philip Marcus present a new model explaining the Great Red Spot's persistence, suggesting vertical flow plays a key role. The model also predicts radial flow pumping energy into the vortex, enabling it to last longer.

Are probiotics a promising treatment strategy for depression?

A new review article suggests that certain probiotics have the potential to exert behavioral and immunological effects in patients with depression. These psychobiotics can alter the intestinal microbial balance and regulate inflammatory responses, which may be involved in the modulation of mood and behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2013

Nano magnets arise at 2-D boundaries

Researchers at Rice University discovered that imperfections in two-dimensional materials can create nanoscale magnetic fields. The study suggests a new degree of freedom for electronics, allowing for enhanced efficiency and enriched functions.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 14, 2013

Study finds social networks are key to city violence

A Yale University study reveals that a person's social network is a key predictor of becoming a victim of gun homicide, even more so than race, age, gender, or poverty. The research found that individuals within the same social network are more likely to engage in similar risky behaviors.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 2013

Glowing worms illuminate the roots of behavior

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a novel system to image brain activity in worms. The technology can be used to study the genetics and neural circuitry associated with animal behavior and screen early stage compounds aimed at treating autism, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other brain disorders.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2013

No peak in sight for evolving bacteria

Despite a quarter century of evolution, bacteria in Richard Lenski's lab continue to adapt and become more fit. Researchers used a 'frozen fossil record' of bacteria samples from different generations to measure their trajectory, finding that they never reach a fitness peak but instead follow a power law function.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2013

Analysis of alcohol ads in magazines finds current codes and regulations do not protect consumers from risky content and messages

A new report from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth reveals that current codes and regulations do not protect consumers from risky content and messages in alcohol ads. The study found numerous ads promoting unhealthy consumption, objectification of women, and associating alcohol with active lifestyles.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 14, 2013