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Science News for October 2, 2013


Tears for fears

Scientists have identified a protective pheromone, ESP22, in the tears of young mice that blocks adult mating behavior. This discovery provides insight into how sensory systems regulate social behavior and could lead to a better understanding of human behaviors.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2013

Human skin wound dressings to treat cutaneous ulcers

Researchers at Université Laval have developed biomaterial-free biological wound dressings made from human skin grown in vitro. These dressings successfully treated venous ulcers in patients who had been chronically suffering from such wounds, with an average healing time of seven weeks.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalAdvances in Skin & Wound Care·DateOct 2, 2013

Graphene with aroma

Researchers have developed a new production method for graphene that uses aromatic molecules, enabling the creation of flexible graphene structures with specific functionality. The method allows for the manufacture of quantum dots, nanoribbons, and other nano-geometries with unique properties.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 2, 2013

Like father, not like son

Researchers found that environmental factors played a significant role in shaping the songs and brain structures of zebra finches, with low heritability values for most characteristics except for syllable count and frequency. The study suggests that flexibility in response to environmental conditions helps maintain genetic variation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEvolution·DateOct 2, 2013

No kissing or singing in the rain

Researchers found that three insect species altered their mating behaviors in response to falling air pressure, which may reduce injury and death. The study suggests insects are adapted to respond to potential bad weather, impacting not only individual animals but also ecological communities.

SourcePublicase International·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2013

Bug vs. bug: Benign C. difficile strains keep fatal strains at bay

Researchers found that two benign strains of C. difficile can prevent infection by more dangerous strains. The harmless strains occupy the same niches as the infective strains, preventing colonization and ultimately infection. This study provides promising results for developing new protective measures against C. difficile infection.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 2, 2013

Key mechanism behind herpes revealed

Biochemist Alex Evilevitch measures internal pressure of HSV-1, revealing key mechanism behind herpes infection and paving way for new medicine development. The discovery could lead to universal treatment for various viral infections, including cancer-linked viruses.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 2, 2013

Predictors of substance abuse identified among teens with bipolar disorder

A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that approximately one-third of teens with bipolar disorder developed substance abuse. Risk factors identified included experimentation with alcohol, cannabis use, and certain mental health conditions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2013

McMaster lab develops new tuberculosis vaccine

Researchers have developed a new tuberculosis vaccine that acts as a booster to the existing Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is ineffective in many cases. The vaccine was tested in a phase one clinical study and showed a robust immune response in most trial participants.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 2, 2013

Radiofrequency ablation effectively treats Barrett's esophagus

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective treatment for most patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. The procedure led to complete eradication of dysplasia in 91% of patients, while intestinal metaplasia was eradicated in 78%, and recurrent metaplasia occurred in 13%.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 2, 2013

Does post-traumatic stress disorder increase the risk of metabolic syndrome?

A comprehensive review of medical literature reveals a link between PTSD and metabolic syndrome. The study suggests that the relationship is not clear and may be influenced by various factors such as socioeconomic status and lifestyle habits. Further investigation is needed to fully understand this connection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMetabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders·DateOct 2, 2013

Death of a spruce tree

Researchers discovered a five-year delay between slow tree growth and increased mortality in a Black Spruce forest, suggesting that older forests may be storing more carbon than previously estimated. This finding has important implications for understanding the impact of climate change on forest health and carbon sequestration.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 2, 2013

Insects modify mating behavior in anticipation of storms

Researchers found insects adjust courtship and calling behaviors in response to changing air pressure, reducing risk of injury during high winds and rain. The study suggests these modifications may help insects predict adverse weather conditions, allowing them to modify their mating behavior accordingly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2013