Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 8, 2013


Market and demographic factors in forming ACOs

Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice found that more than half the US population lives in areas where ACOs have been established. These areas tend to have higher performance on quality measures, greater managed care penetration and lower poverty rates.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateOct 8, 2013

Better understanding of the HIV epidemic through an evolutionary perspective

Researchers used viral sequence data to estimate HIV transmission rates, death rates, and susceptible population sizes within clusters, gaining insight into rapid spread and slowdowns. The model can predict future changes in infected and susceptible individuals, guiding public health strategies.

Portion size -- the science & the responsibility deal

A new review reveals that simply reducing portion sizes is not an easy solution to reducing energy intakes, as consumers prioritize factors like packaging and cost over nutrition. Professor Benton highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach addressing various factors affecting energy intake and expenditure.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateOct 8, 2013

Where does dizziness come from?

Johns Hopkins researchers pinpointed a site in the right parietal lobe that plays a crucial role in recognizing which way is straight up and down. Disruptions to this process can cause spatial disorientation and dizziness, but the study suggests that trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could be used to treat chronic dizziness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 8, 2013

CNIO researchers propose a new therapeutic target that prevents cell division

Researchers at CNIO's Cell Division & Cancer Group have discovered that the protein Greatwall is essential for preventing mitotic collapse in mammals. By inhibiting Greatwall, cells can no longer divide properly, which may lead to slowed-down cancer growth and potentially reactivated tumour suppressor PP2A

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2013

Postpartum depression spans generations

A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that exposure to social stress in new mothers can negatively impact their daughter's ability to provide maternal care. The transgenerational study used female rats to model postpartum depression, revealing similar behavioral and physiological changes in second-generation females.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateOct 8, 2013

A&A Case Reports premieres today

The new digital journal is dedicated to reporting patient cases that make an important teaching point or scientific observation in perioperative medicine, critical care, and pain management. All new case reports will be open access during the launch period.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateOct 8, 2013

Researchers find link between aircraft noise and heart disease

Two studies published in BMJ Group found a significant association between aircraft noise exposure and cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research suggests that even low levels of daytime and night-time aircraft noise can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 8, 2013

Making the most of what you have

The study reveals that the nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) protease of classical swine fever virus is capable of self-cleavage, generating two smaller proteins with distinct activities. This discovery sheds light on the complex regulation of viral replication and has significant implications for understanding persistent infections.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 8, 2013

Growing bacteria keep time, know their place

Researchers found that engineered bacteria use time as a cue to form predictable ring patterns, contradicting established theories. This discovery has implications for understanding pattern formation in biology and could lead to the creation of biological scaffolds for new materials with energy applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateOct 8, 2013

A 'yes' to 1 drug could become 'yes' for other drugs

A study of 29,054 high school seniors found that those who use marijuana are less judgmental of other socially acceptable drugs like LSD and amphetamine. Conversely, youths from urban areas and those with strong religious beliefs tend to disapprove of harder drugs like cocaine and heroin.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrevention Science·DateOct 8, 2013

Older people exposed to aircraft noise may face greater risk of hospitalization from heart problems

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds that living close to an airport increases the risk of cardiovascular hospital admissions among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 6 million participants and found that aircraft noise was associated with a 3.5% higher hospital admission rate for cardiovascular disease.

Climate change threatens Northern American turtle habitat

A new study finds that climate change has shifted the centers of North American turtles' ranges by an average of 45 miles per degree, with temperate forest and grassland species being more affected. This trend indicates that many endangered turtle species face uncertain futures due to their inability to adapt to changing climates.

Juno slingshots past Earth on its way to Jupiter

Juno will explore Jupiter's northern and southern lights by flying through electrical current systems that generate them. The mission aims to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system's largest planet by mapping magnetic and gravity fields, determining atmospheric composition, and observing upper atmosphere dynamics.

Air pollution increases heart attacks

Research presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress 2013 found a significant association between air pollution levels and admission for acute cardiovascular events. The study also showed that older people and men were more susceptible to arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes at increasing levels of air pollution.

Residents willing to pay for water improvements

A University of Illinois survey found that homeowners are willing to pay for storm-water runoff management to reduce flooding in their basements. The study also showed a strong demand for water quality improvements and environmental benefits, with residents willing to pay for low-impact development approaches.

Clues to foam formation could help find oil

Rice University scientists have discovered two novel mechanisms for bubble formation in foam, known as pinch-off behaviors. This discovery could improve the efficiency of enhanced oil recovery methods by making gas act more like a liquid and increasing its contact with reservoir rock.

SourceRice University·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 8, 2013

Solving the internet capacity crunch

The University of Bristol and NICT successfully demonstrated a multicore fibre-based network, utilizing Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) and Software Defined Network (SDN) control. This breakthrough enables the efficient handling of emerging Internet applications such as global cloud computing.

Scientists 'bad at judging peers' published work,' says new study

A new study found that scientists are unreliable judges of their peers' scientific output, with subjective post-publication peer review and impact factor being poor measures. The study suggests using a suite of article-level metrics to assess merit, which could have major implications for research assessment processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 8, 2013

New study shows link between car crashes and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Researchers found elevated rates of preterm birth, placental abruption, and premature rupture of the membranes among pregnant drivers involved in a single or multiple car crashes. Stillbirth rates were also significantly higher for unbelted pregnant drivers. The study highlights the importance of crash prevention strategies during preg...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 8, 2013

AGU journal highlights -- Oct. 8 2013

Researchers have developed a method to measure global sulfur dioxide emissions using satellite sensors, identifying large sources such as smelters and factories. A seismic network also detects landslides on a broad area scale in Taiwan's Chenyoulan watershed, providing insights into natural hazard occurrence and watershed dynamics.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 8, 2013

Sunscreen saves superhero gene

Researchers found sunscreen provides 100% protection against all three forms of skin cancer: BCC, SCC, and malignant melanoma. The study also revealed sunscreen shielded the p53 gene, which prevents cancer. No DNA changes were detected in skin samples where sunscreen was applied.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateOct 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 8, 2013

Genetic mutations in two families with eating disorders were found to be linked to decreased estrogen-related receptor alpha and histone deacetylase 4 activity, increasing the risk of developing an eating disorder. CHST3 mutations also led to early-onset lumbar disc degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 8, 2013

Rural land use policies curb wildfire risks -- to a point

A Washington State University researcher found that moderately restrictive land-use policies can significantly reduce rural wildfire risk in Flathead County. The model predicts a 10-fold increase in residential losses under increased but still moderate restrictions, while highly restrictive policies show only a nine-fold increase.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateOct 8, 2013

Penn study shows the high costs of unnecessary radiation treatments for terminal cancer patients

A new study published in JAMA found that over 95% of advanced prostate cancer patients receive multiple radiation treatments for pain control, despite the equivalent effectiveness of single treatments. The study reveals substantial cost savings with single-fraction treatment, with mean radiotherapy-related expenditures 62% lower for pa...

Geoscience Workforce Currents #77

The study analyzed over 400 geoscience student exit survey responses, identifying that 70% of participants took Calculus I and II, with a drop in further mathematics coursework after those classes. PhD candidates pursued multiple courses beyond Calculus II, while all three groups took at least one chemistry and physics course.

Flawed diamonds: Gems for new technology

A team of researchers has made the first detailed observation of how energy travels through diamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers, defects that can be manipulated with optical methods. The findings could help scientists understand the properties of these diamonds, which have potential applications in quantum computing and imagin...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 8, 2013

New urine test could diagnose eye disease

A new urine test has been developed to diagnose retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The test uses mass spectrometry to analyze dolichol profiles in urine and blood samples, distinguishing between different gene mutations that cause the disease. This non-invasive test could provide personalized care for patients with RP.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 8, 2013

A better breathalyzer

Researchers developed a novel breathalyzer that uses a reusable, color-changing opal sensor to detect alcohol vapor concentration. The device can provide precise digital readings and is usable multiple times, making it a promising solution for police officers.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateOct 8, 2013

Empathy helps children to understand sarcasm

A new study found that children with stronger empathy skills are better at recognizing sarcasm. Children began to detect sarcasm between ages 6 and 8, but some took longer to develop this skill. Empathy skills were measured using eye gaze and reaction time during a task that required recognizing sarcastic language.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 8, 2013

No viral cause for breast cancer and brain tumors

A major study has disproven the theory of a viral cause for breast cancer and glioblastoma, with over seven billion DNA sequences analyzed. The research found no genetic traces of viruses in these forms of cancer, contradicting previous theories suggesting Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus involvement.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 2013