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Science News for September 16, 2013


Doing research in the pub

Researchers analyzed customer behavior in pubs and clubs to determine effective signals for ordering a drink. They found that positioning themselves directly at the bar counter is a successful signal, while avoiding these behaviors indicates non-ordering intentions.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 16, 2013

TV drug ads: The whole truth?

Researchers found that six out of ten claims made by TV drug ads are potentially misleading, leaving out important information or exaggerating benefits. The study analyzed advertisements for prescription and over-the-counter drugs aired between 2008 and 2010 and found that most claims were either false or misleading.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 16, 2013

Automated telephone calls improve blood pressure control

A Kaiser Permanente study found that automated telephone calls increased controlled hypertension among patients, especially those with multiple chronic conditions. The program also showed benefits for female patients with higher incomes and improved health outcomes for both patients and healthcare systems.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateSep 16, 2013

'Vicious cycle' shields, spreads cancer cells

Cancer cells exploit a vicious cycle of mucus production to protect themselves from the immune system and promote tumor growth. Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential therapeutic target in rosiglitazone, a diabetes medication that can attenuate this cycle.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Cellular Biochemistry·DateSep 16, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Sept. 16, 2013

Researchers have identified a metabolite as a biomarker of diabetes risk, revealing that individuals with increased levels are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the study found that a specific genetic mutation affects muscle performance in elite endurance athletes by altering calcineurin signaling.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 16, 2013

New world map for overcoming climate change

Scientists have created a vulnerability map to help governments and organizations invest in protected area establishment and restoration efforts in the most vulnerable regions. The map assesses ecosystems' intactness and stability under future climate change predictions, identifying southern Asia, Europe, and Australia as high-risk areas.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 16, 2013

Birth of Earth's continents

Scientists found that continent nuclei formed as a byproduct of mountain-building processes, stacking up slabs of cold oceanic crust to create thick 'keels' in the mantle. This process supported the overlying crust and enabled continents to form.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 16, 2013

New study evaluates the risk of birth defects among women who take antihistamines in pregnancy

A new study from Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found no evidence to support suggestions of increased risks of certain birth defects associated with antihistamine use in pregnancy. The study considered over 20,000 new mothers and commonly-used antihistamines available OTC or by prescription.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 16, 2013

Vaccinating cattle against E. coli O157 could cut human cases of infection by 85 percent, say scientists

Scientists found that vaccinating cattle against E. coli O157 could reduce human cases of infection by nearly 85%, a significant improvement over previous estimates. The researchers used veterinary, human, and molecular data to estimate the impact of vaccinating cattle and predict that it would have a major public health benefit.

SourceUniversity of Glasgow_·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2013

10-year project redraws the map of bird brains

Researchers have created a new map of bird brains based on a decade-long exploration of gene expression across eight species. The findings suggest that bird brains have commonalities with human brains, including columnar organization and forebrain regions similar to mammals.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateSep 16, 2013

Model of dangerous bee disease in Jersey provides tool in fight against honeybee infections

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a model of the American foulbrood disease outbreak in Jersey, which helps understand how the disease spreads and simulates various control interventions. The study found that just under half of the infection spread was attributed to transmission by beekeepers between their own hives.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 16, 2013

Genotype influences muscle performance

Research reveals how genetic mutations in α-actinin-3 affect fast-twitch muscles, leading to increased endurance capacity and enhanced response to training. The study provides insight into the skeletal muscle adaptations advantageous to elite endurance athletes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 16, 2013

Cold sore linked to mutation in gene, study suggests

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found a link between cold sore susceptibility and a mutated gene, revealing why some people are more prone to the virus that causes them. The study identifies IL28b as the affected gene, which plays a crucial role in mounting an immune response against the herpes simplex virus.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 16, 2013

Cognitive enhancers don't improve cognition, function in people with mild cognitive impairment

A new study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that cognitive enhancers do not improve cognition or function in people with mild cognitive impairment in the long term. Patients on these medications experienced significantly more nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches, highlighting the potential risks of these drugs.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 16, 2013

Diet is associated with the risk of depression

A healthy diet characterized by vegetables, fruits, berries, whole-grains, poultry, fish and low-fat cheese was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. Increased intake of folate from sources like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains was also linked to a decreased risk of depression.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPsychotherapy and Psychosomatics·DateSep 16, 2013

Low level blast explosions harm brain, says new study in Journal of Neurotrauma

A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that low-level blast explosions can cause symptoms similar to sports concussions, including neurocognitive deficits and self-reported symptoms. The research, conducted on a group of soldiers called 'breachers', identified biomarkers capable of detecting changes in this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 16, 2013

Obese stomachs tell us diets are doomed to fail

Research suggests that obese individuals' stomachs become desensitized to fullness signals, making it difficult to maintain weight loss. This could explain why many people regain weight after dieting. The study's findings have strong implications for those struggling with obesity and weight management.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 16, 2013

Why do young adults start smoking?

Researchers at the University of Montreal identified three risk factors associated with young adult smoking onset: impulsivity, poor school performance, and higher alcohol consumption. This study suggests that targeted prevention campaigns for young adults aged 18-24 could help prevent smoking initiation.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 16, 2013

Study shows projected climate change in West Africa not likely to worsen malaria situation

Researchers at MIT developed a new model of malaria transmission that combines global forecasts with local rainfall data, predicting minimal increase in disease incidence despite projected temperature and rainfall changes. The study aims to provide more accurate predictions for specific variables relevant to society, such as malaria in...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 16, 2013

Schizophrenia: It's in the wiring of the brain

Researchers discovered abnormalities in both myelin and axons among patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a complex relationship between the two. The findings indicate that strategies targeting both axonal health and myelin synthesis may be needed to restore normal brain functioning in this condition.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 2013

Immune system marker tied to improved bone marrow transplant outcomes

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that patients with donor bone marrow carrying a specific KIR protein variation had improved survival and reduced disease progression after bone marrow transplantation. The study identified a 60% decrease in death risk and 62% reduction in disease progression using this approach.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 16, 2013