The world's sharpest X-ray beam shines at DESY
Researchers at DESY's PETRA III light source have created a 4.3nm-wide X-ray beam, ten thousand times thinner than a human hair, using a Fresnel lens made from nanometre-thin layers.
Science News Archive September 2013
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NASA image sees eye in deadly Typhoon Wutip on landfall approach
Typhoon Wutip made landfall near Dong Hoi, Vietnam, with a 10-mile-wide eye, prompting evacuations of over 140,000 people. The storm's heavy rains are expected to cause flooding and landslides in Vietnam's central highlands.
Infrared NASA imagery shows some strength in Tropical Depression Sepat
NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Tropical Depression Sepat, revealing some strong thunderstorms and cold cloud tops near the center of circulation. The storm is expected to track over a pool of cooler waters, hindering its development, and may briefly strengthen into a tropical storm before weakening again.
Zinc, proteins, and an essential cellular balancing act
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover that zinc ions play a crucial role in maintaining protein stability. A shortage of zinc can cause proteins to misfold and clump together, leading to cell death. Researchers identify a 'protein chaperone' called Tsa1 that prevents protein aggregation and maintains cellular balance.
NIH awards $17 million in grants to augment genomics research in Africa
The NIH has awarded $17 million to support genomics research in Africa, enhancing the continent's research capacity and training African genomic scientists. The new grants will study various health conditions important in Africa, including neurological disorders and respiratory diseases.
New map of insulin pathway could lead to better diabetes drugs
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have created a comprehensive roadmap of the protein interactions that enable cells in the pancreas to produce, store and secrete insulin. The finding makes possible a deeper scientific understanding of the insulin secretion process and how it fails in insulin disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
Study finds continual increase in bed sharing among black, hispanic infants
A study found that bed sharing increased among black and Hispanic families, with black infants sharing beds most often. The percentage of black infants usually sharing a bed increased from 21.2% in 1993 to 38.7% in 2010.
National screening strategy for hepatitis C urged for Canada
Experts advocate for widespread screening of 'Baby Boomer' generation in Canada due to high prevalence and lack of awareness. Early treatment makes hepatitis C curable, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
Change AGEnts will enable evidence-based improvements for health care practice
The Change AGEnts Initiative aims to create change in healthcare practice that improves the health of older adults. The project, funded by a $5 million grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation, brings together researchers, clinicians, and health system leaders to develop and implement evidence-based models.
Atherosclerosis: The Janus-like nature of JAM-A
Researchers found JAM-A facilitates immune cell recruitment to arteries, promoting plaque formation. Reducing JAM-A levels can slow lesion growth, but deleting the molecule from monocytes causes damage and increases plaques.
Renowned addiction specialist Charles O'Brien to receive prestigious French Legion of Honor Medal
Charles P. O'Brien, a leading expert on alcohol dependency, is being honored with the French Legion of Honor Medal for his pioneering work in addiction treatment. He has made significant contributions to the field through his research, advocacy, and leadership.
$1.5 million NCI Grant to aid Huntsman Cancer Institute researcher study melanoma, sun damage link
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute will study the role of the c-KIT gene in melanoma, a devastating skin cancer that often develops resistance to treatment. The new funding will support studies using a novel melanoma mouse model to test whether active c-KIT can initiate melanoma.
Traces of immense prehistoric ice sheets
Researchers found evidence of massive ice sheets over 1km thick in the Arctic Ocean, contradicting previous assumptions that glaciations only occurred on continents. The discovery reveals four or more generations of ice masses in the region, covering an area as large as Scandinavia.
Small brain biopsies can be used to grow large numbers of patient's own brain cells
Researchers have successfully grown large numbers of patient-specific brain cells in the lab using small biopsies, which express natural protective agents. These cells may be used to treat a range of neurological conditions and could potentially cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver targeted therapies.
UW engineers invent programming language to build synthetic DNA
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a programming language for chemistry that allows scientists to design and build custom DNA molecules with specific functions. This new approach enables flexible control over chemical reactions, which could lead to innovative medical applications such as smart drug delivery systems.
Alcohol leaving the UK charts with a hangover
A study analyzing UK music charts over four decades found a significant increase in alcohol references, with almost one in five top 10 songs featuring alcohol-related lyrics. Researchers warn that these messages may be reaching larger audiences than traditional advertising, posing a concern for young people's drinking behaviors.
With increased age comes decreased risk-taking in decision-making
A new study by Yale University researchers found that older adults are more risk-averse than their midlife counterparts when choosing between possible gains, but more risk-seeking when choosing between losses. The study suggests important policy implications for decision-making across the lifespan.
Stanford-developed technique induces egg growth in infertile women, and 1 gives birth
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique that induces egg growth in some infertile women, allowing five of them to produce viable eggs for in vitro fertilization. The successful pregnancy and birth represent a breakthrough for women with primary ovarian insufficiency, who often rely on egg donation.
Building disaster-relief phone apps on the fly
New tools developed by MIT researchers allow people with minimal programming skills to rapidly build cellphone applications for disaster relief, utilizing the App Inventor and RDF standards. The apps can monitor multiple data sources, display information on Google maps, and enable users to annotate or supplement the data.
Cancer biggest killer of Hispanic Texans
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic Texans under 76, with lower rates of breast and colon cancer screenings. Despite advanced cancer stages at diagnosis, Hispanics experience higher survival rates than non-Hispanic whites.
Young children recognize cigarette brands in developing countries with most smokers
A study found that nearly two-thirds of young children in low- and middle-income countries can recognize cigarette brand logos. The researchers suggest stronger regulations, including larger graphic warning labels and bans on tobacco advertising, to reduce the ability of tobacco companies to market their products to children.
New technique helps biologists save the world's threatened seagrass meadows
Biologists have developed a new technique to determine if seagrasses contain sulfur, indicating stressed seabeds. This method reveals the health state of plants, aiding restoration efforts for lost or diminished seagrass meadows.
University of Tennessee professor to investigate mysterious clams key to biodiversity
A University of Tennessee professor is leading a research project to study lucinid clams, which play a crucial role in detoxifying coastal environments. The study aims to uncover the genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity of modern lucid chemosymbioses and their responses to environmental changes.
Short-term hearing loss can cause long-term problem
A study published in Nature Communications found that brief, reversible hearing loss during childhood can disrupt the processing of sound in the brain, leading to persistent hearing deficits. Researchers identified two critical periods after hearing onset that regulate how sounds from each ear are fused into a coherent representation.
When ICUs get busy, doctors triage patients more efficiently, Penn study finds
A new study found that when ICUs are busy, doctors discharge patients more efficiently without negatively impacting patient outcomes. This suggests that strained resource settings prompt providers to critically re-evaluate patient needs and transfer patients who can be managed outside the ICU.
IUPUI research explores reducing burnout for mental health workers
A team of IUPUI researchers will investigate the impact of staff burnout on mental health treatment and outcomes, implementing an intervention program that incorporates traditional stress-reduction techniques and cognitive behavioral practices. The goal is to reduce burnout and improve clinician engagement in patient care.
Niacin, the fountain of youth
Researchers from ETH Zurich found that vitamin niacin and its metabolite nicotinamide increase lifespan by promoting the formation of free radicals in roundworms. This contradicts common textbook opinion on antioxidants' role in health.
Americans don't contribute enough to retirement funds, MU researcher finds
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Rui Yao found that over 90% of future retirees are contributing only a minimal amount to their retirement funds. This is concerning given the uncertain future of social security benefits and the need for individuals to save more for their own financial security and the country's sake.
Study finds tungsten in aquifer groundwater controlled by pH, oxygen
Researchers have found that tungsten is leached from sediment into groundwater based on pH and oxygen levels. The study suggests that iron oxide particles play a key role in regulating tungsten concentrations in groundwater, with higher pH levels leading to more tungsten entering the water.
AGI's 2013 Status of Recent Geoscience Graduates report released
The AGI report documents common traits among geoscience graduates, including the importance of field experiences and K-12 Earth science exposure. The study aims to address the question of whether new graduates are ready for lucrative career opportunities in the geoscience workforce.
Testosterone promotes reciprocity in the absence of competition
Research suggests that testosterone promotes generosity and reciprocity when there is no threat of competition, helping to maintain social relationships. In the absence of competition, participants with increased testosterone levels chose to give more money back to investors than those with placebo treatment.
Entering a new dimension: 4-D printing
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh are proposing a new field of 4D printing, which enables materials to modify their structures over time in response to external stimuli. The team aims to develop adaptive composites that can reprogram their shape, properties, or functionality on demand.
Quantum computers: Trust is good, proof is better
Researchers have developed a protocol to verify quantum computer results without using additional quantum computer resources. The test involves inserting 'traps' into tasks, which the user knows the result of in advance, allowing for reliable verification of the quantum computer's accuracy.
Biological therapy with cediranib improves survival in women with recurrent ovarian cancer
A clinical trial found that cediranib, a biological therapy, extended the time before ovarian cancer recurred and increased overall survival by up to 30% compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment showed incremental improvements in progression-free and overall survival.
Olympians say poor oral health is impairing performance
Research by UCL Eastman Dental Institute reveals high levels of poor oral health among elite athletes, including 55% with dental caries and 28% affected by oral health issues. The study highlights the need for improved oral health support for athletes to optimize their performance.
Scripps Research Institute study finds new moves in protein's evolution
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that an essential protein evolved chiefly by changing its movement, rather than structure. This finding has implications for designing more effective antibiotics and drugs targeting the protein dihydrofolate reductase.
'Waviness' explains why carbon nanotube forests have low stiffness
New research reveals that waviness in vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes leads to reduced stiffness due to tiny kinkiness in their structure. This finding has potential applications in thermal interface materials and heat transfer, where the compliance of the nanotubes can help connect to silicon chips and copper heat spreaders.
Better protein creation may be secret of longevity for the world's longest-living rodent
Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a unique way in which naked mole rats build proteins, leading to nearly perfect protein structures and reduced error rates. This breakthrough could one day lead to pharmaceutical treatments that improve protein synthesis in humans.
Massachusetts primary care malpractice claims related to alleged misdiagnoses
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that most Massachusetts primary care malpractice claims (72.1%) are related to diagnosis errors, primarily failures to diagnose or delays in cancer diagnosis. Primary care malpractice cases tend to be more difficult to defend and result in more settlements.
Asthma attack prevention proposal awarded NIH New Innovator grant
Research on an aerosol that induces a rapid immune response to prevent viral respiratory infections and asthma attacks has earned major funding from the National Institutes of Health. The NIH-funded project aims to translate preclinical findings to clinical trials to prevent asthma attacks.
Vacuum dust: A previously unknown disease vector
Researchers found resistance genes for five common antibiotics and the Clostridium botulinum toxin gene in vacuum dust, which could lead to infant botulism infections. The study suggests that vacuum cleaners can act as a vehicle for indoor bioaerosol exposure.
Scripps Florida scientist wins prestigious NIH New Innovator Award
Scott Hansen, a Scripps Research Institute scientist, has won the NIH New Innovator Award to study mechanosensation, particularly touch and hearing. The award provides $2.8 million in research funding over five years to explore the molecular mechanisms behind sensing touch.
University of Utah researchers receive NIH Director's New Innovator Award
Two University of Utah researchers, Adam Frost and Ryan O'Connell, received the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to launch innovative biomedical research projects. The awards support visionary investigators pursuing science with high potential to transform scientific fields and accelerate health improvements.
Scripps Research Institute study finds new moves in protein's evolution
Researchers found that essential proteins evolve chiefly by changing how they move, rather than their molecular structure. This discovery has significant implications for the design of antibiotics and other drugs targeting dihydrofolate reductase.
Identifying the disease-causing mechanisms in cancers with unknown primary site improves treatment
Researchers have identified molecular profiles of tumors with unknown primary sites, allowing for more effective treatment and improved survival rates. The study found that the biology of the tumor is more important than its primary site in determining treatment effectiveness.
Organized screening for prostate cancer does more harm than good
Researchers estimate that routine PSA testing can lead to increased impotence and incontinence cases, as well as additional prostate cancer diagnoses. However, the difference in death rates between screened and unscreened men is relatively small, with only 0.07 more deaths attributed to screening.
Tiny sensor used in smart phones could create urban seismic network
A tiny MEMS accelerometer chip used in smartphones can detect moderate to strong earthquakes when located near the epicenter. The technology has the potential to increase coverage and accuracy in monitoring strong motion during earthquakes, making it possible to create an urban seismic network that transmits real-time ground motion data.
Researchers uncover 48 new genetic variants associated with multiple sclerosis
Researchers have identified 48 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis, nearly doubling the number of known risk factors and shedding light on the immune system's role in the disease. The study, led by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, confirms the critical involvement of genetic factors in MS development.
A review concerning relationships and independence of human number, time and space processing
Researchers Yalin Chen and Chang Liu review present evidence on relationships between human number, time and space processing. The study investigates common mechanisms among these processes, with some arguing for multiple magnitude systems and others a common basis.
Largest, most accurate list of RNA editing sites
The researchers validated 1,799 sites and predicted an additional 1,782 sites, resulting in a combined list of 3,581 accurate sites. The team gained insights into the model organism's fundamental biology, including patterns of editing and alternative splicing.
Wagon-wheel pasta shape for better LED
Researchers at the University of Utah created a new organic molecule shaped like rotelle – wagon-wheel pasta – that depolarizes light, increasing LED efficiency. This breakthrough allows for more efficient OLED displays, promising longer battery life in smartphones and TVs.
Eilat's corals stand better chance of resilience than other sites
Scientists at Hebrew University and Bar-Ilan University found that Eilat's corals are more resilient than other sites due to a 'warm-water barrier' in the Red Sea. This barrier allows only heat-tolerant genotypes of corals to enter, making it a unique refuge for coral reefs.
Promising results for new antibody drug in non-small cell lung cancer patients: Smokers respond well
A phase I clinical trial has shown that an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody can produce striking responses in non-small cell lung cancer patients with metastatic disease who have failed to respond to previous chemotherapy. Smokers and former smokers are more likely to benefit from this treatment.
Leukemia cells are addicted to a healthy gene
A study at the Weizmann Institute suggests that in a quarter of all leukemias, cancer cells use a balance between a mutated gene and its normal counterpart to keep going. The healthy RUNX1 gene plays a crucial role in blood cell development and maintenance.
Sequencing studies help pinpoint gene in Prader-Willi syndrome
Researchers have pinpointed a specific gene responsible for Prader-Willi syndrome, an imprinted disease affecting muscle tone, feeding difficulties, and intellectual disability. The study identified mutations in the MAGEL2 gene, which was found in three additional patients with similar symptoms.
Avahan Aids initiative may have prevented 600,000 HIV infections in India over 10 years
Researchers estimate that Avahan prevented more than half of the infections that would have occurred without the intervention. The initiative targeted high-risk groups with behavioral interventions and adequate provision of prevention commodities.
New approaches to testing cancer drugs needed -- ESMO press commentary
The European Society for Medical Oncology emphasizes the need for new testing methods to ensure patients benefit from personalized cancer treatments. Researchers are working on developing new approaches to analyze tumour characteristics and select targeted therapies.
KAIST announced a novel technology to produce gasoline by a metabolically engineered microorganism
A Korean research team developed a novel strategy for microbial gasoline production through metabolic engineering of E. coli, producing 580 mg of gasoline per liter of cultured broth. The platform E. coli strain can be modified to produce other chemicals, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil resources.
Penn Medicine researcher unveils findings on 2 new weapons against thyroid cancer
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating advanced thyroid cancer, demonstrating the effectiveness of kinase inhibitors that target tumor cell division and blood vessels. Clinical trials showcase improved progression-free survival rates for patients with BRAF and RAS mutations.
Researchers found response of how plants respond to the changing environment in geological time
Researchers analyzed Neogene plant fossils to understand how plants respond to climate change. The study found that stomatal density increased during the present epoch and decreased during the late Pliocene, indicating an inverse relationship with atmospheric CO2 concentrations.