Don't be an outsider!
A study found that two-year-old children conform to the behavior of their peers more often than great apes. Children conformed more than half the time, while chimpanzees and orangutans stuck to their learned strategy.
Science News Archive 2014
Browse by Month - 2014
Page 56 of 376
Adenotonsillectomy and childhood asthma
A study found that adenotonsillectomy significantly decreased acute asthma exacerbations and episodes of status asthmaticus in children with asthma. The procedure may help alleviate underlying asthma severity by addressing related obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers engineer a 'smart bomb' to attack childhood leukemia
Researchers at the University of Southern California have engineered a new approach to attack childhood leukemia, a devastating form of cancer. They've designed a synthetic gene therapy that can selectively target and kill cancer stem cells, offering hope for children with relapsed disease.
Fast food marketing for children disproportionately affects certain communities
A study found that fast food marketing tactics are more prevalent in middle-income, rural, and majority-black neighborhoods than in other areas. Marketing strategies targeting children were associated with higher rates of unhealthy food consumption.
Genetic damage caused by asthma shows up in circulating blood stream, too
Asthma is a widespread disease that causes genetic damage in peripheral blood, leading to oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study found four types of systemic effects, including protein damage, which can result in unstable chromosomes and increase the risk of other diseases.
NASA's Terra satellite sees Typhoon Nuri in eyewall replacement
Typhoon Nuri underwent eyewall replacement as high clouds moved over its eye on Nov. 4, with MODIS instrument capturing visible image of intense thunderstorms spiraling into the eye.
Long-acting anti-meth treatment demonstrates protective benefits for meth addiction
A recent study developed an AAV-based medication that offers substantial protective effects for patients attempting to cease methamphetamine use. The treatment, which tightly binds and sequesters meth away from its sites of action in the brain, is non-addicting and suitable for use in combination with existing behavioral therapies.
To succeed in academia, grad students need 'street smarts'
Grad students require 'street smarts' for success in academia, with techniques like self-marketing and networking crucial for career advancement. The proportion of PhDs securing tenured positions has declined, emphasizing the need for efficient use of training time and professional connections.
Preventing postpartum hemorrhage
A randomized non-inferiority trial found that sublingual misoprostol was less effective than intramuscular oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage in Uganda. The study showed that women treated with misoprostol experienced more blood loss and side effects, while oxytocin was associated with fewer complications.
Obesity in pregnant women may increase children's risk of kidney, urinary tract problems
A study found that maternal obesity increases the risk of congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract in children. Being overweight was not linked with an increased risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing obesity as a public health concern.
Autism spectrum disorder: 10 tips guidance article
A new article provides 10 practical tips to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), empowering them to participate in their communities and receive personalized care. The 'Ten Tips' offer a framework for clinical practice and global advocacy, prioritizing the individual's hopes, dreams, and self-determination.
TGen's Dr. John Carpten honored with AACR Distinguished Lectureship on Cancer Health
Dr. John Carpten, Deputy Director of TGen, receives AACR Distinguished Lectureship for his work on cancer health disparities in minority populations. He will deliver a keynote lecture on November 9 at the AACR conference.
Dark matter may be massive
The researchers suggest that dark matter may be composed of macroscopic objects, potentially assembled from ordinary and strange quarks or baryons. This idea challenges the current search for tiny exotic particles like WIMPS and axions.
New research explores scent communication in polar bears
Scientists investigated how scent communication affects polar bears, which is vital for reproduction and social behavior. The study suggests that climate change may disrupt this communication, threatening the species' survival.
Little evidence conservation organizations respond to economic signals
A University of Tennessee study reveals little evidence of conservation organizations adapting to economic changes, limiting their effectiveness. The research analyzed tax filings and interviews with nonprofit leaders, finding inconsistent strategies across the sector.
Scientists uncover potential drug to tackle 'undruggable' fault in third of cancers
Researchers found a new strategy and potential drug to target faulty Ras protein, which causes cancer by producing excess signals. This breakthrough offers opportunities for developing new treatments that exploit the discovery without harming healthy cells.
New technique may help assess how plastic pollution impacts wildlife
Researchers develop minimally invasive method to detect plastics exposure in seabirds using gland oil samples and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This technique can inform policy makers and citizens about the impacts of plastic litter at a global scale.
Turning pretty penstemon flowers from blue to red
Researchers found that knocking out a single enzyme is responsible for changing blue penstemon flowers to red. The study reveals a predictable genetic change behind the evolution from blue to red, with reverse changes unlikely.
Gene 'switches' could predict when breast cancers will spread to the brain
Researchers discovered genetic patterns that predict when breast cancers will spread to the brain, offering a potential early detection method. Faulty gene switches in the original tumor may serve as an early warning signal for brain metastasis.
Parents' work schedules may impact family members' sleep
A recent US study found that working mothers with nonstandard schedules experience insufficient sleep more often than those with standard hours. Working more than 35 hours per week was linked to increased difficulty in balancing work and family life for many mothers.
Surgery for sleep apnea improves asthma control
A large study found that surgery for sleep apnea significantly improves asthma control in children, with a 30% reduction in acute asthma exacerbations and a 38% decrease in severe asthma attacks. The study suggests that early identification and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may help reduce asthma severity and improve outcomes.
Hot flushes are going unrecognized, leaving women vulnerable
More than 70% of women who have had breast cancer experience menopausal problems, including hot flushes that can persist for over five years and affect daily life. The study found that clinicians often underestimate the severity of these symptoms, with only 10-30% of patients experiencing severe hot flushes.
Half of elderly people are more than happy to consume new foods
The AZTI study reveals that 50% of seniors are happy to accept new foods, but they insist on traditional flavors and health-enhancing properties. The research aims to design new foods for elderly people (65+) and pre-seniors (40-50) with a focus on pleasure and satisfaction.
Patients with emergency-diagnosed lung cancer report barriers to seeing their GP
Patients with emergency-diagnosed lung cancer reported difficulties in seeing their general practitioner (GP), including lack of confidence and fear of diagnosis. Nearly half of the patients delayed seeking medical attention for over 12 weeks, highlighting the need for improved patient education and rapid-access diagnostic clinics.
LA BioMed receives Phase II Grand Challenges Explorations funding
LA BioMed researcher Frans J. Walther is receiving Phase II funding to develop an aerosol form of synthetic lung surfactant, which could reduce complications in premature babies. The grant will support the development of a new treatment that can be easily administered in resource-limited settings.
GW awarded $1.3 million to train first responders for mass casualty events
The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop training programs for first responders in mass casualty events. The training will focus on medical readiness and immediate victim care, utilizing the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) framework.
Digital dinosaurs: New research employs high-end technology to restore dinosaur fossil
Researchers employed high-resolution X-ray CT scanning and digital visualization techniques to restore a complete skull of the 3-4m herbivorous dinosaur Erlikosaurus andrewsi. The team digitally dissected the skull, filling in breaks and cracks, duplicating missing elements, and reversing deformation, resulting in a life-like restoration.
Improving the taste of alcohol-free beer with aromas from the regular beer
Researchers developed a technique to recover aromatic compounds from regular beer, adding them to non-alcoholic beers. The results showed that 90% of tasters preferred the enriched low-alcohol and 80% alcohol-free beer over their original counterparts.
Few hospital websites educate pregnant women on Tdap vaccination and whooping cough prevention
A new University of Michigan analysis reveals that less than half of Michigan birthing hospitals provide prevention information on their websites about Tdap vaccination and whooping cough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Tdap vaccination during pregnancy to protect newborns from this potentially deadly disease.
Mayo Clinic researchers discover genetic markers for alcoholism recovery
Researchers have identified genetic markers that may help in identifying individuals who could benefit from acamprosate, a commonly prescribed drug used to aid patients in recovery from alcoholism. Patients carrying specific genetic variants stay sober longer during acamprosate treatment.
Radiation a risk factor for brain tumors in young people
A Loyola University Medical Center study has found radiation to be a risk factor for the development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor, in individuals under age 30. The study analyzed records of patients diagnosed with meningiomas before age 30 and found that five had been exposed to ionizing radiation earlier in their lives.
NASA's Aqua satellite sees Hurricane Vance headed for landfall in western Mexico
Hurricane Vance is forecast to make landfall in northwestern mainland Mexico on Nov. 5, bringing large amounts of rainfall, including totals of 4-8 inches with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 12 inches. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical depression over the next 24-36 hours before making landfall.
Ebola may be deadlier and more widespread than we think
A new analysis suggests the Ebola fatality rate is over 70%, far higher than the initial 50% estimate, with the total number of affected individuals potentially exceeding 1 million by early next year. The exponential growth of cases raises concerns about exporting the disease to other countries and sparking a global humanitarian crisis.
Study finds Google glasses may partially obstruct peripheral vision
A study found that Google glasses created partial peripheral vision obstruction in participants, inducing scotomas and impairing daily functions. The authors suggest additional research is needed to understand the effects of these devices on visual function.
Drinking and poor academics affect the future of children with behavioral disorders
A study of 4,644 men reveals that childhood behavioral conditions increase the likelihood of adult criminality. Heavy drinking and educational failure in adolescence contribute to this link, suggesting potential avenues for prevention.
Altered diagnosis has led to growth in autism
A Danish study found that changes in diagnostic criteria and registration systems account for most of the increase in autism cases since the 1990s. The study analyzed data from over 677,000 individuals born between 1980-1991.
Combination treatment for metastatic melanoma results in longer overall survival
A phase 2 clinical trial found that adding sargramostim to ipilimumab improved overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. The combination treatment also had lower toxicity compared to ipilimumab alone.
Medicare may need to expand options for behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care
A systematic review found that high-quality randomized controlled trials on behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care settings are limited, with only two studies identifying effective interventions producing an average weight loss of at least five percent. The review highlights the need for further research to evaluate the effe...
Syracuse geologist reveals correlation between earthquakes, landslides
A Syracuse University geologist has discovered a correlation between earthquakes and landslides in Peru, suggesting that earthquakes may be the primary trigger for landslide activity. By analyzing river sediment particles, he found that erosion rates from landslides have not changed in response to climatic changes.
Tell-tales of war: Traditional stories highlight how ancient women survived
Traditional stories from around the world reveal five 'fitness costs' of warfare for women, including being killed, captured, or having offspring killed. These stories suggest that ancestral women developed tactics to increase their survival chances, such as manipulating male behavior and using defensive strategies.
Brain changes linked to prematurity may explain risk of neurodevelopmental disorders
Researchers identified significant alterations in the thalamus and putamen of premature babies, which may lead to designing effective prevention strategies and early interventional treatments for cognitive disabilities. These findings suggest that brain structure and circuitry changes related to prematurity can affect important functio...
Report card on complementary therapies for breast cancer
The study found that meditation, yoga, and relaxation with imagery received an 'A' grade for easing anxiety and mood disorders common to breast cancer patients. Acupuncture was also recommended for controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Study shows benefits of being fat (but not too fat) for deep-diving elephant seals
Researchers discovered that elephant seals dive more efficiently with moderate body fat by changing their buoyancy. As they add fat stores during months-long migrations, the seals become neutrally buoyant, reducing energy costs and increasing time spent feeding at depth.
UC Riverside receives Grand Challenges Explorations grant
UC Riverside professors Eamonn Keogh and Sang-Hee Lee, along with Mindy Marks, are developing a cell phone-based game to encourage healthy behaviors. The team aims to use financial incentives to motivate participants in both the US and sub-Saharan Africa.
Undergraduate STEM Education Coalition releases sourcebook on achieving systemic reforms
The Undergraduate STEM Education Coalition has released a sourcebook offering practical advice on how to achieve widespread and sustained transformation in teaching in STEM disciplines. The publication highlights the need for institutional capacity-building and overcoming barriers to faculty adopting effective teaching practices.
ASMQ FDC proves safe and efficacious to treat children in Africa with malaria
The ASMQ FDC has shown non-inferior efficacy to AL FDC in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in children under 5 years old. No significant concerns of tolerability were observed with either treatment.
Less reward, more aversion when learning tricky tasks
A new study at Brown University reveals that conflict in learning tasks biases the brain to reduce the influence of reward and increase the influence of aversion to punishment. The researchers used EEG scans, genetic tests, and manipulation with a dopamine-related drug to gather evidence for this link. They found that people who learn ...
NEIKER fells pine trees to study their wind resistance
Researchers at NEIKER felled pine trees and attached sensors to measure the force exerted on them, recording the degree of tilt to determine the roots' resistance and trunk strength. The study aims to provide forestry experts with tools to manage woodlands better and mitigate wind damage risks.
How important is long-distance travel in the spread of epidemics?
A simple computer model of disease spread reveals that low-long distance jump events slow the spread, while high events lead to rapid spread like with SARS. The study's findings will help epidemiologists understand complex models and also apply to other phenomena such as cancer metastases and rumors.
Populations of common birds across europe are declining
Common bird species across Europe are experiencing significant declines in population, with many providing essential services for humans such as pest control and seed dispersal. The study's findings highlight the critical importance of birds in maintaining ecosystem balance and human health.
Oregon research team scores with 'The Concussion Playbook'
The Brain 101 website, developed by Oregon researchers, increased knowledge and attitudes about concussions among students and parents in a study of 12 high schools. The tool, accessible online for free, includes educational resources for coaches, educators, teens, and parents.
Asthma patients reduce symptoms and improve lung function with shallow breaths, more CO2
Researchers found that asthma patients who practiced shallower breaths and paired it with biofeedback significantly reduced their symptoms and improved lung function. The study also showed that this method can lead to better long-term lung health and reduced dependence on emergency medication.
Breastfeeding: Shame if you do, shame if you don't
A new study reveals breastfeeding mothers experience shame due to exposure, while those who don't breastfeed face judgment and condemnation for perceived failures. The study emphasizes individualized support and addressing cultural constraints associated with infant feeding.
Hermit thrush or humans: Who sets the tone?
Researchers analyzed hermit thrush songs and found notes related by simple integer proportions, similar to human musical scales. The study suggests that hermit thrushes actively select pitches following the harmonic series, possibly due to easier memory or evaluation by females.
Jet-fueled electricity at room temperature
Researchers have successfully developed a room-temperature fuel cell that uses jet fuel and enzymes to produce electricity. The new cells can be used to power portable electronics, off-grid power, and sensors. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy solutions.
High-speed 'label-free' imaging could reveal dangerous plaques
Researchers have developed a high-speed imaging technology that can take precise three-dimensional images of plaques lining arteries and identify deposits likely to rupture and cause heart attacks. The system uses a fast-pulsing laser to generate ultrasound signals without damaging tissues.
Study shows tectonic plates not rigid, deform horizontally in cooling process
A new study published in the journal Geology challenges traditional views on tectonics by showing that Pacific plate deforms and contracts horizontally due to cooling. The research suggests a significant shortening of the oceanic plates, which can lead to intraplate earthquakes.
Rice chemists gain edge in next-gen energy
Rice chemists create a nanoporous film of molybdenum disulfide for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction and energy storage, with potential applications in fuel cells and supercapacitors.
NASA's SDO sees a mid-level solar flare: Nov. 3
A mid-level solar flare was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on November 3, 2014, peaking at an M6.5 classification. This event is significant because it can disturb the atmosphere in layers where GPS and communications signals travel.
Granger causality test can make epilepsy surgery more effective
Researchers at Georgia State University used the Granger causality test to analyze brain signals and locate seizure sources, improving surgical outcomes for patients. The study found that the test can detect seizures up to 10 seconds earlier than previous methods, leading to a higher cure rate.