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Science News Archive April 2014 - Page 18


Page 18 of 32

Website information on colon cancer too complex, fails to address key concerns

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that popular web information on colorectal cancer screening materials are written beyond the recommended sixth-grade reading level and fail to address key risks and barriers. Only half of the sites discussed colorectal cancer risk in the general population, while only a quarter specifical...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateApr 14, 2014

Plague alters cell death to kill host

Scientists have discovered how Yersinia pestis alters cell death pathways to kill host cells and cause pneumonic plague. The study reveals that the bacterium destroys Fas ligand, a molecule that stimulates apoptosis, allowing it to overwhelm the lungs and kill its host.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 14, 2014

Bizarre parasite may provide cuttlefish clues

Researchers have discovered 10 new parasite species in Australian cuttlefish, revealing complex life cycles and infection patterns. The parasites' ability to reinfect hosts independently suggests a high degree of specificity, making them potential biological tags for assessing population structures.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFolia Parasitologica·DateApr 14, 2014

Nano shake-up

University of Delaware researchers show that routine procedures in handling and processing nanocarrier solutions can alter their size and shape, affecting targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. The study's findings have significant implications for the production, storage, and use of nano-based drug delivery systems.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2014

Piezotronics and piezo-phototronics leading to unprecedented active electronics and optoelectronics

Piezotronics harnesses mechanically-induced polarization to modulate charge carriers, leading to novel device applications and unparalleled performance. This technology has given rise to strain-gated piezotronic transistors, logic nanodevices and strain memory devices, enhancing sensing capabilities and enabling 3D structuring.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 14, 2014

Let the sun shine in: Redirecting sunlight to urban alleyways

Researchers developed a corrugated, translucent panel that redirects sunlight onto narrow streets and alleyways, increasing illumination by 200 percent in autumn and winter. The panel is designed to provide natural light for everyday tasks and improve mental health, and its cost is estimated between $70 and $100 per square meter.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 14, 2014

Beam on target!

The CEBAF accelerator successfully delivered its first data of the 12 GeV era, achieving 6.11 GeV electrons at 2 nanoAmps average current for over an hour. The milestone marks a major step in the commissioning process and demonstrates the ability to deliver high-energy beams beyond the original operational energy.

Lashing out at your spouse? Check your blood sugar

A new study found that lower levels of blood glucose in married individuals predict increased anger and aggression towards their spouse. Participants who had lower evening blood glucose levels were willing to deliver louder and longer noise blasts at their spouse, even after controlling for relationship satisfaction.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2014

A stable model for an unstable target

Singlet oxygen modifies target molecules through precise location and monitoring its effects on HCN channels in open and closed states. The findings introduce a method for further exploration of singlet oxygen's role in biological processes, including memory, heart rate, pain sensation, and cancer development.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateApr 14, 2014

'Problem wells' source of greenhouse gas at unexpected stage of natural gas production

Researchers used airborne laboratory to measure methane gas above shale gas wells during drilling phase, finding high-emitting wells contributing large portion of total emissions. This discovery could lead to development new methods inventory methane emissions and better define environmental impacts of shale gas development.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2014

Pharmacists can significantly improve blood pressure, cholesterol in stroke patients

A randomized controlled trial found that pharmacists significantly improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels in stroke patients, with a 43% absolute improvement compared to the control group. Pharmacists' active medication adjustment contributed to this effect, despite already taking antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 14, 2014

Boston-area researchers develop new delirium severity measure for older adults

Researchers developed a new scoring system, CAM-S, to measure delirium severity in older adults, which is associated with hospital mortality rates of up to 33% and estimated annual healthcare costs of over $182 billion. The study found that length of hospital stay increases with delirium severity, as well as mean hospital costs.