Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 14, 2014


Reduced testosterone tied to endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure

A new study found an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels in various populations, including boys ages 6-12 and men and women ages 40-60. Increased phthalate concentrations were associated with a decline in testosterone levels, potentially impacting reproductive development and sexual function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2014

The Lancet: European Society of Cardiology Congress media alert

Research highlights the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of predicted baseline risk equations. Additionally, studies investigate the use of bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention and implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring for heart ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 14, 2014

PTSD can develop even without memory of the trauma

Researchers found that rats with no explicit memory of an early childhood trauma developed PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-articulated brain processes in distress. This study challenges traditional views on PTSD treatment by emphasizing the role of physiologic arousal and other forms of learning.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 14, 2014

Dynamic culture of a thermosensitive collagen hydrogel improves tissue-engineered peripheral nerve

A thermosensitive collagen hydrogel was used as an extracellular matrix to construct tissue-engineered peripheral nerve composites in vitro. The results showed that seeded cells maintained larger numbers and were well-distributed throughout the material, improving the construction of tissue-engineered peripheral nerves.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Potential drug therapy for kidney stones identified in mouse study

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, that can dissolve kidney stones by reducing calcium and magnesium levels in the urine. The study shows promising results using small doses of two specific drugs, Vorinostat and trichostatin A.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 14, 2014

Laser makes microscopes way cooler

Researchers at Australian National University developed a technique to cool nanowire probes with lasers, increasing their sensitivity 20 times and enabling detection of tiny forces. This could improve the resolution of atomic force microscopes, measuring nanoscopic structures and molecular interactions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014

People fake to look authentic on social media

Researchers at Aalto University found that users fake parts of their online image to be accepted by others. Despite this, sharing authentic content is often hindered by a fear of being perceived as excessive or attention-seeking. This paradox highlights the complexities of presenting an authentic image on social network sites.

SourceAalto University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateAug 14, 2014

RNA-targeted drug candidate for Lou Gehrig's disease found

Researchers have identified a small molecule capable of interrupting the disease process in cells carrying the C9ORF72 gene, a variant associated with ALS and FTD. The compound selectively targets abnormal RNA molecules, reducing their accumulation and potentially serving as a biomarker for clinical trials.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 14, 2014

Fukushima's legacy

Studies on Fukushima radiation impact birds, monkeys, butterflies, and plants with population declines, genetic damage, and stress responses observed. Chronic low-dose radiation exposure results in genetic damage and mutation rates in reproductive cells.

SourceAmerican Genetic Association·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateAug 14, 2014

Hoopoes' eggs show their true colors

Researchers found that hoopoes' eggs change from bluish-grey to greenish-brown when exposed to preen gland secretion, which contains antimicrobial properties. This color change may serve as a signal about the mother bird's breeding quality.

Gender disparities uncovered in desire to receive living donor kidney transplants

A recent study found that black women are less likely to want to receive kidney transplants from living donors, despite receiving more unsolicited offers from family and friends. Women were also less likely to be evaluated for a transplant, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to alleviate existing disparities.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 14, 2014

CF mucus defect present at birth

Research by University of Iowa scientists reveals that cystic fibrosis causes a primary defect in mucociliary transport, resulting in impaired detachment of mucus from airway glands. This leads to airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, and increased susceptibility to lung infection.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

New non-invasive technique controls size of molecules penetrating the blood-brain barrier

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new non-invasive technique using acoustic pressure to control the size of molecules penetrating the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough may help improve localized brain drug delivery for treatment of central nervous system diseases like Par...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateAug 14, 2014

Scripps Research Institute chemists uncover powerful new click chemistry reactivity

Researchers have developed a powerful new reactivity called SuFEx that enables the creation of stable, non-polar linkers for making drugs, diagnostics, and smart materials. The breakthrough opens up vast numbers of new molecules for production, with potential applications in fields such as drug discovery, biology, and materials science.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 14, 2014

New analysis links tree height to climate

Researchers link tree height to climate conditions, finding hydraulic limitation constrains maximum tree height under drier conditions, while resource allocation constrains it in moist areas. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Thomas Givnish, examined Eucalyptus species in Victoria state, Australia.

Memories of errors foster faster learning

Scientists discovered that people learn new motor tasks faster when they recall the errors made during the first attempt. The brain uses this information to fine-tune its performance and adapt to future similar tasks. This study sheds light on how our brains learn from mistakes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014

Predicting fracking policy

A new study presents a formal model to predict how countries will regulate hydraulic fracturing, helping companies assess risks and benefits. The model uses multi-criteria decision analysis to aggregate various inputs into a ranked list of policy alternatives.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·DateAug 14, 2014

Mass layoffs linked to increased teen suicide attempts

A new study from Duke University found that mass layoffs can trigger increased suicide attempts and behaviors among teenagers, particularly girls and black adolescents. The research, based on a nationally representative survey of 403,457 adolescents, suggests that economic hardship worsens existing tendencies in girls.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 14, 2014