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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 11


Page 11 of 28

Potential new tool for cervical cancer detection and diagnosis

A team of researchers from Central South University in China have demonstrated that photoacoustic imaging can distinguish cancerous from normal tissue and evaluate the stage of cervical cancer with high accuracy. This technique is non-invasive, faster, cheaper, and more effective than conventional methods like colposcopy.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateDec 15, 2014

Evidence of Viking/Norse metalworking in Arctic Canada

Researchers have found evidence of Viking/Norse metalworking in Arctic Canada, dating back to the 11th century. The discovery includes a stone crucible with fragments of bronze and glass, which suggests that Indigenous peoples did not practice high-temperature metalworking.

SourceWiley·JournalGeoarchaeology·DateDec 15, 2014

Research links soil mineral surfaces to key atmospheric processes

Research by Indiana University scientists reveals that soil mineral surfaces determine nitrous acid release into the atmosphere, playing a pivotal role in smog formation and greenhouse gas lifetime. This finding could contribute to improved models for understanding and controlling air pollution, a significant public health concern.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Signaling mechanism could be target for survival, growth of tumor cells in brain cancer

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have identified a cell signaling mechanism that plays a crucial role in brain cancer growth and may provide a new therapeutic target. Non-canonical epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is highly active in glioblastomas, making tumor cells more resistant to chemotherapy treatment.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2014

Microbial 'signature' for sexual crimes

Researchers found that pubic hairs harbor distinct microbial communities, which can distinguish between males, females, and individual people. These findings suggest that microbial 'signatures' from pubic hairs could be used as a new way to link offenders to victims in sexual assault cases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInvestigative Genetics·DateDec 15, 2014

Hazy road to Mecca

During the annual hajj pilgrimage, scientists detected high levels of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and benzene, in Mecca. The exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of heart failure, headaches, and other serious health issues, highlighting the need for improved regulations and reduced emissions.

Stunning zinc fireworks when egg meets sperm

A Northwestern University-led team uses cutting-edge technology to capture images of zinc sparks in egg cells, revealing a crucial role for zinc in regulating biochemical processes. The study's findings could improve in vitro fertilization methods by identifying high-quality fertilized eggs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2014

Tobacco cessation outreach to disadvantaged smokers

Researchers identify a proactive approach to help low-SES smokers quit smoking, with telephone-based motivational counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy increasing quit rates. The study found that community resources, such as physical activity and job counseling referrals, were crucial in promoting tobacco cessation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2014

Making sense through order

A study by Ting Qian and Richard Aslin shows that our brains are wired to detect patterns in data, even if they don't lead to correct conclusions. This tendency is built into cognitive processes, providing information on possibilities that might not have been considered otherwise.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Edmontosaurus regalis and the Danek Bonebed featured in special issue of CJES

This special issue of the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences presents new research on the systematics, biogeography, and palaeoecology of the Danek Bonebed, a rich source of Edmontosaurus specimens. The bonebed has produced over 800 catalogued specimens, contributing to our understanding of Late Cretaceous dinosaur communities.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Shame on us

Thomas Scheff's research aims to define basic emotions, particularly shame, using historical and linguistic analysis. He identifies two types of shame: overt and bypassed, which are often hidden or misnamed in modern societies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalQualitative Inquiry·DateDec 15, 2014

Occasional heroin use may worsen HIV infection

Research suggests that occasional heroin use among HIV-positive patients can lead to lower CD4 cell counts, indicating a weakened immune system. This preliminary study found that intermittent heroin users had lower CD4 counts compared to those who consistently abused the drug.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateDec 15, 2014

Switching to vehicles powered by electricity from renewables could save lives

A new study finds that driving electric vehicles powered by renewable energy can reduce air pollution-related deaths by up to 70%. The research also shows that switching to natural gas-powered electricity or vehicles yields significant health benefits. In contrast, vehicles running on corn ethanol or coal-based electricity would increa...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Non-gluten proteins identified as targets of immune response to wheat in celiac disease

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that the immune systems of patients with celiac disease react to specific types of non-gluten protein in wheat. A group of molecules known as serpins, along with four other types of wheat protein, are identified as novel non-gluten immunogenic proteins.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateDec 15, 2014

Long noncoding RNAs: A novel prognostic marker in older patients with acute leukemia

Researchers at Ohio State University found that patterns of molecules called long noncoding RNAs can predict response to chemotherapy and overall survival in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The study identified a group of 48 lncRNAs associated with survival, allowing for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Seeing the forest for the trees

A 50-year study on Australia's protected rainforests has found that the earliest life stages of individual trees are more critical to the overall diversity of the forest than later stages. The research, conducted by LSU ecologist Kyle Harms and his collaborators, used a dataset from Joseph Connell's long-term ecological research study.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Rekindling marriage after combat deployment

A new study offers tailored approaches to help spouses reintegrate and rebuild their relationship after a partner's combat deployment. Strategies include emotional acceptance, effective communication, and maintaining trust.

SourceWiley·JournalResearch in Nursing & Health·DateDec 15, 2014

CCNY psychologist links burnout and depression

A study by City College of New York psychology Professor Irvin Schonfeld found a strong connection between burnout and depression in school teachers. 90% of the subjects identified as burned out met diagnostic criteria for depression, highlighting the overlap between the two conditions.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalInternational Journal of Stress Management·DateDec 15, 2014

Past global warming similar to today's

Researchers found that ancient global warming resembled modern climate shift, involving two pulses of carbon emissions. The Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum, which occurred 56 million years ago, showed similar rates of carbon release to human fossil-fuel emissions today.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 15, 2014