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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 9


Page 9 of 28

Big-data analysis reveals gene sharing in mice

Researchers detected three instances of cross-species mating that influenced the evolutionary paths of old world mice, suggesting hybridization may not be an evolutionary dead end. The study found shared genetic code between two species of mice from Europe and Africa, with implications for human genetics and health.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2014

Combining social media and behavioral psychology could lead to more HIV testing

A new study from UCLA found that combining social media with behavioral psychology increased HIV testing rates among men who have sex with men in Peru. The Harnessing Online Peer Education intervention was more effective than traditional care through social media, suggesting a valuable tool in the fight against HIV.

Scientists trace nanoparticles from plants to caterpillars

A Rice University study examines how nanoparticles move through the food chain, tracing uptake and accumulation in plant roots, leaves, and caterpillars. The research found significant variation in nanoparticle accumulation rates based on surface coating types, with negatively charged particles avoiding clumping altogether.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 16, 2014

Kent State professor publishes exact solution to model Big Bang and quark gluon plasma

A team of researchers led by Kent State professor Michael Strickland has developed an exact solution to a complex physics equation, enabling more accurate modeling of the universe's earliest moments and high-energy particle collisions. The breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields like galactic structure, supernovae, and he...

SourceKent State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 16, 2014

New research unlocks a mystery of albinism

Scientists have discovered that a genetic mutation associated with type 2 oculocutaneous albinism blocks ion channels in melanosomes, leading to a lack of melanin production. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying albinism and may inspire new treatment ideas.

The sense of smell uses fast dynamics to encode odors

Researchers use light to control neurons in genetically-engineered mice, allowing for precise detection of odor dynamics. Mice demonstrate ability to discriminate between dynamic activities, suggesting neural population dynamics play a crucial role in the sense of smell.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 16, 2014

When you lose weight, where does the fat go?

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that losing 10 kilograms of fat requires 29 kilograms of oxygen to be inhaled, producing 28 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 11 kilograms of water. Most doctors, dieticians, and personal trainers incorrectly believe that the missing mass is converted into energy or heat.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

Bacterial 'bunches' linked to some colorectal cancers

A small study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that dense bacterial mats called biofilms are present in the majority of colorectal cancers and polyps, particularly on the right side of the colon. The presence of these bacterial bunches may increase cancer risk and form the basis of new diagnostic tests.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2014

Severely mentally ill criminals: Who goes to prison and who goes to psych institutions?

Researchers found higher levels of education among those declared not criminally responsible for a crime and hospitalized. Additionally, incarcerated individuals with severe mental disorders had a greater history of suicide attempts and psychopathic traits, emphasizing the need for shared care models between legal and healthcare systems.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing·DateDec 16, 2014

Cracking the code of brain development

Using state-of-the-art sequencing technology, researchers identified thousands of differences in gene expression across six life stages and found that genes containing these regions were crucial to the maturation process of neurons during fetal development. The study's findings suggest a 'signature' found in cells from the earliest sta...

SourceLieber Institute for Brain Development·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 16, 2014

Ocean acidification a culprit in commercial shellfish hatcheries' failures

A new study found that Pacific oyster and Mediterranean mussel larvae are sensitive to the saturation state of seawater, which is lowered by increasing CO2 levels. The threshold for danger will be crossed decades to centuries ahead of when CO2 increases alone would pose a threat. Shellfish hatcheries alter water chemistry to create mor...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 16, 2014

New technology advances eye tracking as biomarker for brain function and brain injury

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed new technology that tracks eye movements to assess brain injuries, offering a potential biological marker for brain function and recovery. The study found abnormal eye movement ratios in patients with nerve damage or swelling in the brain, which were restored after surgery.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateDec 16, 2014

New technology directly reprograms skin fibroblasts for a new role

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to directly reprogram skin fibroblasts into functional melanocytes, the body's pigment-producing cells. This technique has significant implications for developing new cell-based treatments for skin diseases and screening strategies for melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2014

Is a Nintendo a safe Christmas present?

A team of Dutch researchers analyzed reported cases of Nintendo-related injuries and found a range of problems including seizures, incontinence, and tendonitis. Most issues are mild, but playing for extended periods or without breaks can lead to more severe health consequences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

Study recommends GPs should be more open when referring patients for cancer investigations

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that GPs often do not refer patients for cancer investigations due to concerns about raising patient anxiety. Researchers suggest that GPs should consider discussing cancer possibilities with more openness and involve patients in the decision-making process.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateDec 16, 2014