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Science News for February 10, 2014


New pain target for bacterial infections

Researchers discovered that bacterial LPS components directly activate pain sensors, triggering immediate pain and inflammatory responses. This finding reveals a new target for drugs designed to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2014

Obesity, type 2 diabetes epidemics spreading to developing world as more own TVs, computer

An international study found a strong association between household device ownership and increased rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in lower and middle income countries. The prevalence of these conditions rose with the number of devices owned, highlighting the need for health interventions to mitigate the effects of modernization.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 10, 2014

When you always gotta go...

The FINNO Study found that women are more likely to suffer from incontinence, while men experience problems with slow or incomplete urination. The study also identified post-micturition dribble as the most common cause of bother among men.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEuropean Urology·DateFeb 10, 2014

New therapy for personality disorders proven more effective than other major treatments

A large-scale randomized control trial shows Schema Therapy to be significantly more effective than Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy and treatment as usual in treating a range of personality disorders. The therapy resulted in higher recovery rates, greater declines in depression, and lower dropout rates.

SourceInternational Society of Schema Therapy·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2014

Fish living near the equator will not thrive in the warmer oceans of the future

A recent study found that six common species of fish near the equator are unable to survive in warmer waters, with some species experiencing a narrow temperature range. This suggests that climate change poses a significant threat to these fish populations, which could have devastating consequences for human societies reliant on them.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 10, 2014

Sometimes the average just isn't good enough

Researchers used computer simulation to analyze X-ray crystallographic data and found that current software programs underestimate the level of dynamics in proteins. This could lead to more accurate pictures of protein structures and improved development of medicines.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2014

Flat-pack lens boosts solar power

Micro-machining enables the creation of almost flat Fresnel lenses that significantly increase solar panel efficiency. The new design allows for a more precise focus of incident light, resulting in a four-fold increase in peak power compared to traditional panels.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Precision Technology·DateFeb 10, 2014

Measuring wind turbines remotely

Researchers have developed a technological system to measure wind turbine oscillations from a distance of several hundred meters. The system uses a laser that automatically tracks the motion of rotor blades, collecting data on precise positions and building a model of rotary motion.

Massive neutrinos solve a cosmological conundrum

Scientists have combined Planck spacecraft and gravitational lensing observations to accurately measure the mass of ghostly sub-atomic particles called neutrinos for the first time. The team finds that massive neutrinos can explain the discrepancies between cosmological results and observations of large-scale structures in the Universe.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 10, 2014

Research reveals the give and take of urban temperature mitigating technologies

Researchers assessed the effectiveness of cool roofs, green roofs, and their hybrids in reducing urban temperatures. The study found that while these technologies can counteract temperature increases, they also have significant seasonal and geographical variations, highlighting the need for tailored planning and design choices.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

Report calls for abolition of fixed retirement age

The report recommends abolishing the default retirement age worldwide, allowing people to choose their own retirement dates and promoting a more sustainable pension system. The authors suggest that older workers can contribute to society for longer periods, leading to increased productivity and reduced pressure on public finances.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPersonnel Review·DateFeb 10, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 10, 2014

In this study, researchers identified a unique regulatory T cell population in human skin that plays a crucial role in dampening the immune response against self-antigens. However, in inflamed skin, such as in psoriasis, this population is dysfunctional and fails to suppress autoimmunity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 10, 2014

Brain researchers discover how Galileo's visual illusion works in the mind's eye

Brain researchers discovered how Galileo's visual illusion works in the mind's eye, revealing that it occurs due to non-linear and exaggerated responses to light stimuli. This effect is responsible for various phenomena, such as why certain objects appear larger or smaller based on their dark parts in bright daylight.

SourceState University of New York College of Optometry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

No strength in numbers

A new study confirms that big-city legislation is passed at lower rates than smaller bills, citing infighting within city delegations as the primary cause. Despite larger representation, urban areas struggle to pass legislation due to internal divisions and party politics.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 10, 2014

Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces PTSD in African refugees within 10 days

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that Congolese refugees who practiced Transcendental Meditation experienced a significant reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after just 10 days. Their PTSD test scores dropped to an average of 48, indicating nearly no symptoms of PTSD.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateFeb 10, 2014

Researchers discover immune signature that predicts poor outcome in influenza patients

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an immune signature that predicts poor flu outcomes in patients, who are more likely to develop severe symptoms and suffer from complications. The findings also explain why infants and toddlers are at elevated risk for flu-related issues.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2014

Is height important in matters of the heart? New study says yes

A new study from Rice University and the University of North Texas suggests that physical similarity is not the dominant rule in human mating when it comes to height preferences. Women prefer taller partners mostly for protection and femininity, while men prefer shorter women but not extremely short ones for intimacy purposes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateFeb 10, 2014

Researchers build nonflammable lithium ion battery

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill have identified a nonflammable alternative to the inherently flammable electrolyte used in current lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for safer and more efficient electric vehicles. The new material, PFPE, exhibits unique properties that make it an ideal replacement, with potential applications in aeros...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

New live-cell printing technology works like ancient Chinese woodblocking

Researchers have developed a new live-cell printing technology called BloC-Printing that can print living cells onto any surface in a grid-like formation. The technology, which manipulates microfluidic physics to guide cells into hook-like traps, produces high survival rates of over 100% compared to traditional inkjet printing.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2014

Obese children more likely to have complex elbow fractures and further complications

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese children are at a higher risk of developing complex elbow fractures and experiencing postoperative complications. The study, which included over 350 patients aged 2-11, highlights the importance of early exercise and bone strengthening to prevent such issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 10, 2014

Penn's innovative community health worker model improves outcomes for high-risk patients

The IMPaCT model, which employs trained lay Community Health Workers (CHWs), has been shown to improve patient experiences and health outcomes. The intervention group had a 52% greater chance of seeing a primary care physician within two weeks after discharge and reported better communication with healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2014