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Science News for February 21, 2014


Fruit-loving lemurs score higher on spatial memory tests

A study by researchers at Duke University found that fruit-eating lemur species excel in spatial memory tests, demonstrating a strong link between diet and cognitive abilities. The findings suggest that lemurs with diets rich in fruits, which are seasonally available and often hard to access, develop superior spatial memory skills.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateFeb 21, 2014

Promising cervical cancer study

A multi-site research project led by Dr. Bradley J. Monk found that women with advanced cervical cancer live an average of 17 months longer when combined with bevacizumab and chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. The study reveals a significant improvement in treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic cervical cancer.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2014

Optimizing custody is child's play for physicists

Researchers used physical models to tackle the challenge of finding a suitable weekend for both parents in a recomposed family to see all their children at the same time. They found that minimizing energy in a material model is equivalent to maximizing parent-child time, and developed an algorithm to achieve this.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 21, 2014

Degradation of viral DNA in the cell nucleus is opening up new treatment

Scientists have discovered a way to selectively degrade viral DNA in the cell nucleus of infected liver cells, opening up new treatment options for hepatitis B. This breakthrough may allow for the development of a treatment that can heal hepatitis B without damaging the host cell.

Early warning system for epidemics

A new software architecture developed by Fraunhofer IOSB enables the visualization of complex relationships between environmental factors and health data on risk maps, leading to a better understanding of cholera epidemic processes. This allows for faster and more effective response measures.

Selenium and vitamin E supplementation over recommended dietary intake may raise PC risk

A new study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that high-dose selenium supplementation increased the risk of high-grade prostate cancer among older men with high baseline toenail selenium concentrations. Vitamin E supplementation also raised PC risk, especially among men with low baseline selenium levels.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 21, 2014

Will plug-in cars crash the electric grid?

A team of University of Vermont scientists has developed a novel solution to manage the growing fleet of plug-in electric cars, allowing them to charge in smaller chunks and distribute demand over time. The approach uses smart meters and computer algorithms to smooth out supply and demand, protecting grid overload.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·DateFeb 21, 2014