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Science News for February 26, 2014


Attitude during pregnancy affects weight gain

Overweight pregnant women who believe they are 'eating for two' tend to experience excessive weight gain, while those with a goal-oriented approach and healthy habits gain appropriate weight. Monitoring weight gain during pregnancy can help prevent future complications and obesity.

SourcePenn State·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateFeb 26, 2014

Impact on mummy skull suggests murder

The study found evidence of severe Chagas disease and suggests that the young Incan girl may have been victim of ritual homicide. The analysis of her mummy revealed massive skull and face trauma, indicating a pre-mortem injury, which is similar to previously described South American mummies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014

Harvested rainwater harbors pathogens

A study found that harvested rainwater frequently contains pathogens like Legionella, Klebsiella, and Yersinia, posing a significant public health hazard, especially for vulnerable populations. The research highlights the need for pretreatment of rainwater before consumption or use in households.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 26, 2014

A cavity that you want

A team of researchers from the University at Buffalo and two Chinese universities has developed an optical nanocavity that boosts the amount of light ultrathin semiconductors absorb. The advancement could lead to more powerful photovoltaic cells, faster video cameras, and potentially aid in developing hydrogen fuel.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 26, 2014

Nanoscale freezing leads to better imaging

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a hard X-ray fluorescence nanoprobe that preserves the natural state of cells and trace elements by rapidly cooling them to -260°F. This enables the creation of high-resolution images with unprecedented detail, solving long-standing issues in biological imaging.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateFeb 26, 2014

Study shows why breastfed babies are so smart

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers reveals that breastfed babies perform better in school due to their mother's sensitivity to emotional cues and reading habits. The study found that these parenting skills can yield significant improvements in brain development by age 4.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 26, 2014

Waterbirds' hunt aided by specialized tail

Researchers found that waterbirds using different foraging strategies have evolved distinct tail shapes. Underwater foragers, such as cormorants and penguins, developed elongated tails with specialized vertebrae structures, while aerial birds had shorter, deflected tails.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014

Research: Fructose not responsible for increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that fructose is not responsible for the increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study suggests that excess calorie consumption, regardless of source, contributes to the development of the disease. Dr. John Sievenpiper, lead author of the study, em...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 26, 2014

Sunburns strike twice

Researchers discovered that sunburns contribute to melanoma development through inflammatory processes in surrounding tissue. Melanoma cells migrate along blood vessels in inflamed skin, with activated neutrophils playing a key role in metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

Can a simple handshake predict cancer survival rates?

A new study published in Supportive Care in Cancer has linked handgrip strength to survival rates among patients with advanced-stage cancers. The test measures peak grip strength using a simple device called a dynamometer, providing a direct assessment of body strength and helping doctors determine interventions needed.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·DateFeb 26, 2014

Febrile illnesses in children most often due to viral infections

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that viral infections are the primary cause of febrile illnesses in Tanzanian children. In most cases, no treatment with antimalarials or antibiotics is required. This finding has significant implications for improving the rational use of antimicrobials and reducing c...

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2014

Taming hurricanes

Research by the University of Delaware and Stanford University shows that offshore wind turbines can buffer damage to coastal cities during hurricanes. The study found that large wind farms with tens of thousands of turbines can slow down hurricane winds, reduce wave heights, and decrease storm surge.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 26, 2014

Research maze puts images on floor, where rodents look

Rodents learn visual tasks in a fourth to sixth the number of trials when stimuli are projected onto the floor, outperforming traditional wall projections. Automated visual cognitive research tasks with neural activity recording and brain stimulation can be performed efficiently.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 26, 2014

MSU advances algae's viability as a biofuel

Michigan State University scientists develop a standardized algae growing platform that simulates dynamic natural environments to cultivate strains capable of producing oil in real-world settings. The ePBR system has inspired the launch of a spinoff company and shows promise for scalable algae biofuel production.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAlgal Research·DateFeb 26, 2014

Second-most common breast cancer subtype may benefit from personalized treatment approach

A recent study found that patients with invasive lobular carcinoma receive less benefit from standard adjuvant therapies compared to those with ductal carcinoma. The research indicates a potential target for drug therapy in future clinical trials, which could lead to more effective treatment options for this subtype of breast cancer.

Tree branch filters water

Researchers found that pine tree sapwood can filter out more than 99% of E. coli bacteria from contaminated water, but has a particle size limit. The small-branch filtration system produced clean drinking water suitable for one person per day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014

Humans have a poor memory for sound

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that humans tend to forget sounds they hear, rather than visual or tactile information. The study suggests that our brain may use separate pathways to process auditory information, and that alternative strategies like increased mental repetition may be needed to improve memory.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 26, 2014

Over-80s often over-treated for stroke prevention

A recent study suggests that people in their 80s are often prescribed stroke-prevention medications despite low risk, leading to unnecessary side effects. Doctors must rethink common prescribing patterns to prioritize patient well-being over prevention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 26, 2014

Reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence prevalent

A recent study found that reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence are prevalent among women in this demographic. The study's results suggest that healthcare providers should address reproductive coercion with their patients, tailoring family planning discussions and recommendations accordingly.

SourceCare New England·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 26, 2014