Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 3, 2014


JCI early table of contents for Feb. 3, 2014

Researchers found that methylation patterns in acute myeloid leukemia patient samples were prognostic for overall survival. A novel biomarker for lysosomal storage disorders was also identified by correlating relative acidic compartment volumes with clinical severity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Feb. 4, 2014

The American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released an updated adult immunization schedule for 2014. Key changes include the removal of health care worker vaccination as an indication and updated recommendations for certain adults at increased risk for Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) i...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2014

Quasi-particle swap between graphene layers

Belgian scientists applied a particle physics analogy to describe exciton behaviour in two graphene layers, mimicking parallel worlds. The approach reveals swapping effects between layers under specific electromagnetic conditions, similar to brane theory predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 3, 2014

Symptoms of depression causally linked to risk of coronary heart disease in UK

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a causal link between depression symptoms and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, no such association was found with stroke risk. The Whitehall II study, which followed over 10,000 civil servants in the UK for 20 years, suggests that r...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateFeb 3, 2014

Diamond film possible without the pressure

Scientists at Rice University and Russia have calculated a road map for creating ultra-thin diamond films without high pressure. The 'phase diagram' outlines conditions necessary to turn stacked graphene sheets into flawless diamond lattices, with potential applications in nanocapacitors, electronics, and nano-optics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 3, 2014

How smartphones help find avalanche victims

Researchers have developed a smartphone-based system that can locate buried avalanche victims using satellite navigation, promising faster and more precise rescue operations. The Galileo-LawinenFon system uses the combined signals of GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite systems to pinpoint accident victims in seconds.

Hormone in crab eyes makes it possible for females to mate and care for their young

Scientists discovered a female-specific hormone in blue crab eyestalks that regulates development of reproductive structures for mating and childcare. This hormone is required for maternal care and triggers development of special receptacles to store sperm, as well as hair-like structures to hold fertilized eggs.

Mosquito sperm have 'sense of smell'

Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that mosquito sperm contain a suite of specialized chemical sensors called odorant receptors, which drive the rapid increase in movement. These findings suggest a new paradigm for regulating insect reproduction and could provide a powerful approach for controlling insect populations.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2014

Is high blood pressure the new HIV epidemic?

A group of experts warn that high blood pressure could be as devastating to global health as HIV, with potentially more deaths over the next 20 years. Despite similarities between the two conditions, there is 'denial' and misunderstanding about hypertension's impact, hindering effective treatment and management.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 3, 2014

Chemical stem cell signature predicts treatment response for acute myeloid leukemia

A study by Einstein researchers identified a chemical 'signature' in blood-forming stem cells that predicts which AML patients will respond to chemotherapy. The findings, based on nearly 700 patient data, could help physicians identify patients who would benefit from standard treatment and spare them debilitating side effects.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2014

Blue light may fight fatigue around the clock

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that blue light exposure improves alertness and performance during the day and night, reducing fatigue. The study used specialized equipment to compare the effects of blue and green light on 16 participants, showing significant improvements in alertness and reaction times.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalSLEEP·DateFeb 3, 2014

New scientific field looks at the big picture

The new field of macrosystems ecology is being touted as a solution to tackle environmental problems such as climate change and invasive species. By integrating biology with other fields and using vast amounts of data, ecologists can study complex systems at broad scales.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 3, 2014

Simple, at-home test will detect most colorectal cancers

A new evidence review finds that fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) detect about 79% of colorectal cancers and correctly identify 94% of patients without cancer. The test is simple, can be done at home, and can save lives, making it a great tool for assessing which patients have cancer and which do not.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2014

Women with schizophrenia at higher risk of pregnancy and delivery complications: Study

A landmark study by researchers found that women with schizophrenia are nearly twice as likely to experience pre-eclampsia, pre-term birth, and other serious pregnancy and delivery complications. The study also revealed high birth weights, increased rates of hypertension and thromboembolic disease in pregnant women with schizophrenia.

SourceWomen's College Hospital·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateFeb 3, 2014

Your brain is fine-tuning its wiring throughout your life

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry investigates the relationship between age and neurocognitive performance in 296 healthy volunteers. The researchers found that white matter tracts developed during adolescence and young adulthood are associated with learning, memory, and planning abilities.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2014

Discovery aids in fight against antifungal drug resistance

Researchers have determined the complex structure of a key cell membrane protein involved in sterol metabolism and resistance in a yeast model. The study's findings provide new insights into mechanisms underlying fungal resistance to triazole drugs, which can help develop new broad-spectrum drugs with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2014

High long-term survival of most common pediatric brain tumor, less when radiation was used

A large-scale study found that almost 90 percent of children with low-grade gliomas are alive 20 years after treatment, with a significant difference in survival rates between those who received and did not receive radiation. The study highlights the importance of reducing long-term toxicity risk when treating these tumors.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateFeb 3, 2014

Elsevier announces a new concept methods journal: MethodsX

Elsevier has launched a new open-access journal called MethodsX, which provides a platform for researchers to publish their customised methods without the need for full research articles. This initiative aims to save time and money for scientists by making it easier to discover and build upon existing techniques.

SourceElsevier·JournalMethodsX·DateFeb 3, 2014

UCLA researchers uncover how pesticides increase risk for Parkinson's disease

A new study by UCLA researchers found that certain pesticides inhibit an enzyme called ALDH, which converts toxic aldehydes into less harmful agents, increasing the risk of Parkinson's disease. The study identified 11 pesticides that increase the risk, particularly in individuals with a common genetic variant of the ALDH2 gene.

The art and science of cognitive rehabilitation therapy

Researchers explore different models of recovery after brain injury, highlighting the importance of combining clinical intuition with CRT theory. Studies also investigate the impact of pediatric CRT on intellectual functioning and nonverbal communication processing after TBI.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateFeb 3, 2014

'I know it but I won't say it'

A new longitudinal study of 816 toddlers found that shy children understand language as well as their less shy peers but struggle to express themselves. The research suggests that interventions targeting confidence and social competence can support the development of expressive language in these children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 3, 2014

What matters for making milk

A Harvard University study found that cows which gestated back-to-back daughters produce as much as 1,000 pounds more milk than those that give birth to sons over the first two lactations. This could lead to significant economic benefits for U.S. dairy farmers if artificial insemination techniques are used to increase female calves.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2014

Liver tumors found in mice exposed to BPA

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that mice exposed to BPA via their mothers developed liver tumors and precancerous lesions. The study suggests a significant association between BPA and cancer development, with findings that may have implications for human health.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 3, 2014

Finding a target for tumor suppression

Researchers at Brigham Young University have discovered a potential target for tumor suppression, Programmed Cell Death Protein 5 (PDCD5), which may help prevent cancer cell growth by blocking the production of tubulin. The study provides new insights into how PDCD5 functions and offers a promising direction for future research.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2014