Gene for dissected leaves
Researchers discovered a new gene called RCO that inhibits cell proliferation and growth between leaflets, allowing dissected leaves to form. The loss of this gene in Arabidopsis thaliana results in simple, entire leaves.
Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 16
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Can citrus ward off your risk of stroke?
A study of 65 participants with intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke and 65 healthy individuals found that those with depleted vitamin C levels had a higher risk of stroke. The study suggests that maintaining normal vitamin C levels may help reduce stroke risk.
Arctic biodiversity under serious threat from climate change according to new report
Climate change poses an existential threat to Arctic wildlife and ecosystems, with unique species at risk of extinction. The Arctic is home to over 21,000 species, many of which are highly adapted to the harsh environment.
Survey: Americans struggle with science; respect scientists
Despite a lack of basic scientific knowledge, most Americans have a positive view of science and scientists. The survey found that over 90% of respondents believe scientists are dedicated to humanity's good, and nearly all think the benefits of science outweigh potential dangers.
NASA's IBEX helps paint picture of the magnetic system beyond the solar wind
Researchers used NASA's IBEX data to build a computer model of the interplanetary magnetic field, revealing a non-uniform distribution of cosmic ray particles. The findings shed light on why more high-energy cosmic rays are measured coming from one side of the sun than the other.
Geographical passwords worth their salt
A new geographical password system has been proposed to provide secure online access, using a user's memorable location as the password. The system has proven itself capable of protecting against known password threats, offering a potential solution to reduce data breaches by up to 76%.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateFeb 14, 2014
Communicating the way to the adoption of scientific technologies
Druckman and co-authors theorize that politicization generates anxiety, leading to a status quo bias among citizens. This results in obstacles for new scientific innovations entering the marketplace. The findings will be presented at an AAAS symposium titled 'Using Social Science to Change Decisions and Improve Health Outcomes'.
Study suggests sleep apnea may contribute to fatigue in multiple sclerosis
A new study reveals that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and OSA risk is a significant predictor of fatigue severity. OSA may contribute to the debilitating fatigue experienced by MS patients, and clinicians should evaluate for underlying sleep disturbances.
Blacks, Hispanics, older people not benefitting equally from better colon cancer treatment
A new study found that despite improved cancer treatments, survival rates for Blacks and Hispanics have not increased significantly. The disparity is largely attributed to factors such as poorer health and lower socioeconomic status, leading to barriers in healthcare access.
Physicists produce a potentially revolutionary material
Researchers have successfully produced artificial graphene from traditional semiconductor materials, opening up new possibilities for high-performance photovoltaic cells, lasers, LED lighting, and more. The discovery was made by a team of scientists at the University of Luxembourg and published in Physical Review X.
Optimizing donor kidney distribution in the United States
A mathematical model simulates and optimizes donor kidney distribution to ease regional inequities and potentially save hundreds of lives. The model identifies areas for policy changes, including sharing within states and transplanting lower-quality kidneys.
'Neighbor-plants' determine insects' feeding choices
Researchers found that neighbor plants affect the quality and taste of individual plants for insects. This impacts insects' ability to control pest species like ragwort, which can be toxic to horses.
High frequency of EGFR mutations found in Asian population
A recent study found that EGFR mutations are prevalent among the Asian population, with a frequency of 51.4% in stage IIIB or IV adenocarcinomas of the lung. The mutation was more common among women and never-smokers than previously reported.
SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 14, 2014
LGB individuals living in anti-gay communities die early
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals living in communities with high levels of anti-gay prejudice have a shorter life expectancy of 12 years on average. The researchers discovered that these individuals are also at higher risk for suicide, homicide, and cardiovascular diseases.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2014
Tired all the time: Could undiagnosed sleep problems be making MS patients' fatigue worse?
A University of Michigan study finds 56% of MS patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, despite only 21% having an established diagnosis. The researchers suggest that treating sleep apnea may help alleviate fatigue in MS patients.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2014
Citizenship education goes digital
A Baylor University study found that online games like iCivics significantly improved civics knowledge scores among primary and middle school students. The study showed the most significant gains in younger students, with grades 5 and 8 students scoring nearly five points higher on civics tests.
University of Guelph study assesses environmental impact of Ontario corn production
Researchers evaluated county-level energy and GHG intensity of grain corn, stover, and cob production in Ontario from 2006-2011. The study identified opportunities for efficiency improvements through field-drying corn hybrids, reduced tillage, and diminished nitrogen inputs to reduce GHG emissions.
What do women want? It depends on the time of the month
UCLA researchers analyzed dozens of studies to find that ovulating women prefer mates with sexy traits like masculine body type and facial features, dominant behavior, and certain scents. These preferences shift as the woman's cycle progresses and are thought to have been markers of high genetic quality in male ancestors.
Scientists chip away at the mystery of what lives in our mouths
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Tannerella BU063, a bacterium found in healthy human mouths. The study reveals potential targets for treating gum disease periodontitis and sheds light on the genetic differences between this bacterium and its disease-causing relative.
Child obesity: Cues and don'ts
Researchers found that a single session of attention modification training decreased overeating in obese children by training their brains to ignore food cues. The study used implicit training methods to distract the children's attention away from food words.
Clinical trial success influenced by biomarker- and receptor-targeted therapies in NSCLC
The cumulative success rate for new agents in advanced NSCLC is lower than industry estimates, but biomarker- and receptor-targeted therapies substantially increase success rates. Biomarker-targeted therapy shows a 62% cumulative success rate, nearly six times higher than non-biomarker targeted trials.
SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 14, 2014
Antimicrobial preservation strategies to prevent food contamination
New antimicrobial approaches kill or prevent microbial growth in foods and beverages, improving safety, quality, and shelf-life. Biobased solutions address global food production challenges.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateFeb 14, 2014
Impaired recovery from inflammation linked to Alzheimer's
Research from Karolinska Institutet reveals lower levels of resolution-regulating molecules in Alzheimer's patients' brains and cerebrospinal fluid, correlating with reduced cognitive function. The study suggests stimulating inflammation resolution may prevent neuronal death and improve memory functions.
A strategy that narrows academic achievement gap by 63 percent
A novel one-hour intervention that raises awareness of social class shapes the college experience significantly reduces the academic achievement gap between first-generation and continuing-generation students. The difference-education intervention improves first-generation students' psychological adjustment, grade point averages, and c...
Even fact will not change first impressions
Research shows that appearance trumps fact in forming impressions, with studies finding that people judge others' sexual orientation and trustworthiness based on how they look. In contrast, online impressions are often more negative than those formed in person.
New therapy to stop progression of fibrosis
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel antibody-based therapy to target fibrosis progression. The treatment blocks key enzyme action and may also work for lung, liver, and heart fibrosis.
Passive smoking impairs children's responses to asthma treatment
Children exposed to cigarette smoke at home have lower levels of the enzyme HDAC2, which is required for steroid treatment to exert its beneficial effects. This reduces their ability to respond to asthma treatment, leading to increased symptoms and potentially higher doses of steroids.
Is truth stranger than fiction? Yes, especially for science fiction
Renowned physicist Lawrence Krauss believes science fiction is not a match for reality. He argues that science fiction often fails to capture the complexity of scientific discoveries. Meanwhile, Krauss suggests exploring real-world applications of science fiction concepts, such as warp drive and teleportation, which may be possible in ...
In-hospital formula use deters breastfeeding
A study by UC Davis researchers found that mothers who receive formula in the hospital are less likely to fully breastfeed their babies in the second month of life. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, suggests that early formula use limits breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of quitting earlier.
Tinnitus study signals advance in understanding link between loud sounds exposure and hearing loss
A three-year study published in Neuroscience reveals how loud sound damage affects myelin, the protective sheet around cells, and its correlation to auditory signals failing to transmit during hearing loss. Understanding this link can help develop strategies to prevent or alleviate deafness or tinnitus symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia can reduce health care utilization and costs
A new study shows that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) can significantly reduce health care utilization and costs, with improvements seen in 86% of patients after just three sessions. The treatment resulted in an average cost savings of over $200 per patient in the six months following treatment.
Inside out at the 2014 AAAS meeting: The impact of gut flora on diabetes and obesity
Recent research highlights the critical role of gut flora in diabetes and obesity, with studies suggesting a strong connection between the two. The CommHERE consortium, comprising nine European institutions, has brought together leading experts to discuss their findings on the impact of gut microbiota on metabolic diseases.
Scripps researchers recommend mobile compression device to prevent DVT after joint surgery
A multicenter study found a mobile compression device to be as effective as blood thinners in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after lower extremity joint replacement surgery. The device improved blood flow and had no negative side effects, making it an equally safe alternative to blood thinners.
New insight into protein misfolding in neurodegenerative disorders
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a key role for astrocytes and specific proteins in supporting neurons during protein misfolding brain diseases. The study found that certain proteins increase in response to misfolded proteins, potentially providing protection against neuronal death.
Rice's carbon nanotube fibers outperform copper
Carbon nanotube-based fibers have been shown to carry electrical current up to four times that of copper wires of the same mass. The fibers' ability to transmit current makes them ideal for lightweight power transmission in aerospace applications, where weight is a significant factor.
Asian longhorned beetles pheromone could be used to manage pest
Researchers discovered a female-specific pheromone that attracts males but repels virgin females, which could lead to managing the invasive Asian longhorned beetle. The team also found that sexually mature females continue to produce this pheromone after mating, potentially benefiting both sexes.
Books rate more negatively after winning award, study finds
A study by Amanda Sharkey of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that books wining prestigious awards receive lower ratings from readers than their non-award winning counterparts. This shift in ratings is attributed to a larger audience drawn to award-winning books due to their association with prestige.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateFeb 13, 2014
Rewriting the text books: Scientists crack open 'black box' of development
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered a way to study and film embryo development during implantation, revealing a 'rosette' structure that challenges current understanding. This breakthrough could improve IVF success rates and advance regenerative medicine.
Stopping smoking linked to improved mental health
A study of 26 studies found that quitting smoking is associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological quality of life. The findings suggest that smokers can be reassured that stopping smoking has mental health benefits.
First large-scale study of stock market volatility and mental disorders
A large-scale study found that falling stock prices are associated with a significant increase in hospitalisations for mental disorders. The researchers analyzed data from Taiwan over 4,000 days and discovered that daily changes in the stock market index coincided with increased hospitalisations. The effects were more pronounced on men...
Hot issues in climate change research to be debated at AAAS Annual Meeting
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will host a panel discussion on climate change research challenges, led by atmospheric scientist Donald J. Wuebbles. The session will explore issues such as downscaling predictions, reliably predicting extreme weather events, and adapting to climate change impacts.
Scripps Florida team awarded $2.3 million to unlock mysteries of long-term memory
Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute will investigate axonal transport, a cellular process crucial for signaling and long-term memory storage. The goal is to identify molecular regulators of axonal transport to develop new approaches for treating memory disorders.
Air pollution increases risk for hypertension in pregnant women
A University of Florida study found that exposure to four air pollutants during pregnancy increases the risk of developing high blood pressure disorder. The researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 pregnant women and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and hypertension.
Grape seed promise in fight against bowel cancer
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that grape seed extract improves chemotherapy's potency and reduces intestinal damage in laboratory studies. Grape seed extracts showed no side effects on healthy intestine, decreased inflammation by up to 55%, and increased growth-inhibitory effects on colon cancer cells.
Moderate exercise cuts women's stroke risk, helps offset increase risk from hormone thep
Research finds that moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or tennis, significantly reduces women's stroke risk. Moderate exercise also helps offset the increased risk seen in postmenopausal women taking menopausal hormones, but not completely.
Data links quick fix
Researchers in Iran develop a method to fix broken links in web data by analyzing source points and discovering new addresses. The algorithm successfully identified over 5,000 entities that changed between two snapshots and relocated 9 out of 10 broken links.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Web Engineering and Technology·DateFeb 13, 2014
Science: Cortical convolutions controlled in sections
A study by Byoung-il Bae and colleagues found that a specific gene mutation affects the development of cortical convolutions in the human brain. The researchers discovered that the mutation impacts the production of neuroprogenitor cells around the Sylvian fissure, leading to thinner and more convoluted folds.
Diabetes, epilepsy and asthma increase risk of self-harm
Research identifies moderate risk of self-harm among patients with diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma, as well as other physical illnesses. The study emphasizes the need for physicians and mental health workers to be aware of associated risks to better identify at-risk individuals.
Broad, MIT researchers reveal structure of key CRISPR complex
Researchers have revealed the structure of the Cas9 complex, a key part of the CRISPR-Cas system used for genome editing. The study provides a detailed picture of the complex, enabling researchers to refine and engineer the tool to accelerate genomic research and bring it closer to treating human genetic disease.
Blood clot risk remains higher than normal for at least 12 weeks after women deliver babies
After delivering a baby, women's blood clot risk remains higher than normal for at least 12 weeks due to increased platelets and other blood-clotting factors during pregnancy. Researchers found the risk decreased over time.
What makes the newborn immune system in the lungs different and vulnerable?
A study found that newborn mice's lung dendritic cells respond differently to RSV infection, leading to impaired CD8+ T cell responses. This understanding can guide vaccine approaches for infants to promote adult-like immune responses.
Screening wastewater biosolids for environmental contaminants
A new screening technique assesses environmental and agricultural effects of treated waste used as fertilizer. Researchers found high concentrations of triclosan and three other antimicrobial compounds in biosolids, posing potential ecological threats.
A promising new approach for treating leukemia discovered
A team of researchers at the University of Montreal has discovered a promising new approach to treating leukemia by targeting the Brg1 gene. The study found that removing or inhibiting this gene can permanently shut down cancerous cell growth and division.
Wealthy neighborhoods fuel materialistic desires, study says
Research from San Francisco State University finds that affluent neighborhoods contribute to poor spending habits and materialistic values, especially among younger individuals. The study suggests that relative deprivation and social comparison drive this behavior, leading to impulsive purchases despite a lack of happiness.
Conservation science partnership thrives, expands
The Northwestern University/Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS) has established new conservation science collaborations with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Smart Museum at the University of Chicago. Scientists have used surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to identify organic colorant...
Laboratory detective work points to potential therapy for rare, drug-resistant cancer
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute scientists have found several potential possibilities to try if the cancer becomes resistant to standard drug treatment. They discovered that high-throughput screening of already FDA-approved drugs can identify new therapies that could be rapidly moved to the clinic.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 13, 2014
'Sexy' underwear is not the only way to feel feminine on Valentine's Day, academic says
Research by Dr. Christiana Tsaousi finds that women's underwear choices are influenced by personal taste, social background, and professional status, challenging the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to femininity. The study suggests comfort is key to feeling feminine in underwear.
Marriage's 'haves' and 'have nots'
Research from Northwestern University finds that today's best marriages excel when spouses invest time and energy to meet each other's psychological needs for personal growth. However, the majority of marriages are struggling due to a mismatch between what Americans expect from their marriage and the resources they invest in it.
Vitamin B12 accelerates worm development
Researchers at UMass Medical School develop a novel model to study the effects of vitamin B12 on gene expression and physiology in C. elegans worms. The study reveals that vitamin B12 regulates development through the methionine/SAM cycle and alleviates toxic buildups of propionic acid, leading to improved fertility.
Common infections may increase risk for memory decline
Research links common infections such as Chlamydia pneumoniae and herpes simplex viruses to worse cognitive performance, including memory loss and decreased thinking speed. The study found an index of antibody levels associated with these infections was linked to poorer cognitive outcomes.