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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 18


Page 18 of 30

Mixed genes

Researchers created a global map detailing the genetic histories of 95 populations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. The study found evidence of previously unrecorded genetic mixing, including European DNA in modern-day China and Mongol DNA in Pakistan.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2014

Cancer drugs hitch a ride on 'smart' gold nanoshells

Researchers have developed 'smart' gold nanoshells that target cancer cells specifically, delivering anticancer drugs and converting near-infrared light into heat. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments by overcoming the limitation of traditional chemotherapy techniques.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateFeb 13, 2014

Rebuilding the brain after stroke

Researchers have discovered a potential therapy to enhance brain repair after a stroke by stimulating the brain's inherent plasticity with molecular components of stem cells. This approach has shown promising results in promoting neurological recovery and may lead to revolutionary treatments for other diseases.

Study: Beauty not disease motivates teens to wear sunscreen

A University of Colorado study shows that teens who watched a video about the cosmetic effects of UV exposure were more likely to use sunscreen than those who watched a health-based video. This finding suggests that addressing appearance-related concerns can be an effective way to modify sun-protective behaviors in teenagers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateFeb 13, 2014

Poaching threatens savannah ecosystems

A new study highlights the role of white rhinos in shaping savannah ecosystems, suggesting that their loss could have significant effects on ecosystem functioning and fire regimes. The research found that areas previously colonized by rhinos had higher levels of short grass cover and more grazing lawns.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 12, 2014

Jawed vertebrates get a face

Fossil evidence reveals the step-by-step assembly of the face during the evolutionary transition from jawless to jawed vertebrates. The Romundina skull shows primitive and modern features, shedding light on the origin of the jawed vertebrate face.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2014

Filling me softly

Scientists at the University of Cambridge discovered that implant stiffness is a major cause of foreign body reactions. The team found that stiff materials trigger inflammation and cell shape changes in brain cells, leading to encapsulation with scar tissue.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 12, 2014

Prostate cancer advance could improve treatment options

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have made a significant advance in understanding genetic changes associated with terminal prostate cancer. A genetic mutation has been identified as a key factor in the development of aggressive cancer later in life. This discovery could help identify patients who are at risk of developing f...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 12, 2014

2013 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award goes to Andrew Tsin of the University of Texas at San Antonio

Andrew Tsin, a professor of biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, received the 2013 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring underrepresented students. He has mentored over 130 students, including dozens of Hispanic Americans, and helped establish programs aimed at increasing diversity in science education.

Brain process takes paper shape

A paper-based device replicating human brain's electrochemical signalling has been created by Chinese researchers. The thin-film transistor (TFT) can mimic the biological synapse and could be used to build lightweight and biologically friendly artificial neural networks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateFeb 12, 2014

Satellites help spot whales

Researchers from British Antarctic Survey demonstrated a new method using Very High Resolution satellite imagery and image processing software to automatically detect and count whales breeding in the Golfo Nuevo, Peninsula Valdes. This semi-automated technique has been shown to achieve 89% accuracy in identifying probable whales.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2014

Capillaries will measure diffusion and help in more efficient medical treatment

A new method developed by the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences measures diffusion coefficients and equilibrium constants to assist in determining optimal drug doses. The method uses a simple capillary apparatus with high-speed water flow, allowing for fast and accurate measurements with increased accura...

Popular disinfectants do not kill HPV

Researchers found that commonly used disinfectants do not kill human papillomavirus (HPV), making it possible to transmit the virus through non-sexual means. The study suggests a need for hospital policy changes and highlights the importance of using bleach or autoclaving to inactivate HPV.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 12, 2014

Rare bacteria outbreak in cancer clinic tied to lapse in infection control procedure

A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 12, 2014