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Science News Archive February 2014 - Page 26


Page 26 of 30

Grasshoppers are what they eat

A new protocol allows researchers to investigate feeding patterns and detect plant DNA in grasshoppers, providing insights into insect-plant interactions. The method enables tracking of plant food movement during consumption and can be completed in under three hours.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateFeb 5, 2014

Inner workings of a cellular nanomotor revealed

The discovery sheds light on how SecA pushes proteins out of the cell through a series of mechanical steps. This understanding is crucial for developing specific antibiotics and optimizing biotechnological production of human biopharmaceuticals.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2014

Attractive professional cyclists are faster

A recent study has demonstrated that women's preferences for facial attractiveness in professional cyclists coincide with improved endurance performance. The research, conducted by Erik Postma at the University of Zurich, analyzed over 800 portraits and found that attractive riders fared better during the Tour de France.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2014

ASGE issues guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, focusing on infection control and procedure protocols. The guidelines aim to standardize safety efforts within GI endoscopy units, following changes in Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 5, 2014

The eyes have it

A study published in Biology Letters reveals that jackdaw eyes are used as a means of communication between members of the same species, helping them defend their nests and chicks from competitors. The research suggests that the bright eyes may be an adaptive trait unique to jackdaws.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 4, 2014

Mind over matter: Beating pain and painkillers

Researchers at University of Utah developed Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, reducing opioid misuse and pain-related impairment in chronic pain patients. The new treatment combines mindfulness training, reappraisal, and savoring to address underlying processes involved in chronic pain and opioid misuse.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateFeb 4, 2014

Stopping liver failure from painkiller overdose

University of Adelaide researchers have identified a crucial mechanism that can prevent liver failure resulting from excessive paracetamol consumption. By targeting the transient receptor potential melanostatine-2 (TRPM2) channel, they hope to develop new treatments for paracetamol overdose and potentially other liver-damaging poisonings.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2014

Are you big pharma's new target market?

A study from Concordia University's John Molson School of Business found that prescription drug brand personality has two distinct dimensions: competence and innovativeness. Consumers prefer overall competence, while innovativeness is associated with uniqueness and originality.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Marketing·DateFeb 4, 2014

Price Family Foundation funds research collaboration between Albert Einstein College of Medicine and University of Oklahoma

The Price Family Foundation has awarded a $3 million grant to Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of Oklahoma to investigate the structural biology of anaerobic microorganisms, with a focus on combating C. difficile infections. The joint project aims to find better treatments for these life-threatening infections.

Immune cells need a second opinion

Researchers at the University of Bonn have decoded a new immunoregulatory mechanism controlling defense in urinary tract infections. The mechanism involves two types of macrophages regulating neutrophils, with sentinel macrophages triggering an alarm and helper macrophages providing a safety mechanism to prevent collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell·DateFeb 4, 2014

Tricks of the trade: Study suggests how freelancers can land more jobs

A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business suggests that freelancers who exhibit movement in their past history, taking on similar jobs, are more likely to get hired. The findings aim to better understand the dynamics of virtual labor markets and prepare freelancers to demonstrate their credibility to employers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 4, 2014

A healthy balance

Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have created a model to investigate the role of STAT1 in various disease conditions. The genetically modified mice can produce an exact dose of protein, enabling researchers to examine the origins and course of many diseases.

Largest evolutionary study of sponges sheds new light on animal evolution

The largest sequencing study to date reveals most higher animal genes are present in all sponge groups, challenging previous thought of complex structures being absent. The study provides a framework for posing new hypotheses on determining gene function in sponges and the evolution of animal complexity.

New study shows core factors and strategies to turn primary care practices into PCMHs

A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center identified three core factors and thirteen strategies to increase buy-in from practice teams in transitioning to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, resource utilization, team environment, defined work roles, and targeted resources.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014