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Science News for July 15, 2014


Directly visualizing hydrogen bonds

Chemists have made a breakthrough in visualizing hydrogen bond interactions, which play a key role in biological molecules and pharmaceuticals. Using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy techniques, researchers directly observed the coordinated vibrations between hydrogen-bonded molecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 15, 2014

Genetic testing for alcohol dependence risk in African Americans

A study examined the interest level of over 300 African American adults in genetic testing for alcohol dependence susceptibility, with some expressing concern over privacy and testing methods. The results suggest that more research is needed to address these concerns and establish effective genetic counseling strategies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateJul 15, 2014

Researchers find organic pollutants not factor in turtle tumor disease

A new study by researchers from NIST and the Hollings Marine Laboratory found that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are not linked to fibropapillomatosis, a disease causing tumors in green sea turtles. The team detected halogenated phenols in turtle tissues, suggesting these compounds may be coming from algae in their diet.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 15, 2014

Rollout strategy for diagnostic test in India may impact TB

A new mathematical model suggests that implementing Xpert MTB/RIF as part of a more ambitious rollout strategy, including private sector engagement and referral networks, could reduce TB incidence by 14.1% in India. The current narrow implementation strategy is expected to only reduce incidence by 0.2%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 15, 2014

SLU scientists hit 'delete': Removing regions of shape-shifting protein explains how blood clots

Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered that deleting disordered sections of a protein's structure reveals the molecular mechanism of blood clotting. By crystallizing prothrombin, they found that the deleted version is activated to thrombin faster and provides key information on the mechanism of prothrombin activation.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2014

Is it time to lock up those who commit research fraud?

Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta believes that criminal sanctions are necessary to deter research misconduct, citing high rates of scientific misconduct and significant human health consequences. However, Dr Julian Crane argues that criminalization would undermine trust in research and is not an effective deterrent.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 15, 2014

Telecare intervention improves chronic pain

A telephone-delivered telecare intervention improved chronic musculoskeletal pain compared to usual care, with nearly twice as many patients experiencing a 30% reduction in pain score. The intervention was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in pain and treatment satisfaction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 15, 2014

Team studies immune response of Asian elephants infected with a human disease

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that TB-infected elephants have different immune responses to the infection compared to those without it. The team developed a new method to detect cytokine mRNA in elephants, which could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis in captive elephants.

Taking B vitamins won't prevent Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that taking B vitamins had no effect on cognitive decline or reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease in a meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials involving 22,000 participants. The study suggests that folic acid and vitamin B-12 can lower homocysteine levels, but not prevent the disease.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 15, 2014

Cooperation among humans, a question of age

The study analyzed how cooperation among humans evolves across age groups, with younger participants exhibiting more volatile decision-making and a 'conditional cooperator' strategy. In contrast, older adults (over 65) showed increased cooperativeness, suggesting potential benefits for companies by keeping this group engaged.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2014

Rainwater discovered at new depths

Researchers found rainwater can penetrate deep into the Earth's ductile crust, weakening rocks and initiating earthquakes. This discovery has significant implications for understanding earthquakes and the generation of valuable mineral deposits.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 15, 2014

Oetzi's 'non-human' DNA

Researchers found a significant presence of Treponema denticola, an opportunistic pathogen, in Oetzi's DNA mixture, supporting computer tomography-based diagnosis of periodontitis. The analysis also revealed Clostridia-like bacteria in a dormant state, which could impact future conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 2014

What increases the neuronal plasticity of endogenous NSCs after focal cerebral ischemia?

Research by Dr. Hyung-Seok Kim reveals that early expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor increase the neuronal plasticity of activated endogenous NSCs after focal cerebral ischemia. Additionally, neural precursor cells can be recruited from nearby areas to promote neurofunctional recovery.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 15, 2014