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Science News for July 17, 2014


A new view of the world

Exercise and relaxation techniques have been found to alter how people perceive their environment, making it less threatening for those with mood and anxiety disorders. This breakthrough could explain why these treatments are successful in managing symptoms.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2014

Cost of kidney donation may be too much for potential donors with low income

A study found that lower income populations have consistently had lower rates of living donation compared to higher income populations. The difference in living donation rates between lower and higher income populations has become larger over time, implying a need for more effective strategies to overcome financial barriers.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 17, 2014

Physicists reveal random nature of metastasis

A new study suggests that cancer metastasis, the spread of tumors from one part of the body to another, may occur through pure chance. Researchers used statistical models to show that 'common' cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream could, on rare occasions, cause metastasis.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysical Biology·DateJul 17, 2014

Gut microbes turn carbs into colorectal cancer

A new study reveals that gut microbes metabolize carbohydrates, causing intestinal cell proliferation and tumor formation in mice genetically predisposed to colorectal cancer. Treatment with antibiotics or a low-carbohydrate diet significantly reduced tumors, suggesting these interventions could prevent this type of cancer in humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 17, 2014

Eating lean beef daily can help lower blood pressure

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that eating lean beef daily can effectively lower blood pressure in healthy individuals. The BOLD+ diet, which includes 5.4 ounces of lean beef per day, was more effective at reducing blood pressure compared to other diets tested.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Human Hypertension·DateJul 17, 2014

Vision loss associated with work status

A study of 19,849 participants found that those with vision impairment had significantly lower employment rates, especially among women and younger individuals. Poor eyesight was also associated with a higher likelihood of not working due to its impact on income.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 17, 2014

University of Houston researchers create new method to draw molecules from live cells

University of Houston researchers have developed a technique to extract biomolecules from live cells without killing them. The method uses magnetized carbon nanotubes to retrieve molecular information, allowing researchers to study single cells. This breakthrough could provide new avenues for diagnosing cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2014

Exploiting gastric vulnerability

Researchers found that H. pylori bacteria can rapidly detect minor injuries in the stomach and navigate toward them. The study shows how H. pylori causes disease by interfering with healing at these injury sites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 17, 2014

Choosing cheese

Researchers at Harvard University studied 137 varieties of cheese from 10 countries to identify three general types of microbial communities. These findings provide a model for studying microbial communities and their interactions, with potential applications in understanding various biological processes. The study also reveals the imp...

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateJul 17, 2014

Help wanted: Principals who love change

US Department of Education reforms place demands on principals' expertise and time; new report recommends coaching teachers, redesigning job descriptions, and university partnerships to support principals. Effective principal training is crucial to implementing stronger teacher evaluation systems, according to researchers.

The Lancet: Causes of death shifting in people with HIV

A large international study has found that overall death rates among HIV-positive adults have almost halved since 1999, while deaths due to AIDS-related causes and cardiovascular disease have declined significantly. Non-AIDS cancers remain a leading cause of non-AIDS deaths in people with HIV.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 17, 2014

Untangling spider's webs

A groundbreaking study by Harvard University researchers shows that orb-weaver spiders do not share a single origin, contrary to long-held popular opinion. The study's findings suggest that the orb web evolved independently in two groups of spiders, with distinct behaviors and silk characteristics.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 17, 2014

Do urban casinos increase local crime? Not in this case study

Researchers at Drexel University and Temple University found that the introduction of SugarHouse Casino had no significant impact on violent street felonies, vehicle crime, residential burglary, or drug crimes in the immediate neighborhood. Crime rates were largely unaffected, with some displacement to surrounding areas observed.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSecurity Journal·DateJul 17, 2014

Crohn's disease research

Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called HSP70 that helps stabilize NOD2, a key protein involved in Crohn's disease. This finding provides a possible pathway for developing an effective therapy for the inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 17, 2014

Gender quotas work in 'tight' cultures, says new paper from the University of Toronto

A new paper from the University of Toronto suggests that gender quotas are more effective in countries with tight cultural norms, where people prioritize obedience and conformity. In contrast, loose cultures may struggle to implement policies due to disagreements over how to translate egalitarian principles into practice.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalOrganizational Dynamics·DateJul 17, 2014

Eye movements reveal difference between love and lust

A new study by University of Chicago researchers found that eye patterns concentrate on a stranger's face if the viewer sees them as a potential partner in romantic love, but gaze at the body when feeling sexual desire. This automatic judgment occurs in half a second, producing distinct eye movement patterns.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 17, 2014

Plasmon-enhanced Polarization-selective filter

Researchers develop a plasmon-enhanced polarization-selective filter using SPPs technology, allowing for the integration of optical components on circuits. This breakthrough enables the construction of nanoscale optical logical gates and all-optical switches.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalModern Physics Letters B·DateJul 17, 2014

Investing in sexual and reproductive health of 10 to 14 year olds yields lifetime benefits

A new study advocates for investing in the sexual and reproductive health of 10 to 14 year olds, a critical period of transition from childhood to adulthood. Researchers recommend tailored programs to meet their unique needs, including parental and guardian involvement, and preventive services to prevent misinformation and promote heal...

When is a molecule a molecule?

Scientists observe electrons jumping between molecular fragments up to a distance of about 20 Ångström, marking the transition from molecular to atomic regimes. The study provides insights into charge transfer mechanisms that play a role in numerous chemical processes, including photosynthesis and solar cells.