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Science News for July 23, 2014


Laser therapy on the repair of a large-gap transected sciatic nerve in a reinforced nerve conduit

Researchers developed a biodegradable nerve conduit using genipin-cross-linked gelatin and beta-tricalcium phosphate, combining it with diode laser therapy to repair long-gap sciatic nerves. The study found that this combination accelerated nerve regeneration, improved reinnervation rates, and enhanced muscle recruitment.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 23, 2014

Protein evolution follows a modular principle

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology discovered that proteins can be constructed of similar amino acid chains even when their three-dimensional shapes differ significantly. This suggests that modern proteins arose from common precursors, built up from smaller fragments according to a modular principle.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 23, 2014

Unbreak my heart

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics have developed a method to capture detailed three-dimensional images of cardiac dynamics in zebrafish. By combining high-speed Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy and clever image processing, they reconstructed multi-view movie stacks of the beating heart.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 23, 2014

Researchers unlock the protein puzzle

Researchers have discovered an innovative way to visualize where proteins touch each other using brightly hued dyes, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for various diseases. The technique involves mixing dyes with proteins and then separating them to reveal the 'hot spots' where proteins interlock.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2014

UNC researchers find unsuspected characteristics of new CF drugs, offering potential paths to more effective therapies

A new study by UNC researchers provides evidence that could help improve CF pharmacotherapies. They found that a mutant CFTR protein loses its ability to function properly when in the presence of two drugs, suggesting that drug developers should take this destabilization effect into account.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 23, 2014

Ketamine can be a wonder drug for ER patients and their physicians

A systematic review of 10 studies confirms ketamine's safety in critically ill patients, providing analgesia, sedation, and amnesia without significant increases in intracranial pressure or neurological outcomes. The findings support the use of ketamine as a routine treatment for life-threatening infections and unconscious patients.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 23, 2014

Targeting the brain to treat obesity

Researchers focus on areas of memory and learning to treat obesity, suggesting a link between the two diseases. The 'vicious cycle' model proposes that overeating leads to brain pathologies, which can weaken control over thoughts and behaviors.

SourceAmerican University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJul 23, 2014

Dogs exhibit jealous behavior

Researchers tested dogs' reactions to owners' affection for realistic and non-realistic objects, finding stronger jealous behaviors towards the dog-like object. This study suggests jealousy may have a primordial form in animals, including humans.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2014

Obesity linked to low endurance, increased fatigue in the workplace

A new study found that obese workers have significantly shorter endurance times when performing workplace tasks compared to their non-obese counterparts. The study also revealed greater declines in task performance among females with obesity, highlighting the need for longer rest breaks and ergonomic redesigns.

SourceAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateJul 23, 2014

Discovery is key to metal wear in sliding parts

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for wear in metals, which could lead to improved durability of metal parts. The findings show that tiny bumps and surface defects can form through a swirling, fluid-like behavior in solid metals, leading to cracks and wear particles.

Hormones after breast cancer: Not fuel for the fire after all?

Researchers found that bioidentical hormone treatments reduced tumor recurrence and improved cardiovascular and bone health, while also increasing physical activity and cognition. The study's results are promising but require further validation, providing a new direction in the search for alternative hormone therapies.

SourceParsemus Foundation·JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology·DateJul 23, 2014

Blue whales' dangerous feeding grounds

A 15-year study reveals that blue whales consistently return to specific feeding grounds along the US West Coast, despite busy shipping lanes. The findings highlight the need for modifications in ship routing to reduce human threats to the endangered species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2014

K computer runs largest ever ensemble simulation of global weather

Researchers successfully ran 10,240 parallel simulations of global weather using Japan's K computer, achieving a significant improvement in forecasting accuracy. The study found that faraway observations can have an immediate impact on weather forecasts, highlighting the need for advanced methods to utilize this data.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 23, 2014

Study reveals medical students believe health policy education is improving

A multi-center study found significant improvements in medical students' perceptions of their health policy education between 2008 and 2012. The study revealed gains in three domains: systems and principles, value and equity, and quality and safety. However, the domain politics and law experienced a decline due to inadequate training.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateJul 23, 2014

New York law offers nurses more recognition, responsibility

A study by Columbia University School of Nursing found that NPs in Massachusetts have better relationships with physicians and administrators compared to those in New York State. The researchers recommend improving the practice environment for NPs in NY by promoting their role and providing opportunities for involvement in organization...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalHealth Care Management Review·DateJul 23, 2014

How much magma is hiding beneath our feet?

Researchers developed a new method to estimate magma volume and flow, enabling more accurate predictions of future volcanic eruptions. This technique uses zircon crystals to determine the age and injection rate of magma, providing insights into Earth's crust formation, mineral deposits, and natural resources.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2014

The physics of lead guitar playing

Physicist Dr David Robert Grimes has derived equations to explain how guitar techniques manipulate pitch, shedding light on string bending, vibrato, and whammy bars. His research provides insights into the physics behind iconic guitarists' sounds.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2014

New method for reducing tumorigenicity in induced pluripotent stem-cell based therapies

Mayo Clinic researchers discover a strategy to significantly reduce the risk of tumor development using pretreatment with genotoxic etoposide. This approach establishes an adjunctive therapy to harness the clinical value of iPSC-derived cardiac regeneration, providing a promising breakthrough for heart disease treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 23, 2014

The birth of topological spintronics

Researchers at Penn State and Cornell University have discovered a new material combination that can control magnetic memory or logic 10 times more efficiently than current methods. The discovery uses topological insulators to manipulate spin orientation, overcoming a key challenge in developing spintronics technology.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2014

Climate change and the soil

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that long-term warming has little effect on the storage of carbon in tropical forest soils. The research suggests that warmer temperatures stimulate an increase in leaf litter and underground sources of carbon, offsetting any potential losses in soil carbon.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 23, 2014

A crystal wedding in the nanocosmos

Scientists successfully integrated compound semiconductor crystals made of indium arsenide into silicon nanowires, overcoming a major obstacle in chip technology. The production method, which involves ion implantation and heat treatment, enables the creation of 'hetero-nanowires' with improved performance.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Research·DateJul 23, 2014

Intestinal parasites are 'old friends,' researchers argue

A new review argues that most intestinal parasite infections have no negative impact in well-nourished people with low overall parasite loads. In some cases, parasite infections could activate the immune system and prevent disorders caused by inflammation of the intestines.

SourceCIFAR·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateJul 23, 2014

Minimizing drag to maximize results

Researchers from Monash University studied how riders' drag is affected by the relative position of multiple cyclists in a breakaway group. They found that drafting can significantly reduce drag, with up to 49% drop for trailing riders and 5% for lead riders.

SourceMonash University·JournalProcedia Engineering·DateJul 23, 2014