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Science News for June 16, 2014


Stem cells in neurodegeneration: challenges and future neurotherapeutic prospects

Inhibition of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and subsequent cofilin dephosphorylation can promote neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, a key step towards treating neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has shown promise in repairing and protecting damaged brain tissue after traumatic injury.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJun 16, 2014

Improved diagnostic performance of low-dose computed tomography screening

A recent study found that a 5-year low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening protocol can detect lung cancer effectively, with a high proportion of cancers being treated and good long-term survival rates. The results show improved diagnostic performance compared to other studies, including the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 16, 2014

Strokefinder quickly differentiates bleeding strokes from clot-induced strokes

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new technology that uses microwaves to quickly and accurately diagnose stroke patients. The system, called Strokefinder, has been shown to differentiate between bleeding strokes and clot-induced strokes with great certainty in clinical studies.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 16, 2014

LLNL researchers develop high-quality 3-D metal parts using additive manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new and efficient approach to 3D metal parts using selective laser melting. They used simple simulations and experiments to identify optimal parameters for high-density metal parts, which can be used to certify properties of metal parts built using SLM.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology·DateJun 16, 2014

Lipids help to fight leukemia

A new study by Prof. Gennaro De Libero and his team at the University of Basel identifies a lipid molecule, methyl-lysophosphatidic acid (mLPA), that stimulates specific T cells to kill leukemia cells. This breakthrough discovery offers new avenues for non-invasive cancer immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 16, 2014

Physician anesthesiologists identify 5 tests and procedures to avoid

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has identified five tests and procedures commonly performed in anesthesiology that may not be necessary, potentially saving patients time, money, and preventing harm. These recommendations include avoiding baseline laboratory studies, cardiac testing, pulmonary artery catheters, blood tra...

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2014

Nanoscale composites improve MRI

Researchers have created composite particles that can be injected into patients and guided by magnetic fields, allowing for improved detection of diseases. The nanoconstructs, made up of thousands of iron oxide particles, can be heated to kill malignant tissues or trigger the release of drugs at specific sites.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 16, 2014

University of Tennessee discoveries could help neutralize chemical weapons

Researchers at the University of Tennessee have made significant progress in engineering enzymes that can break down nerve agents, potentially creating a prophylactic drug. The study uses neutron scattering and computational sciences to improve the efficiency of these bioscavengers, which could lead to safer use of chemical weapons.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2014

Broccoli sprout drink enhances detoxification of air pollutants in clinical trial in China

A clinical trial in China found that consuming broccoli sprout beverage daily increased excretion of benzene and acrolein, two known human carcinogens and lung irritants. The study suggests that sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts may activate a protective signaling molecule to adapt to environmental toxins.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJun 16, 2014

How does a tree know it's time to grow again?

Researchers from Michigan Technological University have discovered a gene, 'Early Bud-Break 1,' that enables trees to start growing again after winter. The EBB1 gene helps awaken plant cells responsible for growth, allowing trees to grow at the right time, avoiding damage from late spring frosts and climate extremes.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

How sperm get into the zona

Researchers have uncovered a key biological interaction that occurs during fertilization, identifying the protein in the zona pellucida that sperm latch onto. The study found that ZP2 is essential for sperm binding, and its absence leads to sterility in female mice.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 16, 2014

When genes play games

A team of computer theorists and evolutionary biologists identified an algorithm to describe the strategy used by genes during sexual recombination, addressing a long-standing paradox in evolution. The multiplicative weight update algorithm helps explain how natural selection and diversity interact.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Does the moon affect our sleep?

Despite popular beliefs, a recent Max Planck Institute study of 1,265 volunteers found no correlation between human sleep and lunar phases. The researchers discovered conflicting results may be due to publication bias, which can lead to omitted negative findings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 16, 2014

First Canadian Bell palsy guideline

The first Canadian guideline for managing and treating Bell palsy has been published, emphasizing the use of corticosteroids to reduce involuntary facial spasms. The guideline also recommends a combined approach with antivirals for patients with severe paralysis, while cautioning against unnecessary antiviral treatment alone.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 16, 2014

Many bodies prompt stem cells to change

Researchers use mathematical tool to analyze gene networks and determine transition pathways between steady states, providing insight into how stem cells differentiate. The study builds on previous theories, incorporating the role of protein binding to DNA in gene expression.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Getting rid of old mitochondria

Researchers discovered that damaged mitochondria in retinal ganglion cells are transferred to adjacent astrocytes, which then degrade them. This process, dubbed transmitophagy, has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Pathological gambling runs in families

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that pathological gambling runs in families, with first-degree relatives eight times more likely to develop the problem. The study also identified connections between pathological gambling and other psychiatric disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJun 16, 2014

Your genes affect your betting behavior

Researchers found that genetic variants in dopamine-regulating genes influence strategic thinking, with three genes linked to belief learning and two genes linked to trial-and-error reinforcement learning. The study's findings have implications for understanding diseases like schizophrenia and social interaction disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Discovery of a bud-break gene could lead to trees adapted for a changing climate

Scientists have identified a master regulator in poplar trees that controls the timing of bud break, which could lead to breeding plants better adapted for warmer climates. The discovery enables the engineering of adaptability into trees, potentially improving their ability to cope with changing environmental conditions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Regenerating our kidneys

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Stanford University discovered the multi-layered nature of kidney growth using a rainbow mouse model. The WNT signal was found to be responsible for renal cellular growth, allowing for potential therapeutic applications in human kidney regeneration.

New advance allows gels to wiggle through water

Researchers designed a way for gels to swim in water using a hand-held laser that shrinks and swells polymer gels. This advance may allow hydrogels to explore surface waters to combat toxic elements or travel within the human body.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science·DateJun 16, 2014