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Science News for June 2, 2014


Common cholesterol drug greatly alters inflammatory response to common cold

Researchers discovered that statins can alter the inflammatory response to rhinovirus, a common cause of the cold, in individuals with asthma. This finding suggests that statins may help prevent or reduce asthma symptoms resulting from colds, and could lead to further research into novel asthma control strategies.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

CU Denver study shows public health often ignored in transportation policy

A CU Denver study reveals that major roads built through lower-income neighborhoods often neglect public health issues, including air pollution and crime. The study's author emphasizes the importance of incorporating public health into transportation planning to minimize hazards and create healthier environments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateJun 2, 2014

Surgeons report fewer postoperative blood clots using risk-based preventive measures

A standardized prevention program implemented in a hospital department of surgery significantly reduced the rate of deep venous thromboses (DVT) and pulmonary emboli among patients. The program, which scored individual risk factors and provided risk-based prophylaxis, led to an 84% drop in DVT rates and a 55% decrease in pulmonary emboli.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 2, 2014

The quest for the bionic arm

Researchers are working on bionic arms with full motor and sensory function to treat veterans with upper extremity amputations. While advancements have been made, challenges remain in creating prostheses that meet the abilities of a human arm and hand.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJun 2, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for June 2, 2014

Researchers discover that mucin concentration in cystic fibrosis airway secretions contributes to decreased mucus clearance and promotes lung infection and inflammation. Meanwhile, an aptamer-based strategy delivers a specific siRNA to tumor cells and Tregs, reducing STAT3 expression and promoting anti-tumor responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 2, 2014

Speaking 2 languages benefits the aging brain

A recent study published in Annals of Neurology found that individuals who speak two or more languages may experience slower cognitive decline and improved cognitive abilities later in life. The research controlled for childhood intelligence and showed a significant impact on general intelligence, reading, and other cognitive functions.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 2, 2014

Same face, many first impressions

Researchers found that slight variations in facial expressions can lead to varied first impressions, challenging the assumption that face images accurately represent an individual's personality. The study suggests that online images can have unintended consequences on how others perceive us.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 2, 2014

No sign of 'obesity paradox' in obese patients with stroke

Researchers investigated whether obese patients with stroke experienced a 'weight loss paradox', where heavier individuals have better outcomes than expected. The study found no such correlation, contradicting previous hypotheses on the topic. Obesity status did not affect stroke mortality rates in this cohort.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 2, 2014

Preventive services by medical and dental providers and treatment outcomes

A retrospective study found that children receiving non-dental primary care provider visits had lower tooth decay treatment rates and payments compared to those visiting dentists alone. The study suggests that preventive oral health services provided by non-dental providers may lead to a greater reduction in tooth decay treatment.

A new look at old forests

A new study by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists has determined that as forests age, their ability to grow decreases due to reduced carbon dioxide uptake and respiration. This finding suggests the future growth of US forests will decline, potentially impacting the country's role as a carbon sink.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2014

Blunting rice disease

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a naturally occurring microbe that inhibits the devastating fungus known as rice blast, inducing a defense response in rice plants. The beneficial soil microbe, Pseudomonas chlororaphis EA105, reduces fungal growth by 76% and lesion size.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

What finding out a child's sex before birth says about a mother

Expectant mothers who opt-out of prenatal gender reveal tests tend to have a more relaxed approach to parenting and are less likely to conform to traditional gender stereotypes. They often score high on personality traits like openness to experience, which suggests they prefer a more natural and spontaneous approach to pregnancy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 2, 2014

Study examines political contributions made by physicians

A study found that physician contributions to federal elections increased significantly, with most shifting towards Democratic candidates, particularly among female physicians and solo practitioners. The shift away from Republicans was driven by an influx of new donors more likely to support Democrats.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 2, 2014

Shape matters...

A study by US researchers resolves a long-standing debate on package size perception, revealing that presentation context plays a significant role in estimating volume. When packages are displayed in groups of nine or more, simple-shaped packages appear larger than complex ones, but the reverse occurs when presented with fewer packages.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Management Practice·DateJun 2, 2014

Study: Hurricanes with female names more deadly than male-named storms

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that severe hurricanes with feminine names result in a greater death toll due to people taking fewer protective measures. The analysis of over six decades of US hurricane deaths shows that storms with feminine names are seen as less foreboding, leading to increased vulnerability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2014

Early steps toward personalized fitness: Interval training may benefit men more than women

Researchers found that men created more new proteins as a result of interval training compared to women. Despite this difference, both men and women experienced similar increases in aerobic capacity. The study suggests that personalized fitness approaches may be necessary for optimal health benefits.

Elsevier publishes open-access journal: CSBJ on behalf of RNCSB

Elsevier has launched an open-access journal, Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal (CSBJ), on behalf of the Research Network of Computational and Structural Biotechnology. The journal publishes high-quality research articles and reviews in computational biotechnology, with a focus on mechanistic understanding through appl...

SourceElsevier·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateJun 2, 2014

Wayne State University licenses technology to new start-up, Detroit Materials, Inc.

Researchers at Wayne State University have developed high-strength low-alloy steels and cast irons with improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased safety. The university has licensed its patented technology to Detroit Materials, Inc., a new start-up company focused on commercializing ultra-high performance materials.

Nano world: Where towers construct themselves

Researchers develop method to control ordering of self-assembling structures, inducing reversible switching and transformation between arrangements. Nano-scale materials with specific properties are crucial for various applications in electronics, photovoltaics and biomimetic material synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 2, 2014

New species from the past

A new species of flat bug, Aradus macrosomus, has been discovered in Baltic amber deposits, highlighting the significance of these ancient fossilized tree resins. The species is characterized by its large size and distinct structures, providing valuable insights into the evolution of arthropods.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalDeutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift·DateJun 2, 2014

MRSA rates varied dramatically across geographic areas

A new study found significant variation in MRSA rates among five US cities, with Los Angeles experiencing a 57% decline and New York tripling its rates. The study suggests that bacterial ecology is changing fundamentally, requiring further research to protect public health.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 2, 2014

New Ichthyosaur graveyard found

A new study published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin documents the discovery of forty-six ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs in southern Chile. The skeletons are associated with ammonites, belemnites, and other fossils, providing insights into the marine ecosystem of Early Cretaceous times.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJun 2, 2014

Stronger than steel

A Swedish-German research team has developed a new method for producing ultra-strong cellulose fibers, with filaments stronger than aluminum and steel per weight. The fibers are created through hydrodynamic alignment and assembly of nano-fibrils, making them biodegradable and compatible with human tissue.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2014

Hypnosis extends restorative slow-wave sleep

Researchers found that highly suggestible women experienced a significant increase in slow-wave sleep after listening to hypnosis, resulting in improved sleep quality. The study suggests that hypnosis could be a promising alternative to sleep-inducing drugs with no adverse side effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 2, 2014

Nearly 1 in 8 American children are maltreated before age 18

According to a Yale University study, nearly 12% of American children experience confirmed maltreatment by age 18, affecting over 5.6 million children between 2004 and 2011. Black and Native American children are disproportionately affected, with one in five and one in seven experiencing maltreatment respectively.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 2, 2014

New UGA research engineers microbes for the direct conversion of biomass to fuel

Researchers at the University of Georgia have successfully engineered microbes to convert switchgrass into fuel without pre-treatment. This breakthrough allows for the direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks into transportation fuels, marking a significant step towards affordable and sustainable energy production.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2014

Here come the 'brobots'

Researchers have developed sperm-inspired microrobots that can be controlled by oscillating weak magnetic fields, enabling applications such as targeted drug delivery and in vitro fertilization. The robots consist of a head coated in a thick cobalt-nickel layer and an uncoated tail, propelled forward by magnetic torque.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 2, 2014

New materials to be developed to repair eyes

UK researchers are developing new materials to create artificial corneas and contact lenses that can be manufactured in an environmentally friendly way. The project aims to reduce the financial impact of vision loss on individuals and the economy, with potential breakthroughs in treating age-related macular degeneration.

Seniors who exercise regularly experience less physical decline as they age

Older adults who exercised regularly experienced less physical decline than their peers, according to a University of Missouri study. The researchers found that muscle-strengthening exercises, which are crucial for maintaining muscle strength, were often overlooked despite having access to recreational activities and exercise equipment.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Nursing Research·DateJun 2, 2014

American Society of Clinical Oncology recognizes MD Anderson leaders for their contributions to cancer research

The American Society of Clinical Oncology recognizes MD Anderson leaders Gabriel Hortobagyi, Waun Ki Hong, and John Mendelsohn for their significant contributions to cancer research. Mendelsohn is known for his discovery of the monoclonal antibody Erbitux, while Hong has made groundbreaking advances in treating head and neck cancers.