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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 12


Page 12 of 33

Report shows citizen-designed county redistricting worked

A California Lutheran University study found that citizen-designed redistricting in Ventura County led to fairer representation, with most incumbent supervisors re-elected based on their responsiveness to constituents. The new districts also strengthened support for environmental protections and liberal social policies.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateJun 19, 2014

A better imager for identifying tumors

Researchers developed a small, lightweight device that combines near-infrared fluorescent imaging to detect marked cancer cells with visible light reflectance imaging to see tissue contours. This technology enhances surgeons' ability to precisely remove tumors and minimize healthy tissue damage.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 19, 2014

In hairless man, arthritis drug spurs hair growth -- lots

A 25-year-old patient with alopecia universalis has successfully regrown a full head of hair, including eyebrows and facial hair, after receiving the novel treatment. The patient's condition was previously untreatable, but the new treatment using FDA-approved drug tofacitinib citrate reversed his disease.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 19, 2014

Feel-good hormones could cause UV addiction

Chronic UV radiation stimulates endorphin production, causing physical dependence and addiction-like behavior in mice. This finding could explain why people have an instinctive desire for sunlight despite its health risks. Researchers suggest that a conscious effort to limit sun exposure is needed to mitigate skin cancer risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014

Possible new combination treatment for cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new combination treatment for cancer using the molecules RVX2135 and HDAC inhibitors. The treatment has been shown to increase survival rates in mice with MYC-driven lymphoma by activating similar genes as existing cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2014

The sweetest calculator in the world

Researchers at Jena University developed a molecular computer based on sugar molecules, enabling the processing of complex information through chemical reactions. The 'sugar computer' uses fluorescent dye and quencher to process signals, with a demonstrated ability to solve simple calculations within 40 minutes.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 19, 2014

Researchers develop genetic control mechanism for major livestock pest

Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateJun 19, 2014

Neurons get their neighbors to take out their trash

Researchers discover that retinal ganglion cells pass on worn-out mitochondria to astrocytes for disposal at the optic nerve head. This process challenges the common understanding of cellular trash management and has implications for diseases like glaucoma, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2014

Rice's Thomann wins CAREER grant to study photocatalysis

Isabell Thomann's research focuses on improving photocatalysis, a process that uses light to drive chemical reactions, with a goal of reducing carbon dioxide using sunlight. She will use an ultrafast laser spectroscopy system to study short-lived chemical intermediates and optimize the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions.

One step to solar-cell efficiency

Researchers have developed a simple way to etch nanoscale spikes into silicon, allowing more than 99% of sunlight to reach the cells' active elements. The new process reduces costs associated with solar cell production and increases efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 19, 2014

Improving academic performance with physical fitness

A new study found that cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability are strongly related to academic performance, with motor ability being the most important factor. The study suggests that promoting physical activities that enhance these abilities can improve academic development and reduce the risk of school failure.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 19, 2014

A shorter time to the first cigarette of the day is associated with risk of lung cancer

A study published in JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a shorter time to first cigarette (TTFC) is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in both heavy and light smokers. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,200 current and former smokers, revealing that TTFC was statistically significantly higher...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 19, 2014