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Science News Archive June 2014 - Page 26


Page 26 of 33

A tiny molecule may help battle depression

Researchers at McGill University discovered a tiny molecule, miR-1202, that regulates glutamate receptors and is lower in the brains of depressed individuals. The study found that this microRNA increases with antidepressant treatment, suggesting it could be a potential target for developing new treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 8, 2014

No limits to human effects on clouds

A study by Weizmann Institute researchers found that human activities have altered the types of clouds over pristine ocean areas, leading to increased cloud height and rainfall. The team's model accurately predicted these changes using satellite images and aerosol data, suggesting a significant impact on global climate patterns.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateJun 8, 2014

Clinical review published in JAMA

A clinical review published in JAMA explores the diagnosis and management of mixed urinary incontinence in women, a condition affecting 20-36% of women. High-quality evidence supports treating stress and urge urinary incontinences with surgery and medications respectively.

SourceCare New England·JournalJAMA·DateJun 6, 2014

Lower asthma risk is associated with microbes in infants' homes

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants exposed to a diverse range of bacterial species in house dust during the first year of life are less likely to develop asthma in early childhood. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that immune responses may be shaped by exposures during...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 6, 2014

Exotic particle confirmed

Physicists confirm existence of exotic dibaryon made up of six quarks, a complex particle that could open door to new physical phenomena. The discovery was made using the WASA-at-COSY collaboration and has been published in Physical Review Letters.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 6, 2014

Shatterproof screens that save smartphones

Researchers at the University of Akron have developed a shatterproof screen technology using a transparent electrode that is tough, flexible and cost-effective. The new film can withstand repeated scotch tape peeling and bending tests, offering a potential replacement for traditional touchscreen displays.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 6, 2014

Early exposure to certain bacteria may protect toddlers from wheezing

A NIH-funded study found that early life exposure to specific combinations of allergens and bacteria protects against wheezing and allergic disease. The Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma (URECA) study revealed that cockroach, mouse, and cat exposure during the first year of life is associated with a lower risk of recurrent wheezing.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 6, 2014

Breakthrough study solves plant sex mystery

A team of biologists at the University of Leicester has discovered a pair of proteins called DAZ1 and DAZ2 that are essential for making twin sperm cells in plants. The study reveals how these proteins work together with a 'master switch' protein DUO1 to control a gene network that ensures a pair of fertile sperm is produced.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 6, 2014

Probiotics prevent deadly complications of liver disease

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that probiotics can modify the gut microbiota to prevent hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The researchers discovered that probiotic supplementation was not associated with any side effects, suggesting a safer treatment option.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 6, 2014

Football for untrained 70-year-old men

Untrained elderly men achieved marked improvements in maximum oxygen uptake, muscle function, and bone mineralization after playing football for four months. The study shows that intense football training can change the lives of elderly men, making it easier to live an active life and overcome physical challenges.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJun 6, 2014

Sleep apnea tied to diabetes in large study

A large Canadian study of over 8,500 patients found a significant link between obstructive sleep apnea and the development of diabetes. The study confirmed earlier evidence and identified that initial severity of OSA predicted subsequent risk for incident diabetes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 6, 2014

Endoscope with an oxygen sensor detects pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed an optical blood oxygen sensor attached to an endoscope that can identify pancreatic cancer with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 86%. The device measures changes in blood flow near the pancreas, which tumors alter to grow. Early detection is crucial as most pancreatic cancers are diagno...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 6, 2014

Toward a better drug against malaria

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have made significant progress in understanding how the antimalarial drug atovaquone works. By analyzing its molecular structure, they have identified key binding sites and revealed the underlying mechanism of resistance to mutations. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more ef...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2014

Text messaging program helps smokers fight the urge to light up

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that a text-messaging program helped over 11% of smokers quit smoking compared to just 5% of controls. The program provided personalized advice and reminders to help smokers stay on track with their quitting efforts.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 6, 2014

Herpesviruses undercover

Scientists at HZI have shown that herpesviruses like KSHV and MHV68 modulate the TLR-induced proinflammatory cytokine response, allowing them to remain within the body for a long time. The researchers discovered that the virus actively prevents activation of the innate immune system through Toll-like receptors.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJun 6, 2014

Rice developing mobile DNA test for HIV

Researchers at Rice University have developed a nucleic acid-based test to detect signs of HIV and track viral loads in patients in low-resource settings. The new test, called qRPA, uses recombinase polymerase amplification and can be performed at the site of care, eliminating the need for complex lab equipment.

SourceRice University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 5, 2014

Short nanotubes target pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Rice University have developed customized carbon nanotubes that can deliver chemotherapy agents to pancreatic cancer cells. The nanotubes are small enough to pass through the pores of cancer-related blood vessels, allowing them to target and infiltrate the nuclei of cancerous cells.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJun 5, 2014