Innovative computer under scrutiny
Researchers confirm D-Wave uses quantum effects but are critical of its classification as a computer. The system solves optimization problems but is slower than traditional computers for most tests.
Science News Archive March 2014
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COPD associated with increased risk for mild cognitive impairment
A study found that older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk for developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), particularly in skills other than memory. Patients with COPD for over five years had the greatest risk, highlighting the importance of COPD as a risk factor for MCI.
New reason to eat oats for heart health
Scientists have discovered that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oat phenolic compounds, particularly avenanthramide, contribute to the heart health benefits of oats. These findings suggest that eating oats may go beyond fiber and provide additional cardio-protective effects.
New evidence raises questions about the link between fatty acids and heart disease
Researchers found no association between saturated fat intake and coronary disease risk, contradicting existing dietary guidelines. However, certain fatty acid subtypes showed varying effects on cardiovascular risk.
Crop intensification and organic fertilizers can be a long-term solution to perennial food shortages in Africa
Crop intensification through agroforestry can improve soil fertility, biodiversity, and water quality, increasing food production in Africa. By reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, farmers can maintain nutrient cycling, organic matter build-up, and ecosystem resilience.
UCLA geographers create 'easy button' to calculate river flows from space
Researchers develop new method to measure river discharge solely based on width measurements from satellite imagery, providing accurate estimates for agriculture, sanitation, and flood preparation. The approach holds promise for improving climate models and ensuring international water-sharing agreements are met.
Antarctic moss lives after 1,500+ years under ice
Researchers have discovered that Antarctic mosses can regenerate after 1,500 years of dormancy under the ice. This finding has significant implications for understanding polar ecosystems and climate change, as mosses play a crucial role in storing carbon in both northern and southern polar regions.
Better continuity of care for elderly pataients cuts costs and complications, study finds
A RAND Corporation study found that better continuity of care for patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure, or emphysema leads to significant reductions in hospital emergency department visits and hospitalizations. This improvement can result in substantial cost savings for Medicare, up to $1.5 billion per year.
'Breaking bad': Insect pests in the making
A recent study from the University of California, Davis, analyzes the ovipositor and behavior of Drosophila suzukii, a fruit fly known to deposit eggs inside ripening fruit. The research highlights the potential for this pest to spread rapidly across North America.
Follow the ant trail for drug design
A new simulation module developed at ETH Zurich uses an ant algorithm to predict the interaction of molecules with human proteins, identifying potential side effects and optimizing molecular design. The module can now design new active agents in minutes, suggesting necessary chemical synthesis steps.
Will health care reform require new population health management strategies?
The Affordable Care Act's impact on healthcare coverage will significantly affect population health management providers, employers, and employees. New models of population health management services delivery are proposed to address these changes.
Supplements not associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly
A large clinical trial found no significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among elderly patients taking daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and lutein/zeaxanthin for age-related macular degeneration. The study involved 4,203 participants and found no benefit from these supplements on CVD outcomes.
What's so bad about feeling happy?
Research reveals that various cultures have differing attitudes towards happiness, with some valuing it as a supreme goal while others avoid it due to superstition or fear of negative consequences. The study highlights the complexities of cultural differences in happiness aversion.
Dr. Roger Unger wins international Luft Award for endocrinology and diabetes research
Dr. Roger Unger has been awarded the 2014 Rolf Luft Award for his groundbreaking research on glucagon, which he identified as a key hormone balancing insulin regulation of blood sugar. His work revealed diabetes is a bihormonal disease with insufficiency of insulin and excess glucagon.
New research links body clocks to chronic lung diseases
Scientists at The University of Manchester discovered a rhythmic defence pathway in the lung controlled by our body clocks, essential for combating toxins and pollutants. The research found that timed administration of antioxidant compounds according to the lung clock time can increase their effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Global problem of fisheries bycatch needs global solutions
A new analysis reveals the complex nature of global bycatch, highlighting the need for international cooperation to reduce ecological harm. Strategies like depth variation and turtle excluder devices have been shown to increase target catch and reduce bycatch in fisheries.
Bacterial reporters that get the scoop
A new strain of E. coli bacteria has been engineered to detect and record environmental signals in the mouse gut, remembering what it 'saw' for up to a week. The approach, which uses a genetic switch from a virus, could lead to a radically new screening tool for human gut health and living diagnostics.
Many parents have infant-feeding, TV, and activity practices which may increase obesity risk
A new study found that many parents, regardless of their race or ethnicity, engage in
Rocky Mountain wildflower season lengthens by more than a month
A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming pattern in response to warmer climate. The bloom season has lengthened by one month, with different species responding in unexpected ways, impacting pollinating insects and migratory birds.
Back to life after 1,500 years
Researchers have demonstrated that moss can come back to life and continue to grow after over 1,500 years frozen in Antarctic ice. This finding provides exciting new insight into the survival of life on Earth, with implications for the potential survival of complex life forms in permafrost or ice.
Drug trafficking corrupts Kyrgyzstan's politics and underworld
A researcher found that Kyrgyzstan's lack of economic activity outside the drug trade has led to a blurring of lines between government and crime. The country's politicians and police are often complicit in the smuggling industry, with some even using their positions for personal gain.
Children's preferences for sweeter and saltier tastes are linked to each other
A study by the Monell Chemical Senses Center found that children who prefer sweet tastes also prefer salty tastes, and that these preferences relate to measures of growth and development. The research highlights the importance of understanding the biology behind children's food preferences to promote healthy eating habits.
Eat more, die young: Why eating a diet very low in nutrients can extend lifespan
A new evolutionary theory proposes that consuming a very low-nutrient diet can increase human lifespan. Laboratory animal studies have shown that severely restricted food intake reduces the incidence of diseases and increases lifespan, likely due to increased cellular recycling mechanisms.
Knowing whether food has spoiled without even opening the container (video)
Researchers have developed a color-changing food deterioration tag that can determine if perishable products are still active or fresh. The tag changes color to indicate the quality of the product, ranging from fresh to spoiled, and can be customized for various foods and beverages.
UNH research: Positive memories of exercise spur future workouts
Researchers found that recalling positive exercise memories significantly increased subsequent exercise intentions and behaviors in college students. Those who recalled negative memories also exercised more than control groups, although less than those who recalled positives.
Study identifies most common, costly reasons for mental health hospitalizations for kids
Depression is the leading cause of pediatric primary mental health admissions, accounting for $1.33 billion in annual hospital charges. The study also found that bipolar disorder and psychosis are common and expensive diagnoses, emphasizing the need for prevention and wellness measures.
The Lancet: China halves tuberculosis prevalence in just 20 years
China has successfully reduced its tuberculosis (TB) prevalence by half over 20 years, driven by the directly observed, short-course (DOTS) strategy. The nationwide expansion of DOTS contributed to a significant decrease in TB cases and improved treatment outcomes.
CF Foundation and CF care expert partnership yields striking progress for people with cystic fibrosi
Health outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis have improved dramatically following the implementation of quality improvement strategies, including patient education, nutritional support, and enhanced continuity of care. Key clinical outcomes, such as improved lung function and nutritional status, have also seen significant progress.
Fighting antibiotic resistance with 'molecular drill bits'
Researchers create novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that burst through bacterial cell walls, killing resistant strains. The discovery could lead to new therapies against tuberculosis and other deadly diseases.
Health gap between adult survivors of childhood cancer and siblings widens with age
The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study found that adult survivors of childhood cancer are at a higher risk for severe health problems, including new cancers and heart conditions, compared to their siblings
How the science of deer hunting can help patients with diabetes
Scientists are working on a device that can diagnose and monitor diabetes using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in human breath. The technology was inspired by the need to suppress body odor for deer hunters, who have a keen sense of smell, five times more acute than humans.
New therapeutic target discovered for Alzheimer's disease
A team of scientists has discovered a new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by blocking the production of key neurotoxic peptides linked to the condition. The drug candidate, E64d, has been shown to be safe in humans and has improved memory deficits in mouse models.
New way to make biodiesel creates less waste from alligator, and likely other animal fats
Researchers have developed a new method to produce biodiesel from animal fats, including those from alligators, with minimal waste. The process uses supercritical methanol and eliminates the need for catalysts or solid waste byproducts.
Study: Colon cancer incidence rates decreasing steeply in older Americans
A recent study found that colon cancer incidence rates have dropped by 30 percent in the US among adults 50 and older due to widespread colonoscopy adoption. Colonoscopy use has almost tripled among adults ages 50-75, leading to significant declines in mortality rates as well.
Ohio State partners with MedVax Technologies Inc. to bring a cancer peptide vaccine to patients
The Ohio State University has partnered with MedVax Technologies Inc. to develop a cancer peptide vaccine technology for the treatment and prevention of several types of cancer. The partnership aims to bring this groundbreaking technology into clinical trials in the near future, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Hepatitis C remains major problem for HIV patients despite antiretroviral therapy
Patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C have an 80 percent higher rate of decompensated cirrhosis than hepatitis C-only patients. Even when ART is effective, they still experience a 60 percent higher risk of serious liver disease compared to those with hepatitis C alone.
Democrats, Republicans see each other as mindless -- unless they pose a threat
A study by NYU and Harvard Business School suggests that people are more likely to view members of the opposite political party as human if they perceive those individuals as threatening. The researchers used morphed faces to test this hypothesis, finding that participants were more willing to attribute human-like qualities to in-group...
Computer analyzes massive clinical databases to properly categorize asthma patients
A computer program has identified various subtypes of asthma, including one associated with poor quality of life and depression in obese women. The analysis used machine learning algorithms to track 112 variables for nearly 400 people, leading to potential personalized treatments.
Overpopulation: The transparent elephant in the room causing crucial modern crises
A review of nearly 200 research articles highlights the underplay of population growth's impact on modern crises. The study emphasizes the need to address natality rates in both developed and developing nations to fix these issues.
Bright future for protein nanoprobes
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered new rules for creating ultra-bright light-emitting crystals less than 10 nanometers in diameter, which should be a big asset for biological imaging. The discovery shows that factors known to increase brightness in bulk experiments lose importance at higher excitation powers.
Male, stressed, and poorly social
A study by Giorgia Silani found that stress undermines empathic abilities in men, while increasing them in women. In the experiment, stressed men performed worse in tasks requiring empathy and social skills compared to unstressed men.
Lessons from a meadow
The study provides a detailed picture of biological events like flower blooming, animal emergence, and leaf fall, showing a more complex pattern than previously thought. Over 39 years, the flowering season expanded by more than a month due to earlier snowmelt and warming climate.
Study finds high utilization of neuroimaging for headaches despite guidelines
A study found that neuroimaging for headaches is frequently ordered by physicians, with a significant increase in use from 1995 to 2010. The procedure resulted in estimated costs of $3.9 billion and was performed in nearly 14% of all headache visits.
UT Arlington information systems professors determine successful software programming aids
Researchers at UT Arlington have found that collaboration among programmers can lead to better results, while using design patterns improves the quality of software programs and programmer productivity. The study suggests firms can speed up software programming without sacrificing quality.
Researchers identify risk factors for little-known lung infection
Caucasians 55+ are at greatest risk of a deadly lung infection caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which affects over 2,990 people in the US each year. The infection is treatable but expensive antibiotic therapy can take up to two years.
US headache sufferers get $1 billion worth of brain scans each year, U-M study finds
A new study found that 12% of doctor visits for headaches result in unnecessary brain scans, costing around $1 billion annually. The researchers suggest better public education and insurance plan designs could reduce unnecessary use and spending on scans.
NIH scientists track evolution of a superbug
Researchers used genome sequencing to reveal genetic diversity in hospital-acquired bacterium ST258, which causes carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections. The study found two distinct groups with different evolutionary histories and unique outer coat genes.
Document addresses improving quality, safety for PCIs performed without on-site backup
The new consensus document outlines steps hospitals can take to provide the safest possible environment for PCI when cardiac surgery is not available. The recommendations aim to increase safety while maintaining access to quality care for underserved patients.
Strengthening learning in children: Get outside and play
Researchers found that playscapes promote scientific inquiry, math education and environmental awareness, while reducing depression and attention deficit disorders. These specially designed outdoor spaces foster curiosity, nature exploration and sustainable practices.
Reintroduction experiments give new hope for a plant on the brink of extinction
Researchers successfully reintroduced the critically endangered marsh sandwort plant to multiple locations, guided by experimental findings and habitat variations. The discovery of a native indicator plant, water parsley, helped identify suitable habitats for the species.
Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for March 18, 2014
Researchers found that high consumption of polyunsaturated fats does not reduce coronary risk, while patients with HIV and HCV are more likely to suffer liver decompensation despite treatment. Pneumonia coding practices may also skew hospital performance outcomes due to variations in diagnosis codes.
Younger men receive faster care for heart attacks, angina compared with women of same age
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that younger adults experiencing heart attacks and angina received faster care if they were male. The study also identified gender-related factors affecting access to care, including anxiety levels and personality traits.
Primary androgen deprivation therapy ineffective for most men with early prostate cancer
A comprehensive study of over 15,000 men with localized prostate cancer found that primary androgen deprivation therapy does not extend survival. The treatment is associated with serious adverse events and mitigates against its use as a primary treatment option.
Archaeologists discover the earliest complete example of a human with cancer
A 3,000 year-old skeleton has revealed evidence of metastatic carcinoma, making it the oldest convincing complete example of cancer in the archaeological record. Analysis suggests that environmental carcinogens or infectious diseases may have caused the cancer.
Chicken bones tell true story of Pacific migration
Researchers have identified genetic markers of original Polynesian chickens, tracing early movements and trading patterns across the Pacific. The study also found that these lineages survived on isolated Pacific islands despite European introduction.
First guidelines for patients with pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease
The new guidelines recommend regular screening for pulmonary hypertension in SCD adults, and intensifying SCD therapy for those with PH. Patients with symptomatic PH should be treated, while management is guided by hemodynamic numbers obtained through catheterization.
Study finds that fast-moving cells in the human immune system walk in a stepwise manner
A team of biologists and engineers at the University of California, San Diego has discovered how white blood cells generate traction forces to propel themselves forward by coordinated action of contractile proteins. This finding is crucial for developing new pharmacological strategies to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.
Climatologists offer explanation for widening of Earth's tropical belt
A team of climatologists led by UC Riverside researchers found that the recent widening of the tropical belt is primarily caused by multi-decadal sea surface temperature variability in the Pacific Ocean, including the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and anthropogenic pollutants. The study suggests that climate models underestimate the obse...
Stanford makes flexible carbon nanotube circuits more reliable and power efficient
A Stanford team developed a process to dope carbon nanotubes with an additive, improving their electronic performance. The resulting flexible CNT circuits can tolerate power fluctuations like silicon chips, enabling bendable electronics with low power consumption.
U-M scientists slow development of Alzheimer's trademark cell-killing plaques
Researchers have found a way to slow down the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, by rescuing the Golgi structure in cells. By inhibiting an enzyme or expressing a mutant protein, the researchers were able to decrease harmful Abeta secretion by 80 percent.