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Science News for March 7, 2014


Promising news for solar fuels from Berkeley Lab researchers at JCAP

Researchers at JCAP have developed a new hybrid material that stores nearly 90% of the electrons generated by solar energy in hydrogen molecules. This breakthrough could address one of the major challenges in using artificial photosynthesis to produce renewable solar fuels. The material, which combines gallium phosphide and cobaloxime ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 7, 2014

Pre-term birth and asthma

Research reveals that preterm birth increases the risk of asthma and wheezing disorders, with a 70% higher risk among preterm babies compared to full-term infants. Children born before 32 weeks gestation face approximately three times the risk.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 7, 2014

Cells appearing normal may actually be harbingers of lung cancer

Researchers identified cancer markers and a previously unknown gene role in airways of smokers with lung cancer, suggesting earlier detection and treatment strategies. The study found that normal-appearing tissue near tumors has tumor-associated molecular abnormalities, potentially aiding in diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 7, 2014

Service is key to winery sales

Researchers found that customer service is key to boosting tasting room sales, with staff expertise and ambience creating a more intimate experience. The study also discovered that sensory descriptions of wine flavors can be off-putting for consumers, especially tourists.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Wine Business Research·DateMar 7, 2014

Interactive simulator for vehicle drivers

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM developed an interactive driving simulator to analyze realistic human-vehicle interaction. The facility features a real vehicle interior, robotic system, and motion cueing algorithms to match visual input with driver behavior.

Anti-psychotic medications offer new hope in the battle against glioblastoma

Researchers have discovered that FDA-approved anti-psychotic drugs possess tumor-killing activity against glioblastoma. The finding is based on shRNA technology that identifies genes required for glioblastoma growth and reveals surprising links to dopamine regulation, a crucial component in treating Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMar 7, 2014

Notre Dame chemists discover new class of antibiotics

A team of researchers from Notre Dame has discovered a new class of oxadiazole antibiotics effective against MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising treatment option. The discovery is based on the inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins and shows promise in mouse models of infection.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 7, 2014

Emerging multi-drug resistant infections lack standard definition and treatment

Researchers found significant variations in definitions and isolation procedures for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria across hospitals. The inconsistent detection and treatment practices may hinder communication between healthcare centers, contributing to the spread of these deadly pathogens.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 7, 2014

Smartphones become 'eye-phones' with low-cost devices developed by Stanford

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed two inexpensive adapters that allow smartphones to capture high-quality images of the front and back of the eye. The adapters make it easy for anyone with minimal training to take a picture of the eye and share it securely with other health practitioners or store it i...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Mobile Technology in Medicine·DateMar 7, 2014

New guidelines employ a team approach to autism diagnosis and care

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has revised key parameters for evaluating and treating autism, emphasizing early diagnosis and a team approach to care. Researchers led by Fred Volkmar recommend a coordinated medical, psychological, and communication evaluation to differentiate between autism and other disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2014

Squeezing light into metals

University of Utah engineers create microscopic structures that use light in metals to carry information, controlling electrical conductivity with an inexpensive inkjet printer. The technique could lead to rapid fabrication of superfast components and faster wireless technology.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 7, 2014

Danish nasal filter looks promising for allergy sufferers

A clinical study from Aarhus University finds that a newly developed Danish mini-filter, Rhinix, appears to be significantly more effective against the discomfort of seasonal hay fever than a filterless placebo. The filter reduces nasal symptoms by up to 75% and alleviates throat irritation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 7, 2014

Traffic-related air pollution associated with changes in right ventricular structure and function

Research associates high traffic-related air pollution exposure with increased right ventricular mass and volume, linking it to a higher risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. The study found that participants exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide had greater right ventricular changes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 7, 2014

Europe's largest badger study finds rare long-distance movements

A four-year study in Ireland found that five percent of badgers traveled over 7.5km from their setts, with the longest recorded distance being 22.1km. This information is crucial for designing policies to tackle tuberculosis within cattle populations and understanding how infection is maintained and spread within badger populations.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 7, 2014

New theory on cause of endometriosis

A new theory proposes that epigenetic modification plays a key role in the development of endometriosis, a chronic disease affecting 1 in 10 women. The research suggests that alterations in the epigenetic landscape, rather than genetic mutations, contribute to the disease's progression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 7, 2014