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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 10


Page 10 of 34

One in 10 male, same-sex Craigslist ads seek men who don't identify as gay

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that men seeking non-gay-identified (NGI) partners on Craigslist tend to prioritize anonymity and masculinity, which may increase the risk of HIV transmission. Only a small percentage of NGI-seeking ads mentioned safe sex or condom use.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity·DateMar 24, 2014

The fundamentals of facial recognition

A recent Harvard University study using prosopagnosia patients found that face recognition is a distinct cognitive process. Patients with face blindness showed poor performance in recognizing faces, contrasting with their ability to recognize other objects of expertise.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014

Deletion of FAT10 gene reduces body fat, slows down aging in mice

Researchers at Tufts University have discovered that deleting the FAT10 gene reduces body fat and extends lifespan in mice by 20%, improving insulin sensitivity and protection against type 2 diabetes. The study provides a promising lead for future research into the role of FAT10 in coordinating immunity and metabolism.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014

Keep calm and don your video glasses

A study found that video glasses effectively distract patients undergoing minimally invasive treatment procedures, such as biopsies and catheter placements. Patients wearing video glasses showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels, with no adverse effects on blood pressure or pain levels.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 24, 2014

Researchers take mathematical route to fighting viruses

Researchers at the University of York and University of Leeds have developed a mathematical model that explains the molecular mechanisms behind virus assembly. The discovery opens up possibilities for the development of anti-viral therapies and could help treat diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, and the Common Cold.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014

Ancient Indonesian climate shift linked to glacial cycle

Researchers from Brown University have assembled a 60,000-year record of rainfall in central Indonesia, showing that the region's normally wet climate was interrupted by a severe dry period during peak ice age. This finding provides crucial data for predicting how the region might respond to global warming.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014

Would you believe your hand could turn into marble?

Researchers induce a bodily illusion where participants' hands feel stiffer and heavier, showing the brain can quickly update its perception of body material. This study reveals multisensory integration can alter perceived body properties, which may help explain how tools and prostheses integrate into our body schemas.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2014

Mice give ticks a free lunch

White-footed mice are 'super hosts' that transfer disease-causing pathogens to feeding ticks, yet appear indifferent to larval tick infestations. Research found that heavy tick burdens did not reduce mouse survival or overwintering success, and may even enhance their chances of survival.

Oncologists differ widely on offering cancer gene testing, study finds

A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found wide variation in oncologists' attitudes towards offering cancer gene testing, with those having high genomic confidence more likely to prescribe the test. The survey revealed that 42% of doctors approved telling patients about uncertain test results, highlighting concerns about delivering ...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 24, 2014

New study shows heart abnormalities in fish embryos exposed to Deepwater Horizon oil

A new study has found that exposure to crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill can cause serious defects in heart development and function of fish embryos. The research highlights the potential impacts on commercially important pelagic fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014

Scientists find a molecular clue to the complex mystery of auxin signaling in plants

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a key protein in the auxin signaling network that may help understand the entire mechanism. The protein's interaction domain allows it to form chains with other proteins, fine-tuning the response of individual cells to auxin and producing detailed patterns on plant leaves.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014

Autophagy in the initial stage is unrelated to the composition of beclin 1 complex

Researchers found that the initial stage of autophagy is not directly related to the composition of the Beclin-1 complex. Instead, other mechanisms are likely involved in inducing autophagy. This study highlights the complexity of autophagy regulation and challenges current understanding of its role in neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 24, 2014

p53 cuts off invading cancer cells

Researchers discovered that p53 acts to prevent cancer cell invasion by initiating a chain of events that ultimately prevents the formation of lamellipodia. This process involves the activation of a mitochondrial protease called Omi, which cleaves actin filaments and suppresses the activity of focal adhesion signaling protein p130Cas.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 24, 2014

From mouse ears to man's?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that DNA therapy can preserve inner ear nerve cells in humans with certain types of progressive hearing loss. The study uses a protein growth factor to block degeneration and has important implications for enhancing sound perception with cochlear implants.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalHearing Research·DateMar 24, 2014

Recovering valuable substances from wastewater

Researchers have developed a technology to recover phosphorus from wastewater using superparamagnetic particles. The particles trap phosphate anions, which can then be removed using magnets, leaving water clear of pollutants. This innovative method has the potential to protect the environment and provide a sustainable raw material source.

New discovery finds missing hormone in birds

A team of researchers from the University of Akron has made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying the missing hormone leptin in birds. Leptin plays a crucial role in regulating body fat storage, metabolism, and appetite, but its presence was unknown in avian species until now.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2014

Motor learning: Lining up our sights

Neurologists investigate the significance of the vestibular system in directing gaze, finding that patients with vestibular or cerebellar dysfunction have difficulty controlling eye movements. The study suggests that rehabilitation training based on active head movements can enhance gaze shift control and learning to find endpoints.

Hunt for an unidentified electron object

The new framework was used to understand the dynamics of quantized vortices and their interaction with electrons. The researchers discovered a novel mechanism of vortex multiplication, which explains why unidentified electron objects were found only at lower temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2014