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Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 12


Page 12 of 34

Homeless with TBI more likely to visit ER

A study of homeless and vulnerably housed individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) found they are more likely to visit emergency departments, be arrested or assaulted. The research highlights the importance of screening for TBI and providing support to manage behaviors after brain injuries.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMar 21, 2014

Researchers at LSTM unlock the secret of multiple insecticide resistance in mosquitoes

Researchers at LSTM have discovered the combination of genetic mutations that enable mosquitoes to develop multiple and extreme-level resistance to insecticides. The study identifies two key genes, CYP6M2 and CYP6P3, which are highly expressed in resistant mosquitoes and can confer resistance across different classes of insecticides.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 21, 2014

Permafrost thaw: No upside

A new study found that growing season gains from permafrost thaw are outweighed by increased winter respiration, leading to enhanced carbon losses. The research suggests that the Arctic's stored carbon could reach catastrophic levels within a century if permafrost continues to thaw.

Anti-counterfeit 'fingerprints' made from silver nanowires

A team of researchers from South Korea has developed a novel technique to authenticate goods by creating unique patterns made from tiny, randomly scattered silver nanowires. The 'fingerprints' are almost impossible to replicate due to their natural randomness and difficulty in manipulating the tiny materials.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateMar 20, 2014

Medicaid expansion may help prevent kidney failure, improve access to kidney-related care

A new study suggests that Medicaid expansion among low-income nonelderly adults can help prevent kidney failure and improve access to kidney disease care. States with broader Medicaid coverage have lower incidences of kidney failure and smaller insurance-related gaps in access to kidney disease care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 20, 2014

Researchers discover underlying genetics, marker for stroke, cardiovascular disease

Researchers have discovered a genetic variant linked to an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. The study found that variants in the FOCM pathway, which regulates homocysteine metabolism, are associated with differences in methionine processing, highlighting potential new targets for disease prevention and treatment.

Eyes are windows to the soul -- and evolution

A Cornell University neuroscientist's study finds that human facial expressions arose from universal, adaptive reactions to environmental stimuli. The findings suggest that emotional responses influence vision at the earliest moments of visual encoding, leading to contrasting eye movements that filter our reality.

SourceCornell University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 20, 2014

New approach makes cancer cells explode

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new mechanism to kill glioblastoma cells using Vacquinol-1, which causes uncontrolled vacuolization leading to cell explosion and necrosis. This approach may lead to new cancer treatments, potentially working for other cancer diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateMar 20, 2014

Thoughtful people more likely to infer improvements in race relations

New research by Jane L. Risen of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business shows that people are more likely to deny the persistence of racism after being exposed to a successful African American. Thoughtful individuals are particularly vulnerable to making quick inferences about racial disparity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 20, 2014

Ancient clam gardens nurture food security

Researchers discovered that ancient clam gardens made by Aboriginal people produced quadruple the number of butter clams and twice the number of littleneck clams as unmodified clam beaches. This study provides practical insights into sustainable ancient marine management techniques for local food security strategies.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2014

Stanford professor maps by-catch as unintended consequence of global fisheries

A new analysis reveals the scope of by-catch in various regions, with high rates found in the eastern Pacific, Mediterranean, southwest Atlantic, and Southern Indian oceans. The study emphasizes the importance of community engagement and data-driven approaches to mitigate by-catch, particularly in less-regulated small-scale fisheries.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2014

(Not too) few but capable

Researchers from SISSA and ICTP developed a model simulating collective behavior of groups, finding the number of informed individuals, sociality, and decision strength as critical variables. The study suggests that even minimal fluctuations in these variables can lead to catastrophic changes.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 20, 2014

Surprising new way to kill cancer cells

Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that cancer cells rely on the FAS receptor and its binding component for survival, making them vulnerable to elimination. The team created a cancer cell completely devoid of CD95, which resulted in DNA damage and cell death, offering a promising new approach to kill cancer cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 20, 2014