NASA sees wind shear affecting Tropical Cyclone Lusi
Tropical Cyclone Lusi battled vertical wind shear pushing precipitation away from its center. The storm showed strongest thunderstorms being pushed south of the circulation center.
Science News Archive March 2014 - Page 22
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Heat-based technique offers new way to measure microscopic particles
Researchers developed a new heat-based technique for counting and measuring microscopic particles, offering advantages in simplicity, affordability, and versatility. The technique has been tested effectively for objects in the 200 micron to 90 micron range and is expected to be able to measure individual cells.
Number of days without rain to dramatically increase in some world regions
A new study by Scripps Institution of Oceanography predicts that some regions will experience an increase of up to 30 more dry days per year due to climate change. This shift in precipitation patterns will have significant impacts on vegetation, soil moisture, and water resources.
CU-Boulder-led study on lunar crater counting shows crowdsourcing is accurate tool
A CU-Boulder-led study found that crowdsourcing can be an accurate tool for counting lunar craters, surpassing even experienced professionals. The research compared the work of over 5,000 amateur counters to eight expert planetary crater counters, with surprising results.
UT Arlington research says treadmill workstation benefits employees, employers
A recent study by UT Arlington researchers found that employees using treadmill workstations burned an average of 74 more calories per day, while also becoming more productive at work. The study showed a carryover effect where exercise became a habit for employees, and had a positive impact on employee health in the fight against obesity.
Quantum physics secures new cryptography scheme
Researchers have demonstrated a form of quantum cryptography that protects people doing business with others they may not trust. The protocol, known as 1-2 random oblivious transfer (ROT), allows two parties to securely exchange information without revealing their picks, making it ideal for secure identification and online transactions.
SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2014
Sound trumps meaning in first language learning
In a new study, researchers found that four-to-seven-year-old children rely on phonological characteristics when assigning nouns to classes, even though semantic features are more predictive. This suggests that children actively filter and select data from their environment to learn language.
Bucking conventional wisdom, researchers find black sea bass tougher than expected
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that approximately 90% of black sea bass with visible barotrauma survived, similar to those without injury. The findings inform stock assessments for sustainable fishing practices and may provide insights into mortality rates for other species.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMar 12, 2014
Stem cells inside sutures could improve healing in Achilles tendon injuries
Researchers found that sutures with stem cells led to quicker and stronger healing of Achilles tendon tears compared to traditional sutures. The study showed improved tendon strength and reduced risk of rerupture in rats, suggesting potential benefits for human patients.
Language 'evolution' may shed light on human migration out of Beringia
A recent analysis suggests that people moved out from the Bering Land Bridge, with some migrating back to central Asia and others into North America. The findings support the Out-of-Beringia hypothesis, indicating a complex migration pattern.
Theoretical analysis of patterns formed on the ancient Damascus blades
Researchers used computational software to analyze published data on Damascus blades, proposing a new explanation for pattern formation. The study suggests that the high carbon content and microsegregation of solutes during solidification lead to the characteristic band-like formation of coarse cementite particles.
Iron overload is a risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that iron overload exacerbates oxidative stress injury in neural cells under high glucose concentration. The Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway plays a crucial role in this process, suggesting novel therapeutic strategies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Second largest research award at Notre Dame fights malaria and dengue fever
University of Notre Dame biologists Nicole Achee and Neil Lobo are leading a five-year project to develop spatial repellent products for mosquito control, aiming to prevent malaria and dengue fever. The grant will generate data on the effectiveness of this new paradigm in mosquito control.
Hasbro Children's Hospital study finds texting program good option for teen girls' health
A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a text-message program is an effective tool for preventing violence among at-risk teen girls. The program, which was developed with input from the teens themselves, provides personalized and positively worded messages to help them develop coping strategies and prev...
Dinosaur skull may reveal T. rex's smaller cousin from the north
A new tyrannosaurine species, Nanuqsaurus hoglundi, has been identified from a 70-million-year-old Alaskan fossil. The smaller dinosaur is estimated to be around 25 inches in skull length compared to T. rex's 60 inches, suggesting an adaptation to arctic seasons.
UK seeing significant rise in older people living and being diagnosed with HIV
A new study calls for increased routine HIV testing among older adults, citing high rates of 'late presentation' and significantly increased mortality. The UK's growing population of older individuals living with HIV requires a more comprehensive approach to care, incorporating mental, functional, and social aspects.
Infection is the leading cause of failed prosthetic knee joints
A study analyzing 301,718 revision total knee replacement surgeries found that periprosthetic joint infections were the most common reason for failure, occurring in 25% of patients. Mechanical loosening was also a significant cause of failure, accounting for 18.5% of cases.
Meta-analysis: Any blood pressure reading above normal may increase risk of stroke
A meta-analysis of 19 studies involving over 760,000 participants found that people with pre-high blood pressure were 66% more likely to develop a stroke. The study also found that nearly 20% of strokes in the study population were due to pre-high blood pressure.
Lawns across America: Is the US becoming 1 shade of green?
A study of 9,500 residents in six US cities found that while some urban lawn care patterns were similar, others varied significantly. The research suggests that lawns may be a key indicator of where cities need to address sustainability concerns, particularly in terms of nutrient pollution.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2014
Simulating how the Earth kick-started metabolism
Scientists have developed a new approach to simulate the emergence of cell metabolism on Earth by harnessing geological redox reactions. The study demonstrates that certain minerals could drive these reactions, potentially leading to biological metabolisms.
Gestational diabetes may raise risk for heart disease in midlife
Research suggests that a history of gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for early atherosclerosis in women during midlife. The study found that pregnant women who developed gestational diabetes had a slightly larger carotid artery intima-media thickness, an early measure of sub-clinical atherosclerosis, compared to those who didn't.
'Love hormone' could provide new treatment for anorexia
Researchers discovered oxytocin alters anorexic patients' tendencies to fixate on high-calorie foods and body shapes. The study suggests oxytocin may be a potential treatment for anorexia, offering new hope for patients struggling with the mental health disorder.
Researchers destroy cancer with cryoablation & nanoparticle-encapsulated anticancer drug
Researchers developed a novel therapy combining cryoablation with nanodrug chemotherapy to eliminate cancer stem-like cells. The treatment showed significant promise in eradicating CSCs, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis. This innovative approach has great potential for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients show imbalance in intestinal microbial population
A multi-institutional study found that newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients have an imbalance in their intestinal microbial population, with increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance is associated with the development of symptoms and may be exacerbated by antibiotic use.
Key heart-failure culprit discovered
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a key cellular process leading to heart failure, which can be halted with a therapeutic approach. Blocking the effects of miR-25 has improved cardiac function and survival in mice.
Back surgery offers long-term societal benefits, according to new study
A new study reveals that back surgery can increase average annual earnings by $1,925 compared to non-surgical treatments, as well as reduce missed workdays by three per year. The research suggests that surgery is a cost-effective solution for patients with herniated discs, resulting in savings of over $5,000 over a four-year period.
Large study identifies the exact gut bacteria involved in Crohn's disease
Researchers have identified specific bacteria that are abnormally increased or decreased when Crohn's disease develops, suggesting potential targets for treatment. The study used biopsies from over 1,700 patients to uncover how microbes contribute to the inflammatory cascade of Crohn's disease.
Gestational diabetes linked to increased risk for heart disease in midlife
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy had a larger carotid artery wall thickness, indicating an increased risk of early atherosclerosis and heart disease. This finding suggests that reproductive complications can signal future disease risk.
NASA sees remnants of Tropical Cyclone Hadi in South Pacific
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Hadi's remnants on March 12, showing the strongest thunderstorms south of the center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center downgraded the potential for significant tropical cyclone development to low due to marginal environment and weak model development.
Bacterium and fungus team up to cause virulent tooth decay in toddlers
A recent study reveals that early childhood caries are caused by the partnership of Streptococcus mutans bacteria and Candida albicans fungus, leading to increased cavities and severe tooth decay. The fungus was previously thought to be harmless but now appears to play a crucial role in the development of this painful condition.
Facebook feelings are contagious
A study analyzing over a billion Facebook status updates found that positive posts beget positive ones, while negative posts lead to negative ones. The researchers discovered that emotional contagion spreads online and is stronger for positive expressions.
PD-L1: A potential treatment target for multiple sclerosis
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that PD-L1 is significantly increased in the spinal cord and infiltrating lymphocytes of mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis. This suggests that PD-L1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Kappa Delta awards recognize innovative orthopedic research
The Kappa Delta Sorority and OREF presented four research awards to scientists making breakthroughs in musculoskeletal health. Winners included researchers studying muscle atrophy and its effects on patients with rotator cuff tears, as well as those investigating anatomic ACL reconstruction and the natural history of rotator cuff disease.
Review of home care visits for the elderly finds there is 'no proven benefit'
A review of 64 randomized controlled trials found no consistent evidence that home care visits improve the lives of elderly individuals. The studies, conducted over the last 20 years, involved nearly 29,000 people aged over 65 and examined various outcomes such as mortality rates, falls, hospitalization, and quality of life.
Climate of Genghis Khan's ancient time extends long shadow over Asia of today
Climate scientists analyzed tree rings to find that Genghis Khan took power during a severe drought, but his empire expanded during the wettest period in the region. The study suggests human-caused warming may be exacerbating current droughts in Mongolia and Inner Asia.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2014
Alpha-synuclein effects on dopaminergic neurons: Protection or damage?
A recent study published in Neural Regeneration Research reveals that alpha-synuclein can have neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons at very low concentrations. The findings suggest that extracellular alpha-synuclein may enhance neuronal survival via the Akt pathway, challenging previous views of its role in Parkinson's disease.
Transition to ICD-10 may cause information, financial losses for providers
A recent study found that the ICD-10 transition led to significant information loss, affecting about 8 percent of Medicaid codes. Financial implications also emerged, with 39 codes accounting for 2.9 percent of total Medicaid reimbursements and 5.3 percent of UI Cancer Center billing charges.
Side effects reported in those taking statins are not actually attributable to the drugs
A recent study analyzing over 80,000 patients found that only a small minority of reported side effects from statin use were actually caused by the medication. In contrast, many common side effects like muscle pain and fatigue were equally common in both treatment and placebo arms.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 12, 2014
Heart scans only useful in prescribing statins under certain conditions, UCSF team reports
A new study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that heart scans are only useful in prescribing statins to patients at high risk of coronary heart disease who are taking expensive statin therapy. The CAC test can save money on statin costs but may not prevent as many heart attacks, the researchers concluded.
Can material rivaling graphene be mined out of rocks? Yes, if...
Researchers at the University of Warsaw have discovered a material called molybdenum disulfide with properties similar to those of graphene. This material has an energy gap, allowing it to be switched on and off, which could lead to significant energy savings in electronic devices.
Microbes help to battle infection
Gut bacteria help develop immune cells that can fight infections, study finds. The beneficial bugs also increase immune cell populations and enhance survival rates when mice are infected with harmful bacteria.
IRX3 is likely the 'fat gene'
A recent study discovered that IRX3 controls body mass and regulates body composition, with obesity-associated FTO introns interacting with IRX3. Mice without the IRX3 gene were significantly leaner due to reduced fat and improved glucose processing.
Skating to the puck or avoiding the penalty box in health care?
Researchers question the effectiveness of using financial incentives to change hospital behavior, citing potential drawbacks such as neglecting population health. They recommend broadening the scope of readmissions programs to include admissions and incentivizing broader goals.
Type 1 diabetes: Gut microbiota networks may influence autoimmune processes
Researchers found that gut microbiota diversity and interaction networks vary significantly between children with and without autoantibodies, influencing the body's immune system. The study suggests that identifying parameters affecting negative microbiome characteristics can lead to new approaches in preventing autoimmune processes.
A tailor-made molecule against malaria
Researchers at the University of Geneva have discovered a new class of molecules that target the heat shock protein 90 in Plasmodium falciparum, a key factor in malaria resistance. The study reveals five candidate molecules toxic to the parasite but not human red blood cells.
NASA sees ex-Tropical Cyclone Gillian in Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria
Tropical Cyclone Gillian made landfall on the western Cape York Peninsula of Queensland, Australia, weakening and has now meandered back over water. The remnants were located near Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, with estimated maximum sustained surface winds between 15 to 20 knots.
MU study suggests new rehabilitation methods for amputees and stroke patients
Researchers at the University of Missouri have shed light on compensatory mechanisms used by amputees who lose their dominant hand, suggesting new rehabilitation techniques to improve quality of life. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed that brain areas formerly devoted to motor and sensory functions of the amputated...
First thin films of spin ice reveal cold secrets
Scientists have successfully fabricated and studied thin films of spin ice, a material known for its unique properties. The researchers found that the normal entropy within these films disappears at about half a degree above absolute zero, restoring the Third Law of Thermodynamics.
Nicotine withdrawal weakens brain connections tied to self-control over cigarette cravings
A new brain imaging study reveals that nicotine withdrawal weakens the connection between two key brain networks: default mode and executive control. This reduced connectivity may lead to increased difficulty in quitting smoking, with up to 80% of people relapsing after trying to quit.
Protein key to cell motility has implications for stopping cancer metastasis
A recent study reveals that a key protein called IRSp53 plays a crucial role in regulating cell movement, which is necessary for wound healing and immune response. However, when cancer cells break away from tumors and migrate to other tissues, this regulation can be disrupted, leading to metastasis.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 12, 2014
Play it again, Sam: How the brain recognizes familiar music
Research from McGill University reveals that performing a melody enhances recognition of the tune compared to just listening. The study found larger changes in brain waves and increased motor activity for previously performed melodies.
Roy Castle lung cancer research funding
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has funded two new projects at the University of Liverpool, one aiming to improve survival rates for UK lung cancer patients and the other focusing on developing an early blood test for diagnosis. The foundation has invested $20m in lung cancer research over 23 years.
Europe's resilience of natural gas networks during conflicts and crises probed with maths
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London used mathematical models to analyze the resilience of European natural gas networks. They found that countries in Eastern Europe are less resilient to crises than their counterparts in Western Europe, with Ukraine and Belarus facing significant challenges.
Good vibes for catalytic chemistry
Chemists at the University of Utah discovered a method to predict chemical reactions using bond vibrations, which can lead to more efficient catalysts for medicines, industrial products, and new materials. The researchers used infrared spectroscopy to analyze bond vibrations and built a mathematical model to predict reaction outcomes.
Heart risks of glucose-lowering drugs being overlooked in clinical trials
Heart failure is commonly assessed as a complication of diabetes but rarely considered as an outcome in glucose-lowering drug trials. Recent studies suggest some drugs may increase cardiovascular risk despite lowering blood glucose, prompting new regulations for cardiovascular outcomes trials.
Quantum chaos in ultracold gas discovered
Physicists observed quantum chaos in ultracold atoms using a controlled environment to study complex systems. The team confirmed the universality of random matrix theory through statistical analysis and computer simulations, revealing new insights into ultracold gases and chemistry.
Superior visual thinking may be key to independence for high schoolers with autism
Researchers at UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute recommend teaching independence to adolescents with autism to enhance their chances for post-high school success. Studies show that high schoolers with autism possess superior visual thinking skills, which can be emphasized in teaching independence. Visual schedules a...
SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalRemedial and Special Education·DateMar 12, 2014
Missing link in plant immunity identified
Researchers have identified a critical enzyme in plants' rapid immune response against microbes, revealing its activation mechanism through the BIK1 protein. This discovery lays the groundwork for future research on plant immunity and disease resistance.
Study finds increased gender variance in children with autism and ADHD
A study found that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit more gender variance, a wish to be the other gender, than their typically developing peers. The study also revealed higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among these children.
Estradiol preserves key brain regions in postmenopausal women at risk for dementia
A new study found that estradiol hormone therapy prevented degeneration in key brain regions of postmenopausal women at heightened dementia risk. In contrast, Premarin was far less protective. The study suggests that early intervention with estradiol may help stave off dementia.