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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 15


Page 15 of 31

Study debunks common myth that urine is sterile

Researchers from Loyola University Chicago found bacteria in the bladders of healthy women, challenging the common belief that normal urine is sterile. The study also revealed differences in bladder bacteria between healthy women and those with overactive bladder (OAB), which may contribute to OAB symptoms.

Sepsis involved in high percentage of hospital deaths

A study published in JAMA found that sepsis is a major contributor to hospital mortality, with approximately 1 in 2 to 3 deaths attributed to the condition. Most patients who died from sepsis had the condition present at admission. The study highlights the need for improved standardized care for patients with less severe sepsis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 18, 2014

Glasses-free 3-D projector

A new glasses-free 3D projector design uses multiperspective technology to provide a cheaper alternative to holographic video, improving resolution and contrast. The system can also enhance conventional 2D video with increased brightness and sharpness, making it an attractive transitional technology for content producers.

With imprecise chips to the artificial brain

Junior Professor Dr. Elisabetta Chicca and colleagues discover that imprecise digital and analog circuits are more efficient than precise ones in building artificial nervous systems. The study, published in Proceedings of the IEEE, reveals a new approach to designing autonomous cognitive systems with minimal power requirements.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateMay 16, 2014

Skunk fire in Arizona

The Skunk Fire in Arizona has grown to over 10,000 acres, driven by extremely dry fuels and low relative humidity. The fire is currently 20% contained and continues to spread to the north, with conditions making it difficult for firefighters to access the area.

US foreclosures drive up suicide rate

A recent study found a significant correlation between US foreclosure crisis and rising suicide rates, especially among middle-aged adults. Foreclosures were found to affect not only individuals but also entire communities, exacerbating feelings of loss, shame, or regret.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 16, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for May 16, 2014

Researchers validated microbial translocation hypothesis in SIV-infected pigtail macaques, finding that sevelamer treatment reduced systemic LPS and activated peripheral CD4+ T cells. Sevelamer also lowered viral titers and coagulation biomarkers, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for HIV.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 16, 2014

Herpes-loaded stem cells used to kill brain tumors

Researchers developed herpes-loaded stem cells that significantly improved survival rates in mice with glioblastoma multiforme when applied to tumors. The treatment used mesenchymal stem cells as drug delivery vehicles, allowing oncolytic viruses to replicate and kill residual cancer cells.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 16, 2014

How Asian-American 'tiger mothers' motivate their children

A study by researchers at Stanford University reveals fundamental differences in parenting methods between Asian Americans and European Americans. Asian American 'tiger mothers' motivate their children through interdependence, allowing them to draw on connectedness with their mother for motivation. In contrast, European American parent...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 16, 2014

The early earthworm catches on to full data release

Researchers have published a study providing complete open access to detailed 3-D images of earthworms, enabling the analysis of rare museum specimens. The study uses micro-computed tomography (microCT) to digitize worm structures, opening possibilities for scanning millions of specimens from museum collections.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateMay 16, 2014

Watching HIV bud from cells

University of Utah researchers developed a way to observe HIV budding without interfering with the process, showing ALIX's involvement in the late stages of virus replication. The study used digital camera and microscope technology to make movies and photos of the budding process.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 16, 2014

War and peace (of mind)

Researchers found that mindfulness training can help Marines recover from stressful combat situations by reducing heart and breathing rates. The study suggests that incorporating meditative practices into pre-deployment training might be a way to reduce stress-related health conditions in the US military.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 16, 2014

Breakthrough in HIV/AIDS research gives hope for improved drug therapy

A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research has provided direct evidence of a major culprit behind poor outcomes for some HIV-infected individuals. The research suggests that blocking bacterial translocation can significantly slow HIV progression and reduce comorbidities such as heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 16, 2014