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Science News for November 5, 2014


Genesis of genitalia

Researchers found that embryonic cloaca signaling determines genitalia structure, similar to location-based signals in real estate. This finding reveals a deep homology between mammalian and reptilian genitalia despite their non-homologous origins.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateNov 5, 2014

Young patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer anticipated to nearly double by 2030

Incidence rates of colon and rectal cancers among 20-34 year olds are projected to increase by 90% and 124.2%, respectively, by 2030. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to the rising trend, while screening efforts in older patients have led to a decline in incidence rates among those over 50.

Live images from the nano-cosmos

Researchers at DESY's PETRA III have observed the growth of C60 molecules into ultra-smooth layers, revealing fundamental insights into molecular growth processes. The team determined three major energy parameters simultaneously, enabling the potential for selective nanostructure growth.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2014

Next for DARPA: 'Autocomplete' for programmers

A Rice University-led team is developing a sophisticated tool called PLINY to 'autocomplete' and 'autocorrect' code for programmers. The system will leverage big-data analytics and deep program analyses to populate a database of open-source code, providing programmers with help finishing or debugging code.

Osteoporosis, not just a woman's disease

A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that men with osteoporosis-related fractures are under-screened for bone density testing and treatment. The research highlights the importance of evaluating and treating older men for osteoporosis, as fracture rates among men are expected to increase dramatically by 2050.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 5, 2014

CT lung screening appears cost-effective

A new analysis of NLST results concludes that CT lung screening is cost-effective in aging smokers, but its implementation will depend on various factors. The ratio of costs per quality-adjusted life-year added was $81,000, below the $100,000 threshold.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 5, 2014

Getting to the heart of the heart

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have captured images of the complex, revealing the connection between some genetic mutations and electrical abnormalities in the heart. The study provides a starting point for designing therapies to treat conditions such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2014

Measuring nano-vibrations

Scientists have measured high-quality factors of up to 5 million in carbon nanotube mechanical resonators, outperforming previous records. This breakthrough enables the development of ultra-sensitive sensors and quantum systems, such as magnetic resonance imaging at the atomic level.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 5, 2014

Can love make us mean?

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that feelings of warmth and sympathy can lead to aggressive behaviors when caring for someone else is obstructed. Empathy and aggression are linked through neurohormones oxytocin and vasopressin, which drive social approach behaviors.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 5, 2014

Shape of things to come in platelet mimicry

Researchers have developed artificial platelet-like nanoparticles that combine morphological, mechanical, and surface chemical properties of natural platelets. These artificial platelets can simulate natural platelets' ability to collide with red blood cells, enabling selective clot formation at vascular injury sites.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 5, 2014

The Peres conjecture is false!

A team of researchers from Université de Genève and Hungarian Academy of Sciences disproves Asher Peres's conjecture that the weakest form of quantum entanglement can never result in the strongest manifestation of nonlocality. They find a counter-example using numerical algorithms, showing bound entanglement can violate Bell's inequality.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2014

Betting on brain research

Research on Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions may eventually lead to ways to prevent memory loss, learning disabilities, and devastating symptoms. Significant progress continues to be made with advancements in detecting neurodegeneration and predicting cognitive decline.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 5, 2014

Safest cosmetic surgery procedures

A new Northwestern University study analyzed over 20,000 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and found no risk of serious adverse events. The study suggests that these procedures are exceedingly safe, with fewer than 1% minor complications, offering a significant cosmetic boost through mixed procedures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 5, 2014

Patients benefit from caregiver involvement in hospital discharge intervention

A study published in The American Journal of Managed Care found that patients with family caregivers present during recruitment had significantly higher consent rates and completion rates for a post-hospital transitional care coaching intervention. Family caregiver involvement was associated with improved health outcomes, including low...

SourceCare New England·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateNov 5, 2014

Study gives insight into breast cancer recurrence

Researchers have identified a key role for the FAK molecule in controlling breast cancer stem cell survival and predicting disease recurrence. Blocking FAK activity with a new drug significantly improved treatment outcomes, suggesting a potential method to predict which patients are most likely to experience recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 5, 2014

Older men less likely to receive osteoporosis screening and treatment following a bone fracture

A study found that older men are three times less likely than women to undergo osteoporosis screening and treatment after a broken wrist. This disparity increases the risk of future bone breaks and related complications in men, who already have twice the mortality rate of women following a hip fracture.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 5, 2014

Powerful imaging for point-of-care diagnostics

Researchers developed a compact probe that produces detailed images of blood vessels using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging modalities. The system enables real-time imaging and can reveal important medical information, such as hemoglobin oxygen saturation, for monitoring tumor progression.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 5, 2014

ADHD-air pollution link

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) raised the odds of behavior problems associated with ADHD at age 9. Children born to mothers exposed to high levels of PAH during pregnancy had five times the odds of inattentive-type ADHD compared to those whose mothers did not have high PAH exposure.

Piglet brain atlas new tool in understanding human infant brain development

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new online tool to study postnatal brain growth in human infants based on similarities with the piglet brain. The tool, an MRI-based brain atlas for four-week-old piglets, offers a three-dimensional averaged brain and anatomical regions of interest.

Multicenter study: Hospital medical errors reduced 30 percent with improved patient handoffs

A multicenter study led by Boston Children's Hospital found that implementing the I-PASS bundle can reduce hospital medical errors by 30%, improving safety and quality of care. The study was conducted at nine medical centers, where healthcare providers used a standardized communication system to share patient information.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 5, 2014