Brains not recognizing an angry expression
Children with ADHD exhibit impaired brain response to angry facial expressions, whereas typically developing children show a significant hemodynamic response in both happy and angry expressions.
Science News Archive September 2014
Page 6 of 34
With NIH grant, Cedars-Sinai helps bring big data to neuro disease research
Cedars-Sinai is part of a 5-center consortium collecting and analyzing thousands of pieces of data to develop molecular signatures for motor neuron disorders. The goal is to create a 'cloud' of information that shows relationships between proteins, genes, and RNA in cells.
Treatment studied to help patients 'burned to the bone'
Researchers have identified a potential method to interrupt abnormal bone growth, commonly known as heterotopic ossification (HO), in burn patients. Using an anti-inflammatory treatment called apyrase, the study found that HO can be reduced by breaking down ATP, a primary energy source for cells.
Talk therapy -- not medication -- best for social anxiety disorder, large study finds
A large study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is more effective and can have lasting effects than medication for social anxiety disorder. CBT helps people challenge irrational fears and overcome avoidance of social situations.
Pneumonia bacterium leaves tiny lesions in the heart, study finds
Researchers found Streptococcus pneumoniae physically damages the heart, leaving tiny lesions that can permanently scar the myocardium. A candidate vaccine has been developed to protect against this damage.
Viral infection in transplant recipients increases risk of developing damaging antibodies
Kidney transplant recipients infected with BK virus are more likely to develop donor-specific antibodies, which can lead to organ rejection. The study found a significant association between persistent BK infections and the development of these detrimental antibodies.
Brain chemical potential new hope in controlling Tourette Syndrome tics
A study by University of Nottingham researchers found that higher levels of GABA in the supplementary motor area (SMA) help dampen down hyperactivity, allowing stronger signals to produce movement. This could lead to targeted approaches controlling tics using transcranial direct-current stimulation (tdcs).
Water research tackles growing grassland threat: Trees
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that burn intervals may predict the rate of woody vegetation expansion along grassland streams, which could help maintain tallgrass prairies. The research also suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and grazing patterns may contribute to woody plant encroachment.
How to make stronger, 'greener' cement
A new study suggests a way to reduce cement's greenhouse-gas output by more than half, resulting in stronger and more durable concrete. By adjusting the calcium-to-silica ratio, the material can achieve twice the resistance of normal cement, with significant reductions in carbon emissions.
How the ends of chromosomes are maintained for cancer cell immortality
A new study describes a mechanism for how cancer cells take over one of the processes for telomere maintenance, allowing them to gain an infinite lifespan. The team found that cancer cells use either telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanisms to maintain their telomeres.
Calming down immune cells could hold key to melanoma treatment
Researchers at Cancer Research UK found that blocking a chemical signal produced by macrophages can shrink melanoma tumors and make them easier to treat. This discovery suggests that targeting this 'survival signal' could lead to new ways to treat the disease, which is responsible for around 13,300 deaths in the UK each year.
Mechanized human hands: System designed to improve hand function lost to nerve damage
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a simple pulley mechanism that improves hand function in cadaver hands after surgery. The device reduces the force needed to close all four fingers by 45% and prevents slippage by 52%. This technology may offer new options for people who have lost hand function due to nerve trauma.
Perfectionism is a bigger than perceived risk factor in suicide: York U psychology expert
A York University psychology professor warns that perfectionism is a significant risk factor for suicide, linked to hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The expert calls for clinicians to consider perfectionism as a separate factor in suicide risk assessment and intervention.
MSU to launch innovative food facility
The Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC) will provide USDA/FDA certification and scale up services for private companies to develop new food products and production processes. MSU's Product Center expects the center to create over 300 jobs annually.
Novel compound prevents metastasis of multiple myeloma in mouse studies
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a novel compound that impedes the spread of multiple myeloma to bones in mice. By targeting the microenvironment, the compound alters the bone marrow environment, making it less hospitable to cancer cells, and slows disease progression and prolongs survival.
Scientists develop tool to help communities stay environmentally and socially 'healthy'
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a methodology to measure a region's 'health' by balancing social and environmental factors. The tool helps identify critical limits beyond which regions risk ecological and social collapse, providing crucial data for decision-makers.
Dinosaur family tree gives fresh insight into rapid rise of birds
A comprehensive family tree of meat-eating dinosaurs reveals the gradual emergence of bird-like features, such as feathers and wishbones. The study supports a theory that sudden evolutionary changes led to an explosion in avian diversity, resulting in thousands of species today.
New protein players found in key disease-related metabolic pathway
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have discovered a trio of poorly understood growth regulators called the Sestrins that play a crucial role in regulating mTORC1 signaling. The study found that the Sestrins work cooperatively to inhibit mTORC1 signaling by interacting with GATOR2, suggesting new potential targets for drug development.
Simple blood test could be used as tool for early cancer diagnosis
A simple blood test could be used to identify patients at risk of cancer due to high levels of calcium in the blood. Researchers found that in men, even mild hypercalcaemia conferred a risk of cancer in one year of 11.5%, while in women, the corresponding figure was 4.1%. The study suggests that hyperparathyroidism may be responsible f...
Modified vitamin D shows promise as treatment for pancreatic cancer
Researchers found that a synthetic derivative of vitamin D can collapse the barrier of cells shielding pancreatic tumors, making them more susceptible to therapeutic drugs. Human trials are underway for pancreatic cancer, and the findings may have implications for other tough-to-treat tumors.
Neurons see what we tell them to see
A study published in Neuron found that neurons in the medial temporal lobe respond more strongly to blended faces when a subject recognizes the face as belonging to one person. The results suggest that conscious recognition plays a crucial role in whether neurons fire, rather than the raw visual stimulus.
Live long and phosphor: Blue LED breakthrough for efficient electronics
Researchers at the University of Michigan have extended the lifetime of blue organic light emitting diodes by a factor of 10, improving OLED efficiencies for smartphones and large-screen TVs. The new design spreads out light-producing energy to prevent damaging synergy, resulting in a tenfold increase in lifetime.
Surprising diversity of antibody family provides clues for HIV vaccine design
Researchers have discovered a surprisingly diverse family of antibodies that can broadly neutralize different strains of HIV, providing new options for vaccine design. The findings offer clues on how to elicit high levels of these antibodies in people.
CAREER grant to help UT Arlington professor study earthquakes, create teacher Geocorps
A UT Arlington professor will use a $400,000 CAREER grant to team with Teach for America and create a geophysics-based curriculum for secondary school teachers. The project aims to improve scientists' preparation and increase predictability of hazards associated with future earthquake events.
Study identifies gauntlet of obstacles facing migrating pronghorn in greater Yellowstone
A study identifies dense natural gas field developments, highways, and fencing as threats to the pronghorn's migration in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The research found that migrating pronghorn avoid high-quality forage on both sides of highways with bottlenecks, highlighting the need for wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
Study finds global sea levels rose up to 5 meters per century at the end of the last 5 ice ages
A new study found that global sea levels rose at rates of up to 5.5 meters per century at the end of each of the last five ice-age cycles. The research provides a detailed record of sea-level variability over 500,000 years.
Playing tag with sugars in the cornfield
Researchers found that caterpillars of fall armyworm and two other Spodoptera species deploy a gut enzyme to attach a sugar to the toxic free DIMBOA, rendering it non-reactive to plant enzyme. This detoxification strategy explains the success of these pest insects in overcoming maize defenses.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation joins consortium of partners for USAID-funded research
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is partnering with the Population Council on a five-year USAID-funded project to conduct operational HIV research. The Supporting Operational AIDS Research (SOAR) project will produce high-quality evidence to guide HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs worldwide.
Single-photon detection, generation, and applications featured in Optical Engineering
Researchers develop new single-photon detection strategies with high accuracy enhancements, enabling precise timing resolution and fast reset times. New technologies improve space missions and quantum optics, advancing the field of single-photon devices.
Coping techniques help patients with COPD improve mentally, physically
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that coaching patients with COPD to manage stress and practice relaxation can improve their physical symptoms, quality of life, and reduce depression and anxiety.
Satellite catches an oval-shaped Tropical Storm Rachel
NASA's GOES-West satellite captured Tropical Storm Rachel, the 18th tropical depression of the Eastern Pacific. The storm took an oval shape due to wind shear, indicating a disturbance in its circulation. Forecasters predict strengthening over the next couple of days before weakening into a depression.
Turmeric compound boosts regeneration of brain stem cells
Researchers discovered a turmeric compound, ar-turmerone, promotes stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain, suggesting its potential as a future drug candidate for treating stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that ar-turmerone increased neural stem cell proliferation by up to 80% without affecting cell death.
Not all Hispanics are the same when it comes to drinking
A Michigan State University study finds that annual incidence rates of alcohol use disorders vary significantly among different Hispanic subgroups, including Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban-Americans. The research highlights the importance of developing culturally specific preventive measures to address these disparities.
NYU Langone scientists identify key factor that maintains stem cell identity
Researchers found that the protein BRD4 plays a crucial role in regulating stem cell identity, holding promise for regenerating tissues and organs. The study suggests that inhibiting BRD4 could be used to reprogram stem cells into specific cell types, such as neurons.
Tropical disease prevalence in Latin America presents opportunity for US
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect 14-15% of cases in Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, despite the countries' small population. The US could work with these countries to implement disease control programs and develop lifesaving vaccines through joint efforts.
BUSM researchers find NAS treatment needs standardization
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine advocate for standardized assessment tools and evidence-based treatment choices for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Nonpharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding may also help decrease NAS symptoms.
Virginia Tech joins $30 million NCAA, Department of Defense effort to curb head injuries
The university will focus on athletes participating in various sports, including football, soccer, and lacrosse, and receive comprehensive preseason evaluations for concussion. The study aims to inform a comprehensive understanding of sport-related concussion and traumatic brain injury.
Goats better than chemicals for curbing invasive marsh grass
Researchers at Duke University found that controlled grazing by goats can reduce phragmites stem density by half in three weeks. The approach also restores native plant species diversity and function, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides.
Fecal microbiota transplantation recommended for treatment of C. difficile
Fecal microbiota transplantation has been proven to be a safe and highly effective treatment for recurrent C. difficile infections, eradicating bacteria in around 90% of cases with good safety profiles. The technique is now officially recognized as an effective treatment for this difficult-to-treat infection.
Biochemists solve 'address problem' in cells that leads to lethal kidney disease
Researchers identified a compound called dequalinium chloride (DECA) that can prevent a metabolic enzyme from going to the wrong location within a cell. This prevents primary hyperoxaluria 1 (PH1), a rare and deadly genetic kidney disease, by ensuring the enzyme goes to its proper destination.
On the road to artificial photosynthesis
Researchers have discovered a crucial role of electronic and geometric effects in reducing carbon dioxide using gold-copper bimetallic nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to unprecedented improvements in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.
Heritage of Earth's water gives rise to hopes of life on other planets
A new study has shown that the water found on Earth originated before the Sun formed, suggesting that many exoplanets may also have access to abundant water. This discovery has important implications for the potential for life elsewhere in the galaxy.
Brazilian zoologists discovered the first obligate cave-dwelling flatworm in South America
Brazilian researchers have discovered a new genus and species of freshwater flatworm that is exclusively found in caves, shedding light on the region's unique biodiversity. The species, Hausera hauseri, is believed to be an oceanic relict, originating from marine environments.
Stem cell transplant does not cure SHIV/AIDS after irradiation of infected rhesus macaques
Researchers tested a stem cell transplant approach on infected rhesus macaques, finding that it failed to eliminate the HIV-like virus and its reservoirs. The study's results suggest that myeloablative total body irradiation can decrease viral reservoirs in blood cells, but may not be sufficient for a cure.
In the face of uncertainty, the brain chooses randomness as the best strategy
In unpredictable situations, rats abandon past experience for random choices, controlled by the anterior cingulate cortex. This finding may have implications for human disorders like depression, where ordinary decision-making is ineffective.
New discovery could pave the way for spin-based computing
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a novel oxide-based magnetism that follows electrical commands, paving the way for spin-based computing. This breakthrough could lead to ultrahigh density storage and computing architectures by combining magnetic materials with semiconductors.
How the brain gains control over Tourette syndrome
A study published in Current Biology found that individuals with Tourette syndrome have elevated concentrations of GABA in a specific brain region, which may lead to improved motor control. This increase in GABA levels could provide new targets for non-drug therapies, such as brain stimulation, to help manage symptoms.
Strategic or random? How the brain chooses
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus found that the brain can temporarily disconnect past experiences from decision-making circuits, triggering random behavior. The team manipulated a stress hormone called norepinephrine to switch between random and strategic modes.
Putting the squeeze on quantum information
Researchers at CIFAR have developed a method to compress quantum information into fewer qubits while preserving its content. This breakthrough has significant implications for efficient quantum computing and communication.
NIH and VA address pain and related conditions in US military personnel and veterans
The NIH/NCCAM initiative aims to enhance options for managing pain and associated problems in US military personnel, veterans, and their families. The research will focus on nondrug approaches to address chronic pain, PTSD, drug abuse, and sleep issues.
Spot on against autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammations
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for inhibiting the immunoproteasome, a protein complex involved in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatism and multiple sclerosis. The found mechanism involves a novel compound that selectively targets and deactivates the immunoproteasome without affecting other proteasomes.
Protein controlling gut's protective force field identified
Researchers have identified a protein receptor that activates during illness, producing a sugary substance to encourage the growth of protective bacteria and create a healthy microbiota in the gut. This discovery has implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and vulnerable patients.
Blackout? Robots to the rescue
A team led by Nina Mahmoudian has created a tabletop model of a robot team that can bring power to places in need. The robots can link up power cords and batteries to light or set flags, operating independently to choose the shortest path and avoid obstacles.
Earth's water is older than the sun
A team of scientists found that much of Earth's water originated as ices in interstellar space, predating the Sun's birth. This discovery has implications for the potential emergence of life elsewhere in the universe.
Cryptogenic strokes may find explanation in the heart
A recent Finnish study found that patients with cryptogenic strokes are more likely to have an enlarged left atrial appendage, suggesting a possible independent risk factor. The research suggests that this condition may be responsible for up to half of all cryptogenic strokes.
Natural selection causes early migration and shorter parental care for shorebirds
A new study reveals that shorebird species employ distinct strategies to cope with raptor predation. Early-migrating species cut short their breeding seasons to minimize risk, while later-migrators do not need to shorten theirs. This complex decision process allows shorebirds to optimize their survival and reproductive success.
No sign of health or nutrition problems from GMO livestock feed, study finds
A new scientific review from UC Davis reports that genetically engineered feed has no impact on animal health and nutrition. The review analyzed nearly 30 years of studies involving over 100 billion animals, finding no differences in the nutritional makeup of meat, milk, or other food products derived from GMO-fed animals.
If trees could talk
A study by CTFS-ForestGEO reveals global change effects on forests in 24 countries with 59 monitored sites. Forests have warmed by over 1 degree F and experienced up to 30 percent changes in precipitation.
How physical exercise protects the brain from stress-induced depression
Researchers found that exercise training induces changes in skeletal muscle that prevent the accumulation of a substance called kynurenine, which is associated with depressive behavior. In contrast, genetically modified mice with well-trained muscle characteristics showed no depressive symptoms despite being exposed to stress.
IU-Regenstrief CHICA system improves developmental delay screening and surveillance
The IU-Regenstrief CHICA system significantly increased the number of children screened for developmental delay at ages 9, 18, and 30 months. The system also improved developmental delay surveillance by eliciting concerns from parents during visits.