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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 18


Page 18 of 34

Rice rolls 'neat' nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created strong conductive carbon threads using single-walled carbon nanotubes. By infusing the nanotubes with potassium and employing cage-like crown ethers, they were able to align the tubes and create a gel that could be extruded into fibers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 15, 2014

Certain form of baldness at age 45 linked to higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

A large cohort analysis found a significant link between male pattern baldness and aggressive prostate cancer. Men with specific hair loss patterns at age 45 were at a 40% increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. The study supports earlier research suggesting a biological link between baldness and prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 15, 2014

Smithsonian scientists discover tropical tree microbiome in Panama

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a vast array of bacteria living on tropical tree leaves, including over 400 species found on a single tree. The discovery has significant implications for understanding forest health, disease resistance, and the impact of climate change.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Report urges individualized, cholesterol-targeted approach to heart disease and stroke

The report emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to treating cardiovascular disease, focusing on reducing cholesterol levels to specific targets based on a patient's unique health profile. This approach includes lifestyle changes, non-lipid risk factor management, and medication tailored to the patient's needs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·DateSep 15, 2014

The science behind swimming

Researchers discovered a simple scaling law that describes how the speed of an organism changes with its size, movement speed, and other factors. The study found that all animals, from tiny fish larvae to massive whales, can be described by one of two equations, indicating general principles at work.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 15, 2014

Care coordination can decrease health-care use by frequent users

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that care coordination strategies can significantly decrease hospital admissions and emergency department visits among older patients with chronic conditions. However, these approaches were less effective in reducing healthcare usage among individuals with mental illness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 15, 2014

Run, cheetah, run

Researchers at MIT have created a robotic cheetah that can run at high speeds using an algorithm inspired by the biomechanics of real cheetahs. The robot's legs are programmed to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, allowing it to maintain speed and stability.

Cellular protein may be key to longevity

Researchers have found that ATF4 levels are elevated in livers of mice exposed to interventions increasing longevity. The protein is shared across diets, drugs, genes, and developmental alterations extending lifespan.

SourceWiley·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 15, 2014

'Femme fatale' emerald ash borer decoy lures and kills males

Researchers have designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borers, enticing male beetles to land on them and get electrocuted. The team's bioreplicated decoys were more attractive to males than simpler 3D-printed decoys due to their fine-scale texture and color.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

'Jaws' lived in Doncaster

Fossils of a shark egg case, horseshoe crabs and seed pods have been discovered in Doncaster, providing a window into a tropical water-logged forest teeming with life. The finds are believed to be rare and significant, offering insights into the geological history of Yorkshire.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalGeological Journal·DateSep 15, 2014

Network measures predict neuropsychological outcome after brain injury

Researchers identified six hub regions as crucial for cognitive function and found that damage to these areas caused widespread cognitive impairments. In contrast, lesions to other locations resulted in significantly less impairment. This study's findings may improve diagnosis and prognosis for brain injury patients.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Pitt chemical biologist finds new halogenation enzyme

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new halogenation enzyme that can selectively replace inert C-H bonds with C-X bonds, enabling the creation of tailored molecules with improved pharmacological profiles. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the fields of pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 15, 2014

Cancer-fighting cocktail demonstrates promising results as treatment for advanced cervical cancer

A combination of chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and pemetrexed improved survival rates and response to advanced cervical cancer by 31% compared to standard alternative, while being less toxic to patients. Adding bevacizumab further increased patient survival, suggesting the cocktail may offer further benefits.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 15, 2014

How are hybridized species affecting wildlife?

Researchers found that hybridization can lead to increased genetic diversity in wild populations, but natural selection can ultimately remove adaptive advantages. The study suggests that hybridized populations may not be as affected by human-mediated hybridization with domesticated species.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateSep 15, 2014

UChicago study finds young women involve parent in abortion when anticipating support

A recent UChicago study found that pregnant teens will turn to supportive parents and adults in their lives for help making the abortion decision. The majority of young women involved a parent or guardian, driven by factors like close relationships, need for logistics assistance, and concerns about parental interference.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 15, 2014

Researchers control surface tension to manipulate liquid metals

Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a method for controlling the surface tension of liquid metals by applying very low voltages. This allows researchers to manipulate the shape of antennas, complete or break circuits, and explore various applications in microfluidic channels, MEMS, photonic and optical devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014