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Science News for April 2, 2015


Statistical analysis reveals Mexican drug war increased homicide rates

A new statistical analysis reveals that the Mexican government's war against drugs increased the average murder rate in regions subjected to military-style interventions. The study found an average increase of nearly 11 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants across 18 affected regions, with some experiencing a significant reduction and othe...

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalThe American Statistician·DateApr 2, 2015

NTU finds new treatment options for colon cancer

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have found that Imatinib, a leukemia drug, can prevent and control the growth of colorectal tumours. The study suggests that short-term intermittent chemotherapies could be effective in treating colon cancer, reducing side effects associated with long-term treatment.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 2, 2015

Being born in lean times is bad news for baboons

A recent study on wild baboons reveals that those born during periods of famine have long-term effects on female fertility, making them 60% less likely to become pregnant during food shortages. The findings support the idea that early adversity carries lifelong costs and can lead to poor health as adults.

One test can predict which kids will become nearsighted

A study of 4,500 US children over 20 years identifies a single test that can predict which kids will become nearsighted by the eighth grade: a measure of their current refractive error. The research counters the notion that near work causes myopia and confirms that eight risk factors increase the likelihood of developing myopia.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 2, 2015

Researchers create artificial link between unrelated memories

In a groundbreaking study, researchers used optogenetics to artificially associate the memory of a foot shock with an unrelated environment, triggering increased fear-related behavior. The findings suggest that co-activated cell ensembles can link two distinct memories, paving the way for new treatments of psychiatric disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 2, 2015

Deaths from cardiovascular disease increase globally while mortality rates decrease

The number of global cardiovascular deaths has risen by 41% between 1990 and 2013, but death rates within specific age groups have dropped by 39%. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of premature death globally, with population aging contributing to an estimated 55% increase in cardiovascular disease deaths.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 2, 2015

Alcohol study yields surprising results

Researchers found that alcohol addiction is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality in general hospitals, with patients dying an average of 7.6 years earlier than non-addicted patients. The study also identified 27 comorbid physical illnesses more frequently occurring in patients with alcohol addiction.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEuropean Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2015

Researchers observe new charge transport phenomenon

Researchers at Aalto University and German University of Marburg have discovered a new type of charge transport phenomenon that enables logical operations in microelectronics. The phenomenon involves the transfer of information between an electron hole pair without tunneling, opening up new possibilities for electronics and biology.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 2, 2015

Beta secretase inhibitors to treat Alzheimer's disease

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that beta secretase inhibitors can impair synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, highlighting the need for dose-dependent treatment. The researchers urge caution in dosing these inhibitors to balance safety and efficacy.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2015

Cancer genes turned off in deadly brain cancer

Scientists have identified a small RNA molecule called miR-182 that can suppress cancer-causing genes in mice with glioblastoma, a deadly type of brain tumor. The new method uses nanotechnology to deliver the microRNA across the blood-brain barrier, targeting multiple oncogenes at once and increasing cancer cell death.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 2, 2015