Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 28


Page 28 of 36

Amniotic stem cells demonstrate healing potential

Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital scientists successfully used amniotic stem cells to promote blood vessel growth in hydrogels, enhancing tissue repair for infants with birth defects. The study paves the way for biocompatible patches for congenital heart defects.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A·DateApr 9, 2015

Gay and lesbian job seekers face discrimination

A new study reveals that gay and lesbian job seekers are 5% less likely to receive job interview invitations in the UK compared to heterosexual applicants. The study found significant disparities in job offers across various sectors, with gay men facing the most challenges in traditionally male-dominated occupations.

SourceSAGE·JournalHuman Relations·DateApr 8, 2015

Pesticide exposure contributes to heightened risk of heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pesticide exposure contributes to heightened cardiovascular disease risk and inflammation in premenopausal women. The research suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals like DDT can aggravate complications of obesity, including...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2015

Complex organic molecules discovered in infant star system

Astronomers have detected large amounts of complex organic molecules, including methyl cyanide, in the protoplanetary disc surrounding young star MWC 480. This discovery suggests that these molecules are common in the universe and may be delivered to environments nurturing life.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

Muscles matter in baseball injuries

A new computer simulation approach found that muscles play a bigger role in injury risk and prevention than previously thought. The study shows that individual pitchers can be at high or low risk of elbow injury depending on their muscle strength, highlighting the importance of targeted training and accurate assessments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 8, 2015

3-D model of giant salamanders' bite

A study published in PLOS ONE created a 3D model of the Chinese giant salamander's bite, revealing its feeding mechanism involves capturing prey in front and biting quickly to the side when approaching. The analysis shows the salamander's unique skull architecture may be related to this ability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2015

Sex crimes more common in certain families

A nationwide study in Sweden found that men convicted of sex crimes are more likely to have relatives who also commit similar offenses due to genetic factors. The study suggests a substantial family risk increase and may inform preventive treatment strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 8, 2015

8 reasons the US Surgeon General should announce that UV tanning causes skin cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center opinion argues that announcing the causality could save lives. The link between UV tanning and skin cancer is supported by eight out of nine criteria used to determine a causal relationship in disease, including strength of association, consistency of association, and temporality.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

Enriched broccoli reduces cholesterol

A new variety of broccoli, enriched with glucoraphanin, has been shown to reduce blood LDL-cholesterol levels by an average of 6%. The compound is converted into sulphuraphane in the body, which activates genes that help balance metabolism and reduce cholesterol production.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateApr 8, 2015

A new view of the moon's formation

Researchers at University of Maryland generate new isotopic fingerprint of the moon, reconciling accepted model with surprisingly similar Earth and moon fingerprints. The findings suggest a thorough mixing of debris before forming the moon, supporting an explosive and interconnected past.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2015

Plotting the elimination of dengue

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that Wolbachia can block dengue virus infection in mosquitoes, leading to a significant reduction in transmission. The discovery has the potential to improve strategies for controlling dengue outbreaks, particularly in regions with low or moderate intensity of transmission.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 8, 2015

Autism's early neuronal 'neighborhood'

A study by San Diego State University scientists found that children with autism have overdeveloped connections between the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, affecting brain function. This early development leads to muscle in on brain real estate for higher cognitive functions.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 8, 2015

No association between lung cancer risk in women and reproductive history or hormone use

The study of over 160,000 postmenopausal women revealed no significant link between lung cancer risk and reproductive history or hormone therapy. However, some subgroups showed reduced risks for specific types of lung cancer, emphasizing the need for further research into complex relationships.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 8, 2015

Brain scans reveal how people 'justify' killing

A new study led by Monash researcher Dr Pascal Molenberghs found that brain activity in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex increases with guilt when participants imagine unjustified violence, but not when imagining justified violence. The research provides insights into how people justify extreme violence in certain situations, such as war.

SourceMonash University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2015