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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 34


Page 34 of 36

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

Mice sing like songbirds to woo mates

Researchers analyzed mouse songs using a new statistical tool, finding that males sing more complex songs when they smell a female's urine but don't see her. The songs' dynamics are influenced by social contexts and can be used to study vocal communication and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateApr 1, 2015

A multi-faceted poison

Researchers have developed a mass spectrometry-based process to detect the toxic bacteria's emetic toxin, cereulide. The new method identified 18 variants of cereulide and is being evaluated for its reliability in detecting contaminated products.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 1, 2015

Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

A new unpowered ankle exoskeleton developed by Carnegie Mellon and North Carolina State researchers reduces the metabolic cost of walking by approximately 7%, equivalent to taking off a 10-pound backpack. The device uses a mechanical clutch to offload energy-consuming calf muscle forces, allowing individuals with mobility issues to wal...

Accountancy ambitions

Research suggests that accounting profession's negative stereotypes provide professional stability and exclusivity. The study uses 'commedia dell'arte' to analyze the role of stock characters in shaping career choices and perceptions of accountants. The authors argue that maintaining these stereotypes is beneficial for the profession.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Critical Accounting·DateApr 1, 2015

ERS and ATS publish statement on the current state and future directions of COPD research

The ERS and ATS published a statement on the current state and future directions of COPD research, identifying key gaps in knowledge and recommending areas for future investigation. The statement highlights the importance of patient-centered outcomes and the need for high-quality surrogate outcomes to improve COPD diagnosis and treatment.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateApr 1, 2015