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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 20


Page 20 of 31

Transcriptomics identifies genes and signaling pathways that may regulate neurodegeneration

A recent study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine identified over 4,000 genes with altered expression in dying neurons, including those involved in cell death, survival regulation, and oxidative phosphorylation. This breakthrough opens doors to future research on novel players regulating neuronal survival and death.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Exercise ball used in delivery process decreases labor time, reduces number of C-sections

A new study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education found that using an exercise ball during labor with an epidural can significantly reduce the need for C-sections and shorten labor time. Women who used the peanut-shaped ball were half as likely to undergo a cesarean surgery and delivered babies faster than those without.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal Education·DateFeb 11, 2015

In-flight blood transfusions increase survival rates and improve trauma patient outcomes

A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons confirms the effectiveness of pre-trauma center blood transfusions in increasing one-day survival rates and reducing shock among air-lifted trauma patients. The UPMC protocol involves giving guidelines on when to administer transfusions, resulting in improved outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 11, 2015

When is a Pollock not a Pollock?

A machine vision approach has demonstrated 93% accuracy in spotting true Pollocks, verifying the authenticity of Jackson Pollock's drip paintings. The software, developed by Lior Shamir, analyzes numerical image descriptors and quantifies details at the pixel level to reveal specific features and textures unique to Pollock's style.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Arts and Technology·DateFeb 10, 2015

Crowdfunding helps solve rare disease mystery

A Tel Aviv University researcher has successfully identified a novel genetic mutation in a rare disease using whole exome sequencing and crowdfunding. The study, led by Dr. Noam Shomron, used DNA sequencing of a three-year-old girl and her family to reveal the genetic cause of her symptoms, which included mental retardation and severe ...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Genetics and Genomics·DateFeb 10, 2015

Smoking thins vital part of brain

A major study by McGill University and the University of Edinburgh found that long-term smoking causes thinning of the brain's cortex, accelerating cognitive decline. Stopping smoking helps restore part of the cortex's thickness, but recovery is slow and incomplete.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2015

Predicting plant responses to drought

A USGS study reveals how plants' vulnerability to drought varies across landscapes, with factors like plant structure and soil type influencing their response. The model helps forecast the future state of drylands by understanding how climate change affects water availability and use.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 10, 2015

Does a competent leader make a good friend?

Research by Lasse Laustsen and Michael Bang Petersen suggests that competent leaders are often preferred for leadership roles but not necessarily as friends. In contrast, non-dominant individuals with cooperative traits are often chosen as friends regardless of political ideology or social conflict context.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateFeb 10, 2015

Understanding how to teach 'intelligence'

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg believe it is possible to teach complex psychological processes enabling people to solve problems, or 'intelligence'. The study highlights the need for cross-curricular skills that can be applied in various situations and domains.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalEducational Research Review·DateFeb 10, 2015

Low childhood vitamin D linked to adult atherosclerosis

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that low childhood vitamin D levels are associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness and subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood. The study, which analyzed 2,148 subjects from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, ...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 10, 2015

Not all EGFR mutations are the same when it comes to therapy for NSCLC

Researchers found that rare EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have distinct impacts on disease outcome and therapy response. Classic EGFR mutations were associated with better overall survival and higher TKI therapy response rates compared to rare mutations, which were linked to tobacco smoking and poorer prognosis.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 10, 2015

Advent of geoengineering may help lower temperature of debate over climate change

A new study found that learning about geoengineering increased open-mindedness toward climate change evidence and reduced polarization. Participants who learned about geoengineering showed more agreement on the significance of such evidence, compared to those who received information on carbon-emission limits.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateFeb 10, 2015

DNA 'cage' could improve nanopore technology

Researchers at Brown University have developed a tiny DNA 'cage' that can trap and hold a single DNA strand after it's been pulled through a nanopore. This allows for the first-time detection of chemical reactions on a single molecule, enabling new biochemistry experiments.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2015

Surgery for pulmonary embolism may prevent

A new analysis of cases conducted in Northwell Health found that a surgical procedure may be more successful in preventing death than current drug therapies. The study revealed a mortality rate of 4.2% for patients who underwent surgery, compared to higher rates for those who did not.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalTexas Heart Institute Journal·DateFeb 10, 2015