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Science News for January 16, 2015


Dramatic decline in risk for heart attacks among HIV-positive Kaiser Permanente members

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that the adjusted risk ratio for heart attacks among HIV-positive patients decreased from an 80% increased risk in 1996 to no increased risk in 2010-2011. The improved care and treatments led by Kaiser Permanente's early awareness of cardiovascular disease risks have result...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 16, 2015

New genetic clues found in fragile X syndrome

Researchers have discovered a unique case of fragile X syndrome with only two classic symptoms, allowing them to identify a previously unknown function of the gene. The study suggests that drugs recently tested as treatments for fragile X may be ineffective due to overactive transmitters.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2015

Picture this -- biosecurity seen from the inside

Researchers have developed a fluorescent hormone biosensor that reveals the dynamics of jasmonate signalling in plants, allowing for the imaging of plant defence mechanisms in real time. This breakthrough enables the study of how plants coordinate their defence responses to mechanical damage and disease.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2015

Software that knows the risks

Researchers at MIT have developed software that assesses risk in planning algorithms, suggesting low-risk alternatives when a solution is not possible. The system uses probabilistic models to determine the feasibility of a plan and can offer modifications to relax constraints or add resources to mitigate risks.

Aboriginal women address high rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in remote Australia

A landmark study in remote Fitzroy Valley communities in Western Australia found that one in eight children have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a preventable condition. The research, led by Aboriginal community leaders, provides Australia's first comprehensive data on the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in remote communities.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateJan 16, 2015

New evidence for anthropic theory that fundamental physics constants underlie life-enabling universe

A new study by Professor Ulf-G Meißner finds that fundamental physics constants are fine-tuned to allow for the emergence of a life-enabling universe. The researcher used high-performance computers to simulate worlds with altered light quark masses and found that variations up to 2-3% do not prevent the formation of carbon and oxygen.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 16, 2015