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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 13


Page 13 of 28

Quantifying ethics in Toyota's 2008-2010 recall crisis

A study of media stories and press releases related to Toyota's recalls found that failing to acknowledge ethical lapses led to significant damage to the company's reputation. The analysis showed that Toyota was more likely to attribute the crisis to accidental errors, while the print media reported on preventive action that could have...

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalPublic Relations Review·DateJan 20, 2015

On the ups and downs of the seemingly idle brain

A recent study by Brown University neuroscientists has shed light on the brain's cycle of activity and quiet called "up" and "down" states. The research found that all types of interneurons contribute uniquely to these cycles, with inhibitory cells playing a vital role in maintaining balance between excitation and inhibition.

New hope for understanding sudden cardiac arrest

Researchers identify how calcium regulates heart muscle and motors interact with each other, potentially leading to new tools for treating sudden cardiac arrest. This breakthrough discovery provides insight into the genetic condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2015

The Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

The 2015 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Rudolf Zechner for their pioneering work on harnessing bacterial immunity to develop genome editing technology, known as CRISPR-Cas9. The prize also recognizes Zechner's contributions to understanding lipid metabolism and its role in various diseases.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 20, 2015

Mapping the maize genome

Researchers have developed a detailed positional cloning protocol to locate genes within the large and complex maize genome. This technique allows for the identification of genetic markers linked to specific traits, enabling precise localization of candidate regions until the gene is identified.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015

Current nutrition labeling is hard to digest

A study by McGill University researchers found that the Nutrition Facts label is ineffective in improving nutrition and highlights conflicts between healthy options. In contrast, a new labeling system called NuVal resolves these conflicts and enables quick nutritious choices, potentially helping stem the global obesity epidemic.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015

Findings do not support chlorhexidine bathing in ICUs

A study of critically ill patients found that chlorhexidine bathing did not decrease the incidence of health care-associated infections. The study involved over 9,300 patients and found no significant difference between groups in infection rates, suggesting that such bathing may not be necessary.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 20, 2015

Unexpected turn in diabetes research

Researchers at KU Leuven discovered genetically modified mice producing human growth hormone, altering insulin production and previous research findings. This unexpected turn reveals the need for reinterpretation of 250+ published diabetes studies.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 20, 2015

Education aids understanding, reduces stigma of facial paralysis, OSU study shows

A recent study from Oregon State University found that providing education about facial paralysis can help correct misperceptions and reduce stigma. The research showed that education efforts can improve relationships between people with facial paralysis and healthcare workers, educators, and others who encounter them regularly.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateJan 20, 2015

Regular exercise may boost brain health in adults

A new study of 52 young women found that regular exercise increases oxygen availability in the brain and enhances cognitive performance. The results suggest that physical activity may improve brain functioning even in young adulthood, benefiting both blood supply and cognitive function.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJan 20, 2015

One nanoparticle, 6 types of medical imaging

University at Buffalo researchers have designed a nanoparticle that can be detected by six medical imaging techniques, including CT scanning, PET scanning, and photoacoustic imaging. This technology has the potential to provide doctors with clearer pictures of patients' organs and tissues, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 20, 2015

SLU researcher prevents type 1 diabetes in lab

Researchers at Saint Louis University have found a way to prevent type I diabetes in an animal model by blocking the autoimmune process that destroys beta cells. The study uses a selective ROR alpha and gamma t inverse agonist to reduce autoimmunity, suggesting a new treatment option for the illness.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalEndocrinology·DateJan 20, 2015

Technique reveals age of planetary materials

Researchers developed a miniaturized instrument for dating rocks and measuring geochemistry, revealing the age of a Mars meteorite. The technique provides high-sensitivity detection of organics and requires minimal sample preparation.

SourceWiley·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateJan 20, 2015

New UF study reveals oldest primate lived in trees

A new study reveals that the oldest primate ancestors lived in trees, accessing food sources unavailable to ground-dwelling species. The discovery provides evidence of arboreal life evolving early in the history of primates, with Purgatorius, a tiny tree shrew-like creature, being estimated to have weighed about 3.5 ounces.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015