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Science News for March 10, 2015


Fractal patterns may uncover new line of attack on cancer

Scientists studying human cervical epithelial cells found that distinct fractal patterns emerge only at the point of progression towards cancer. These findings could inspire targeting specific weak points in pathways leading to cancer development. Fractal patterns may hold importance in understanding cancer metastasis, where cancer cel...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 10, 2015

Solving the riddle of neutron stars

Theoretical astrophysicists discovered that gravitational waves from merging binary neutron star systems have a characteristic spectrum similar to atomic spectral lines. This allows for the inference of neutron star properties, including equation of state and stellar structure.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMar 10, 2015

Brain development controlled by epigenetic factor

McGill researchers have discovered a key epigenetic regulator controlling hippocampus development, which has implications for intellectual disability, Alzheimer's disease, and human brain development. The study sheds new light on the interaction between epigenetic control and neural stem cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 10, 2015

More older adults from US doing volunteer work in other countries

A recent study found that nearly 290,000 older adults from the US volunteered abroad in 2012, a 60% increase from the previous decade. Host organizations are clamoring for baby boomer volunteers with professional skills to offer. The average age of these volunteers was over 64, and they spent an average of 13 weeks abroad.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdministration & Society·DateMar 10, 2015

Alarming old and young drivers

A study published in the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics found that an in-car alarm can cut crash rates for drivers over 60 by 50%, but had little effect on younger drivers. The team also discovered that female drivers under 35 responded safely to alarms, while males did not.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics·DateMar 10, 2015

Design and build of synthetic DNA goes back to 'BASIC'

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new technique called BASIC for creating artificial DNA, which combines the best features of existing methods while overcoming their limitations. The system enables fast and flexible assembly of genes with high accuracy, making it suitable for industrial-scale use.

SourceImperial College London·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 10, 2015

Ensuring respect and dignity in the ICU

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a conceptual model defining three sources of patient dignity: shared humanity, personal narrative, and autonomy. The study identifies four consensus areas relevant to treatment with respect and dignity in the ICU, including treating patients as human beings, unique individuals, and entitled t...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNarrative Inquiry in Bioethics·DateMar 10, 2015

Being 'laid off' leads to a decade of distrust

New research from the University of Manchester finds that people who lose their jobs experience a decade-long decrease in trust, even after finding new employment. This phenomenon is due to the traumatic effect of redundancy on an individual's outlook and can have significant implications for society as a whole.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSocial Science Research·DateMar 10, 2015

New carbon accounting method proposed

A new method of carbon accounting has been proposed to provide a fairer way of measuring emissions. The method considers consumption-based accounting and adjusts for technology differences between countries in their export sectors. This results in some countries receiving credits for cleaning up their own production industries.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 10, 2015

Salt affects organs

Excess dietary sodium can adversely affect target organs even in absence of blood pressure increase, including reduced function of endothelium, increased arterial stiffness, and kidney damage. Reducing sodium intake can help mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 10, 2015

Hunting, birdwatching boosts conservation action

A study by Cornell University researchers found that rural landowners who hunt and bird watch are more likely to engage in conservation efforts. These individuals, often referred to as 'hunter/bird watchers,' were found to be eight times more likely to participate in conservation actions than non-recreationists.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 10, 2015

Telemedicine allows UTHealth to enroll patients remotely into acute stroke trial

Researchers at UTHealth successfully enrolled patients from other hospitals into an acute stroke clinical trial using telemedicine. This breakthrough enables the study of stroke treatment on a larger scale, as it was previously limited to large centers with expertise in treating strokes quickly.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateMar 10, 2015

Researchers develop new approach that combines biomass conversion, solar energy conversion

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a novel approach to combine biomass conversion and solar energy conversion, enabling more efficient hydrogen production and creating a valuable byproduct. This breakthrough could significantly increase the efficiency and utility of solar-fuel-producing photoelectrochemical cells.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2015

Cellular scissors chop up HIV virus

Researchers created a CRISPR system that recognizes and cuts the HIV virus, effectively inactivating it. The technology has shown success in both treating active infections and removing dormant copies of the virus from cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2015

ACL injuries in female athletes traced to genes

Researchers discovered 32 genes expressed differently in female compared to male ACL tissues, affecting ligament structure and integrity. Genetic counseling may guide personal decisions about participating in athletics, while strengthening core and technique could reduce injury risk.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 10, 2015

Physicians and patients overestimate risk of death from acute coronary syndrome

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that physicians and patients significantly overestimated the risk of heart attack and death from acute coronary syndrome. Despite discussions about risk, patients' assessment of their risk remained unchanged or increased, highlighting ineffective patient-physician communication.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 10, 2015

Are current water treatment methods sufficient to remove harmful engineered nanoparticle?

A study suggests that traditional water pretreatment methods such as coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation are insufficient to remove titanium dioxide nanoparticles from water. The results highlight the need for improved treatment processes to address emerging engineered nanoparticle risks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateMar 10, 2015