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Science News for March 2, 2015


Improving diagnosis of coronary artery disease in women -- recommendations of a national expert panel

The report highlights key diagnostic challenges in women, including atypical symptoms and the need to understand sex-specific differences underlying CAD. It emphasizes the importance of genomic approaches to diagnosis and the potential benefits of these new advances for improving accuracy and avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 2, 2015

When I'm 64 -- I'll still have hot flashes?

A large study of 2,000 Australian women aged 40-65 found that 42% of those between 60-65 years old experienced hot flashes, while 62% continued to experience sexual symptoms. The study highlights the need for better treatment options for these women, many of whom are not receiving adequate care.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateMar 2, 2015

An old-looking galaxy in a young universe

A team of astronomers discovered a young and remote galaxy with dust levels similar to mature galaxies like the Milky Way, defying expectations. The galaxy, A1689-zD1, was observed using ALMA and VLT instruments and found to be emitting radiation in the far infrared, indicating significant star formation.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2015

Sequencing the hookworm

The genome of Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a nematode that infects up to 400 million people worldwide, has been sequenced. The study identified genes active during infection and potential drug targets. The findings could lead to new treatments for parasitic hookworms.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 2, 2015

How the brain's involved in wanting and having sex

The cerebral cortex region is crucial for each phase of the sexual pleasure cycle, including wanting, having, and inhibiting sex. Alterations in brain networks are linked to sexual dysfunction, highlighting the importance of brain function in sexual experiences.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMar 2, 2015

New views of enzyme structures offer insights into metabolism of cholesterol, other lipids

The study provides high-resolution pictures of two closely related enzymes, lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which play crucial roles in metabolizing cholesterol and other lipids. The findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying these disorders and suggest potential thera...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2015

Cesarean section rates in Portugal decline by 10 percent

Portugal's cesarean section rates dropped by 10% between 2009 and 2014, with a 14% reduction in state-hospitals. This decrease is linked to improved information sharing and training among healthcare staff, as well as the inclusion of C-section rates in hospital funding criteria.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMar 2, 2015

Infection control experts outline guidance for animal visitations in hospitals

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America outlines guidelines for animal-assisted activities, service animals, and personal pet visitation in healthcare facilities. The recommendations aim to protect patients and healthcare providers from animal-to-human transmission and promote evidence-based practices.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 2, 2015

The more friends you drink with ... the more you drink

A new study published in Addiction found that individuals tend to consume more alcohol when surrounded by friends, especially among young adult males. The research used internet-based questionnaires to survey nearly 200 drinkers in Switzerland, finding a positive correlation between social group size and drinking frequency.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 2, 2015

Maternal health in India much worse than previously thought

A new study reveals that over 40% of Indian women are underweight before pregnancy, leading to lower birth weights and potential long-term consequences. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal nutrition monitoring in India, where social status and patriarchal societies contribute to health disparities.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

Licorice manufacturers encouraged to state daily limit of consumption

A 10-year-old boy developed seizures and hypertension after consuming excessive licorice sweets. The case study highlights the dangers of overconsumption of glycyrrhizic acid in licorice, a risk particularly high for children with low body weight. Manufacturers are urged to state recommended daily limits as a safety measure.

SourceElsevier·JournalPediatric Neurology·DateMar 2, 2015

Democratizing synthetic biology

A new protein production method developed by Northwestern University researchers makes cell-free protein synthesis faster and cheaper, addressing a technological gap in the field. The approach uses standard lab equipment and produces crude extract catalysts in less time, enabling more researchers to enter the field.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2015

Sad movies are fattening

A study from the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that movie-goers watching tearjerkers ate 28-55% more popcorn during the Thanksgiving holiday. This increased consumption was attributed to emotional eating triggered by sad movies.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 2, 2015

Water in smog may reveal pollution sources

Researchers have found combustion water in Salt Lake City's winter inversions, with cars and home heating being the largest sources. The study provides a new method for measuring greenhouse gas emissions and studying urban weather.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

Smart crystallization

Researchers have developed a novel nucleating agent that improves crystal quality for reluctant proteins and boosts the probability of success in high-throughput trials. The modified molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is suitable for automated optimization, making it a potent tool for structural biologists.

Breakthrough in OLED technology

Researchers in California and Japan develop OLEDs with finely patterned structures, producing bright, low-power light sources. The key finding is confining charge transport and recombination to nanoscale areas, extending electroluminescent efficiency by almost two orders of magnitude.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 2, 2015

Despite federal law, some insurance exchange plans offer unequal mental health coverage

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that one-quarter of insurance exchange plans appear non-compliant with parity laws requiring equal benefits for general medical and mental health care. The research highlights inconsistencies in benefit brochures, including prior authorization requirements and financial r...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateMar 2, 2015

The rub with friction

Researchers at Brandeis University have discovered that friction forces are nearly 1,000 times greater than previously thought at the microscopic level. This breakthrough understanding of friction is an important step toward designing next-generation microscopic and nanotechnologies.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 2, 2015

Kids who lack sympathy more likely to share with virtuous friends

A recent study published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology found that children who struggle with sympathy are more likely to share resources with peers they respect. The research suggests a compensatory relationship between sympathy and respect, helping kids navigate prosocial solutions even when empathy is lacking.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateMar 2, 2015

Understanding lung disease in aboriginal Australians

A new study found that Aboriginal Australians have low forced vital capacity due to environmental and socioeconomic factors. This discovery challenges the previous notion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being more common among Aboriginal Australians.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 2, 2015

Mutation may cause early loss of sperm supply

A study by Brown University biologists reveals that the loss of a gene in male mice leads to premature exhaustion of their fertility, with mice being fertile at first but quickly depleting their limited sperm supply. The research provides fundamental insights into sperm generation and has implications for understanding human fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 2, 2015

Republicans trust science -- except when it comes to health insurance and gay adoption

A new study finds that Republicans generally defer to science on most issues, with only four exceptions: global warming, evolution, gay adoption, and mandatory health insurance. The study reveals that Republicans are more likely to trust science than independents and Democrats across a range of policy areas.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateMar 2, 2015

Scientists override the body's inflammatory response

Researchers have deciphered the mechanism of interleukin 37 (IL-37), a powerful inhibitor of inflammation, revealing its ability to regulate and control inflammation by binding to specific receptors on target cells. The findings hold promise for developing new drugs to treat inflammatory diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and autoi...

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 2, 2015

Income inequality is taking a toll on the health of American workers

Research at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health finds that income inequality affects worker health, with stagnant wages and increased healthcare costs contributing to high stress, cardiovascular disease, and lower life expectancy. The study highlights the need for policies addressing workplace conditions and improving working-class h...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 2, 2015

Supersonic electrons could produce future solar fuel

Researchers at Lund University successfully tracked supersonic electrons through a light-converting molecule, finding that the conversion of light to chemical energy happens rapidly without energy loss as heat. The study provides insights into constructing molecules for artificial photosynthesis, paving the way for solar fuel production.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2015

Brain waves

Research at Harvard Medical School identifies basal forebrain GABA parvalbumin neurons as crucial for triggering synchronized brain waves associated with conscious thought and perception. These neurons use the neural inhibitor GABA to create a pulsing rhythm, fine-tuning cognition and organization of data from the world around us.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

Did climate change help spark the Syrian war?

A new study suggests that a record drought in Syria (2006-2010) was likely stoked by ongoing manmade climate change, contributing to the 2011 Syrian uprising. The researchers found that the drought destroyed agriculture and drove dispossessed farmers to cities, exacerbating poverty and government mismanagement.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015

One step closer to defeating Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that deleting TREM2 receptor in mice with AD-like disease reduced plaque formation, brain inflammation, and improved neuron survival. Macrophages lacking TREM2 were more effective at clearing beta-amyloid aggregates, suggesting a potential role for the receptor in neurodegeneration.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 2, 2015

New research aims to refine increasingly popular plastic surgery procedures: Buttock augmentation and vaginal rejuvenation surgery

Researchers evaluate changes in gluteal muscle volume after silicone implant placement, finding significant muscle atrophy despite improved body shape. A new classification system is proposed to standardize labiaplasty techniques, ensuring better patient outcomes and satisfaction rates.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMar 2, 2015

The hidden burden of dengue fever in West Africa

A study by University of Miami researchers found dengue virus circulating in urban areas of Ghana, with 21.6% of malaria patients tested positive for long-lasting dengue IgG antibodies, indicating lifetime exposure. The findings suggest that up to one-third of all outpatient visits could be misdiagnosed as malaria.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMar 2, 2015

US women's awareness of breast density varies

A Mayo Clinic study found that US women's awareness of breast density varies significantly by race, ethnicity, household income, education level, and healthcare experiences. More than half of women reported having heard of breast density, but only 53% knew it was associated with cancer risk.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 2, 2015

Despite broad awareness, only half of doctors use prescription drug monitoring programs

A survey of 420 primary care physicians found that nearly three-quarters reported accessing their state's database easily, but most faced barriers to using the data. The study suggests that improving program usability and information sharing between states could increase participation and reduce prescription drug abuse.