Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for January 17, 2012:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Decoding cosmological data could shed light on neutrinos, modified gravity- Smooth muscle cells created from patients' skin cells
- Scientists predict an out-of-this-world kind of ice
- MIT lab working on wristband to allow for individual control of local building environment
- Countries consider time out on the 'leap second'
- Gossip can have social and psychological benefits
- A first: Brain support cells from umbilical cord stem cells
- Students rename NASA moon probes Ebb and Flow
- Koobface computer virus gang unmasked
- From field to biorefinery: Computer model optimizes biofuel operations
- Fruit flies watch the sky to stay on course
- Eagle Nebula: A new view of an icon
- Neutron scattering provides window into surface interactions
- Power generation is blowing in the wind
- Evidence of past Southern hemisphere rainfall cycles related to Antarctic temperatures
Space & Earth news
Solutions for a nitrogen-soaked world
Nitrogen is both an essential nutrient and a pollutant, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion and a fertilizer that feeds billions, a benefit and a hazard, depending on form, location, and quantity. Agriculture, industry and transportation have spread nitrogen liberally around the planet, say sixteen scientists in the latest edition of ESA's Issues in Ecology series, "Excess Nitrogen in the U.S. Environment: Trends, Risks, and Solutions," with complex and interrelated consequences for ecological communities and our dependence upon the resources they provide, as well as human health.
Wood-burning stoves - harmful or safe?
Wood-burning stoves are a popular source of heating in many countries. However in recent years there has been much debate about the potential negative health effects associated with wood smoke. A Norwegian researcher has studied the influence of combustion conditions on the emissions and their health effects.
How far is far enough?
people welcome developments in principle, so long as they are "not in my backyard." But just how big is a backyard? The answer depends on a number of factors and Guenther Schauberger of the University of Veterinary Medicine, has now developed a mathematical model to calculate appropriate distances from residential areas for livestock building to be sited. The model is published in the journal Atmospheric Environment.
Denmark names first Arctic envoy
Denmark, which is planning to lay a claim to the North Pole sea bed, on Tuesday named its first permanent envoy to the resource-rich Arctic.
US may be behind Mars probe failure: Russia
Russia on Tuesday said the failure of its Phobos-Grunt probe for Mars could have been caused by radiation from US radars, in its latest allegation of Western interference in its space programme.
SpaceX delays upcoming 1st Dragon launch to ISS
The first test launch of a commercially built spacecraft to the International Space Station has been delayed by its builder, Space Exploration Technologies or SpaceX, in order to carry out additional testing to ensure that the vehicle is fully ready for the high stakes Earth orbital mission.
Citizen scientist project finds thousands of 'star bubbles'
Remember when you were a kid and blowing bubbles was such great fun? Well, stars kind of do that too. The “bubbles” are partial or complete rings of dust and gas that occur around young stars in active star-forming regions, known as stellar nurseries. So far, over 5,000 bubbles have been found, but there are many more out there awaiting discovery. Now there is a project that you can take part in yourself, to help find more of these intriguing objects.
Why does Sirius twinkle?
At this time of year, after dark we in the northern hemisphere are able to see the mighty constellation of Orion rise high in the sky with a very bright companion in a nearby constellation: Sirius – The Dog Star.
A novel strategy to reduce farm runoff will be tested starting in Minnesota
Minnesota will be the nation's first test site for a novel federal program designed to stem the flow of agricultural pollution that is strangling some of the country's great waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River.
German scientists launch quest to remote Tristan da Cunha
A team of German scientists on Tuesday launched an expedition to the remote British archipelago of Tristan da Cunha, in a bid to uncover secrets linked to the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.
New model finds climate change could expose North America, East Asia and the Caribbean to costly hurricane damage
If you’re planning to build that dream beach house along the East Coast of the United States, or would like to relocate to the Caribbean, a new study by economists and climate scientists suggests you may want to reconsider.
Predicting Arctic sea ice loss
(PhysOrg.com) -- Arctic clouds are strongly tied to Arctic sea ice loss. To find the strength of those ties, a team led by scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory tested a prominent climate model with observed data and found that it significantly underestimates liquid water content in specific Arctic clouds, which affects how much solar energy transfers to the sea ice. They point out the areas of bias and recommend specific improvements to reduce those shortcomings. Their study is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research.
Planck instrument loses its cool
(PhysOrg.com) -- After an impressive two and a half years of operation, Planck's High Frequency Instrument has finally exhausted its onboard coolant gases and reached the end of its very successful mission. Meanwhile the Low Frequency Instrument, which does not need to be super-cold, will continue taking data with unprecedented sensitivity at longer wavelengths.
Scientists confirm rocks fell from Mars (Update)
They came from Mars, not in peace, but in pieces. Scientists are confirming that 15 pounds of rock collected recently in Morocco fell to Earth from Mars during a meteorite shower last July.
Countries consider time out on the 'leap second'
It's high noon for the humble leap second. After ten years of talks, governments are headed for a showdown vote this week on an issue that pits technological precision against nature's whims.
Students rename NASA moon probes Ebb and Flow
A pair of unmanned NASA spacecraft that are orbiting the Moon were renamed Ebb and Flow on Tuesday by a middle school class in Montana, the US space agency announced.
Eagle Nebula: A new view of an icon
(PhysOrg.com) -- The Eagle Nebula as never seen before. In 1995, the Hubble Space Telescope's 'Pillars of Creation' image of the Eagle Nebula became one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. Now, two of ESA's orbiting observatories have shed new light on this enigmatic star-forming region.
Evidence of past Southern hemisphere rainfall cycles related to Antarctic temperatures
Geoscientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Minnesota this week published the first evidence that warm-cold climate oscillations well known in the Northern Hemisphere over the most recent glacial period also appear as tropical rainfall variations in the Amazon Basin of South America. It is the first clear expression of these cycles in the Southern Hemisphere.
Technology news
Under pressure, China firm scraps Steve Jobs doll
A China-based firm has scrapped plans to market an action figure made to resemble the late Apple founder Steve Jobs following "immense pressure" from lawyers.
CBS Sports to open fantasy platform to developers
(AP) -- CBS Sports is opening its fantasy sports platform to third-party developers, allowing them to sell league-specific apps that will likely make this year's games a lot more competitive for millions of players and - developers hope - the $800 million per year fantasy sports industry even more lucrative.
India's HCL profit jumps 43%, shares gain
India's fourth-biggest software services firm, HCL, Tuesday posted a 43 percent jump in quarterly net profit, beating forecasts, thanks to stronger outsourcing demand and a weak rupee.
Powering electric vehicles with sunlight
The Riverside area will become a leader in powering electric vehicles from the sun under a $2 million award to the Center for Environmental Research and Technology at the University of California, Riverside's Bourns College of Engineering.
Galileo to image objects in geosynchronous orbit faster
Military satellites are critical sources of communications and data for today's operations environments. Through DARPA's Phoenix program, usable antennas or solar arrays from retired satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO – 36,000 kilometers above earth) could be removed and potentially repurposed as components for new satellites to provide vital mission support. However, identifying cooperating satellites from which to harvest an array is a difficult and lengthy task using current ground-based satellite imaging techniques. By introducing precise fiber optic controls to ground-based telescopes, this challenge may be overcome. DARPA's Galileo program seeks to bridge the precision fiber optic controls and long-baseline astronomical interferometry technical communities to enable imaging of objects in GEO faster than is possible today.
Samsung Group to invest record $41.56 bln this year
South Korea's Samsung Group announced it would invest a record 47.8 trillion won ($41.56 billion) this year and hire an all-time high of 26,000 new employees despite global economic gloom.
Bum's the word in Japan security scans
Put your fingerprint scanners away. Stand aside iris measurers. Buttocks are the new way to prove who you are.
Researchers light up Europe with LEDs
Novel light-source technology just got a big boost in Europe thanks to the OLED100.eu ('Organic LED (light-emitting diode) lighting in European dimensions') project which tackled the challenge to develop the techniques needed to form the basis for efficient OLED applications for the European general lighting industry. The OLED100.eu researchers have successfully increased the energy efficiency and lifetime of organic LEDs for large-area lighting applications.
India's largest IT firm TCS Q3 profit up 23%
India's biggest outsourcing company, Tata Consultancy Services, reported on Tuesday that net profit rose 23 percent in the third quarter, matching forecasts, thanks to a rise in orders.
Google rolls out ads to ease privacy concerns
Google Inc., under scrutiny from privacy watchdogs for changes it made to its search engine, is launching a splashy ad campaign designed to alleviate privacy concerns.
Pioneering engineers turn destructive plant into valuable carbon
Researchers in Scotland and Cuba are ridding the Caribbean nation of a major ecological problem while producing one of the world's most sought after substances.
A new artificial intelligence technique to speed the planning of tasks when resources are limited
Scientists at Universidad Carlos III in Madrid have presented a new technique based on artificial intelligence that can automatically create plans, allowing problems to be solved with much greater speed than current methods provide when resources are limited. This method can be applied in sectors such as logistics, autonomous control of robots, fire extinguishing and online learning.
Tough economy curbs clean energy investment: experts
A global economic slowdown and the eurozone debt crisis have curbed government investment in renewable energy, experts warned Tuesday.
YouTube spends $100 million to redefine TV
On a recent sun-kissed day, a trio of hot names made a pilgrimage to the ninth floor of the Four Seasons Hotel.
US Supreme Court rejects Internet speech cases
The US Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take two cases involving three separate incidents involving free speech protection for public school students on the Internet.
Markerless motion capture offers a new angle on tennis injuries
A new approach to motion capture technology is offering fresh insights into tennis injuries – and orthopedic injuries in general.
Wikipedia, Google to protest Internet bills
Wikipedia plans to go dark on Wednesday and Google and other websites are also planning protests to voice their concern over legislation in the US Congress intended to crack down on online piracy.
Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang resigns
Yahoo! announced Tuesday that co-founder Jerry Yang has resigned from the board of directors, effective immediately, and all of his other positions with the Internet company.
Mercedes demos DICE -- Interactive dashboard and Heads-Up display
(PhysOrg.com) -- High end car maker Mercedes-Benz last week demoed new technology it’s working on for future car dashboards and windshield displays, and the result is certainly eye opening. Called the Dynamic and Intuitive Control Experience (DICE), the system is a combination of a multitude of different technologies.
MIT lab working on wristband to allow for individual control of local building environment
(PhysOrg.com) -- MIT Media Lab has announced that a team of researchers working in the Responsive Environments Group is hard at it trying to come up with just the right sort of wrist bracelet that could interface with a building fitted with sensors, to allow a user to easily alter the temperature, lighting or perhaps even the humidity levels of their immediate environment. Such a bracelet would also quite naturally also be used to alert other devices with motion detectors to become active.
New microtweezers may build tiny 'MEMS' structures
Researchers have created new "microtweezers" capable of manipulating objects to build tiny structures, print coatings to make advanced sensors, and grab and position live stem cell spheres for research.
Koobface computer virus gang unmasked
Online security researchers claimed Tuesday to have identified the members of a Russian gang of cyber criminals behind the Koobface computer virus which has attacked Facebook and other sites.
From field to biorefinery: Computer model optimizes biofuel operations
Research into biofuel crops such as switchgrass and Miscanthus has focused mainly on how to grow these crops and convert them into fuels. But many steps lead from the farm to the biorefinery, and each could help or hinder the growth of this new industry. A new computer model developed at the University of Illinois can simplify this transition, researchers say. The model can run millions of simulations, optimizing operations to bring down costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions or achieve other goals.
Power generation is blowing in the wind
(PhysOrg.com) -- By looking at the stability of the atmosphere, wind farm operators could gain greater insight into the amount of power generated at any given time.
Medicine & Health news
The Medical Minute: Avoiding two winter weather-related problems
Though it may not have felt like winter until recently, it is that time of year when environmental exposures to the cold weather will be causing many problems for people. Here are some tips for preventing and safely treating two common winter weather-related problems -- frost bite of the extremities and hypothermia.
Knee replacement surgery incidence soars in those over age 50
Researchers in Finland found that annual cumulative incidences of partial and total knee arthroplasty, commonly known as knee replacement surgery, rose rapidly over a 27-year period among 30 to 59 year-olds in that country, with the greatest increase occurring in patients aged 50 to 59 years. According to the study published today in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), incidences were higher in women throughout the study period.
Afghan polio cases rise, govt appeals to militants
Afghan President Hamid Karzai urged insurgents Tuesday to allow health teams to vaccinate children in war-torn parts of the country where cases of polio have risen sharply.
Some groups have trouble controlling diabetes
Among individuals in the U.S. with diabetes, non-Latino whites tend to better control the cardiovascular risk factors blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, while African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and those with little or no college education are at higher risk for complications of the disease, a recent study by UAlbany economists Pinka Chatterji, Heesoo Joo, and Kajal Lahiri found.
Reverse inclusion and the question of disability
Wheelchair basketball: It's a fast, skillful game, dazzling to watch, gruelling to play. It's also a sport that in Canada has become one of the most inclusive, welcoming athletes with disability and able-bodied athletes alike to its leagues and teams. And athletes like it that way.
Industrial salt sold as food salt in Iceland for 13 years
Industrial salt not intended for human consumption has been sold in Iceland as food salt for 13 years by mistake, Icelandic officials said Tuesday.
Canada's first renal denervation procedure to reduce high blood pressure performed today
Doctors at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre today performed a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat high blood pressure, called renal denervation, for the first time in Canada. The procedure can significantly reduce high blood pressure in patients who cannot effectively treat their hypertension through drugs. These patients, numbering approximately 250,000 Canadians, have to endure an especially high risk of heart attacks and stroke, which continues to kill thousands of Canadians every year.
Study reports greater brain activation after cognitive rehabilitation for MS
Neuroscientists at Kessler Foundation have documented increased cerebral activation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) following memory retraining using the modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT).
Better together - The RN and the EHR
With the prodding of new federal legislation, electronic health records (EHRs) are rapidly becoming part of the daily practice of hospital nurses – the frontline providers of care. In the first large study of its kind, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing determined that nurses working with EHRs consistently reported more improvements to nursing care and better health outcomes for patients than nurses working in hospitals without this technology.
WHO issues guidelines for contested breast implants
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday intervened for the first time in the roiling global scandal over faulty breast implants, urging women with the devices to seek medical advice if they have any concerns.
Researchers study how chemicals in drugs and around us impact stem cells
Chemicals in pharmaceutical drugs can obviously save lives. But as more and stronger chemicals have been introduced, our basic knowledge of the broader health impact of all these chemicals has not kept up with the rapid pace of innovation. There is exceptionally little information on how chemicals in our drugs and also in the environment around us, including on the food we eat, impact some of the most important cells in our body: stem cells. Without basic knowledge and tests on the impact of chemicals on our stem cells, we may be unwittingly damaging essential regenerative functions in our body.
Newborn screening program aims to help transform treatments for genetic diseases detected at birth
Within the first days of life, screening tests are performed on all newborns born in the U.S. to identify rare and often life-threatening medical conditions that are not apparent at birth. These newborn screening programs have been operating for decades, permitting doctors to intervene early and improve outcomes in potentially devastating conditions.
Drug helps maintain platelet inhibition and anti-clotting levels prior to cardiac surgery
Patients who discontinued use of an antiplatelet agent such as clopidogrel prior to undergoing cardiac surgery to lower their bleeding risk and received intravenously the platelet inhibitor cangrelor achieved a higher rate of maintenance of platelet inhibition, compared to patients who received placebo, according to a study in the January 18 issue of JAMA.
Neurologically impaired children dependent on children's hospitals
Because of care advances, more infants and children with previously lethal health problems are surviving. Many, however, are left with lifelong neurologic impairment. A Children's Hospital Boston study of more than 25 million pediatric hospitalizations in the U.S. now shows that neurologically impaired children, though still a relatively small part of the overall population, account for increasing hospital resources, particularly within children's hospitals. Their analysis, based on data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Kids' Inpatient Database (KID), was published online January 17th in PLoS Medicine.
International health experts call for a special UN session on mental health
A group of international health experts has called for a special session of the United Nations (referred to as UNGASS - United Nations General Assembly Special Session) to focus global attention on mental, neurological, and substance use disorders as a core development issue requiring commitments to improve access to care, promote human rights, and strengthen the evidence on effective prevention and treatment.
Studies help clarify the role of lapatinib and trastuzumab in treating HER2 positive breast cancer
In patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, Tykerb (lapatinib) has been used both in combination with herceptin (trastuzumab) and as an alternative single-agent therapy for pre-surgery (neo-adjuvant) chemotherapy treatment. Two new studies are published today on these drugs. One published by The Lancet Oncology, showing lapatinib to be less beneficial than trastuzumab for single-agent therapy, and one by The Lancet showing that combining both drugs appears almost twice as effective as single-agent therapy (although lapatinib causes more side-effects).
Study shows oxidants help maintain healthy blood pressure
(Medical Xpress) -- A new scientific study led by researchers at King’s College London has shown that oxidants, a family of molecules known to be involved in ageing and the development of cancer, also have a positive function in the body in helping to regulate blood pressure.
US wants effective Alzheimer's treatment by 2025
The government is setting what it calls an ambitious goal for Alzheimer's disease: Development of effective ways to treat and prevent the mind-destroying illness by 2025.
'Exergames' may provide cognitive benefit for older adults
Virtual reality-enhanced exercise, or "exergames," combining physical exercise with computer-simulated environments and interactive videogame features, can yield a greater cognitive benefit for older adults than traditional exercise alone, according to a new study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Study suggests junk food in schools doesn't cause weight gain among children
While the percentage of obese children in the United States tripled between the early 1970s and the late 2000s, a new study suggests that—at least for middle school students—weight gain has nothing to do with the candy, soda, chips, and other junk food they can purchase at school.
Study faults research linking hormone therapy to cancer
A landmark investigation which found that hormone treatment for the menopause boosts the risk of breast cancer is riddled with flaws, a new study published on Monday alleges.
Headphone-distracted pedestrians face death, serious injury: study
Listen up, pedestrians wearing headphones. Can you hear the trains or cars around you? Many probably can't, especially young adult males. Serious injuries to pedestrians listening to headphones have more than tripled in six years, according to new research from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. In many cases, the cars or trains are sounding horns that the pedestrians cannot hear, leading to fatalities in nearly three-quarters of cases.
Fake malaria drugs threaten crisis in Africa
(Medical Xpress) -- The emergence of fake and poor quality anti-malarial drugs could dash hopes of controlling malaria in Africa, warn experts writing in the Malaria Journal. Millions of lives could be put at risk unless urgent action is taken, they argue.
Essential protein for the formation of new blood vessels identified
New research explains how cells regulate their bonds during the development of new blood vessels. For the first time, the role of the protein Raf-1 in determining the strength of the bond between cells has been shown. If Raf-1 is not present, the cells cannot stick together and the formation of new blood vessels is inhibited. This discovery may one day lead to new approaches to cancer treatment.
Indian experts probing 'untreatable' TB cases
The Indian government on Tuesday dispatched a team of medical experts to the financial capital, Mumbai, to assess reports of a handful of cases of apparently untreatable tuberculosis.
Is it the alcohol or polyphenols in red wine that decreases cardiovascular disease?
Observational epidemiologic studies relating wine and alcohol to health all suffer from the fact that they, of necessity, compare people who prefer certain beverages, but not the beverages themselves. While there have been many intervention trials in animals, randomized trials in humans are less common. Randomized crossover trials, in which each subject receives all interventions in sequence, can be especially important as they tend to avoid baseline differences among subjects and can detect effects of different interventions with smaller numbers of subjects.
Zebrafish may help speed drug discovery
Tiny zebrafish just may give scientists one solution to information overload in the search for new drugs therapies.
New research to enhance speech recognition technology
New research is hoping to understand how the human brain hears sound to help develop improved hearing aids and automatic speech recognition systems.
Research develops new model to anticipate disease outbreaks at 2012 Olympics
A research team led by St. Michael's Hospital's Dr. Kamran Khan is teaming up with British authorities to anticipate and track the risk for an infectious disease outbreak at the London Olympics this summer.
Vitamin D could help combat the effects of aging in eyes
Researchers funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have found that vitamin D reduces the effects of ageing in mouse eyes and improves the vision of older mice significantly. The researchers hope that this might mean that vitamin D supplements could provide a simple and effective way to combat age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration (AMD), in people.
Cell death researchers identify new Achilles heel in acute myeloid leukemia
Melbourne researchers have discovered that acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer with poor prognosis, may be susceptible to medications that target a protein called Mcl-1.
Kidney failure risk higher for liver transplant patients following policy change
Research from the University of Michigan Health System shows the risk for kidney failure among liver transplant recipients is higher following the implementation of Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD), a policy change in 2002 that altered how liver transplant allocation is decided.
Retention study identifies key factors affecting three generations of nurses
If organisations want to retain qualified nurses they need to tackle the different work factors that are important to the three key age groups and build on the strong attachment that many nurses feel to the profession. Those are the key messages to emerge from a large-scale survey of nurses published in the January issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Natural enzyme provides potential new approach for treating graft-vs-host disease
A natural enzyme derived from human blood plasma showed potential in significantly reducing the effects of graft-vs.-host disease, a common and deadly side effect of lifesaving bone marrow transplants.
How immune cells destroy cancer cells: Researchers elucidate mechanism
In the treatment of large tumors, how effective is adoptive T cell therapy in comparison to drug-based cancer treatment? To answer this question, Dr. Kathleen Anders and Professor Thomas Blankenstein of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch and researchers of the Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, California, USA designed and carried out a study comparing the two methods. Based on a mouse cancer model, the researchers elucidated the mechanisms of the two different treatments. The researchers showed that both forms of therapy are highly effective against large tumors. However, the T cells not only kill cancer cells – they additionally destroy the tumor blood vessel system, thus impeding the supply of nutrients to the tumor. Consequently, quasi as a side effect, "escapee" mutant tumor cells are eradicated that have become resistant to drug-based treatment and are responsible for tumor recurrence. The researchers hope that their insights in defining optimal conditions for T cell therapy may help improve future clinical trials and thus the treatment of cancer patients.
The illusion of courage: Why people mispredict their behavior in embarrassing situations
Whether it's investing in stocks, bungee jumping or public speaking, why do we often plan to take risks but then "chicken out" when the moment of truth arrives?
Novel treatment for skin lymphoma
Promising findings on a novel combination treatment approach for a chronic type of skin lymphoma are being published today (embargoed for 4 pm) in JAMA's Archives of Dermatology by clinical researchers from Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Focus on glaucoma origins continues path toward potential cure
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Nearly 4 million Americans have the disorder, which affects 70 million worldwide. There is no cure and no early symptoms. Once vision is lost, it's permanent.
Mental illness protects some inmates from returning to jail
People with mental illness have gotten a bad rap in past research studies, being labeled the group of people with the highest return rates to prison. But a researcher from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University counters those findings in a new study—demonstrating that inmates with severe mental illnesses alone actually have lower rates of recidivism than those with substance abuse issues or no mental or substance abuse issues.
Study reveals origins of esophageal cancer
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) have identified the critical early cellular and molecular events that give rise to a type of esophageal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma, the fastest-rising solid tumor in the United States. The findings, published online today in Cancer Cell, challenge conventional wisdom regarding the origin and development of this deadly cancer and its precursor lesion, Barrett's esophagus, and highlight possible targets for new clinical therapies.
Study finds that tumor cells can prevent cancer spread
A new study finds that a group of little-explored cells in the tumor microenvironment likely serve as important gatekeepers against cancer progression and metastasis. Published in the January 17 issue of Cancer Cell, these findings suggest that anti-angiogenic therapies – which shrink cancer by cutting off tumors' blood supply – may inadvertently be making tumors more aggressive and likely to spread.
Physical activity program leads to better behavior for children with ADHD
While children who suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with hyperactive-impulses and have trouble maintaining attention, a recent study found that a structured physical activity program may help to improve their muscular capacities, motor skills, behavior assessments, and the ability to process information. This new exploratory study was released in the recent issue of the Journal of Attention Disorders (published by SAGE).
Prevalence of obesity in US still high, with little change in recent years
There has not been significant change in the prevalence of obesity in the U.S., with data from 2009-2010 indicating that about one in three adults and one in six children and teens are obese; however, there have been increases in certain demographics, according to two studies being published by JAMA. The studies are being released online first because of their public health importance.
Using contrasting colors to reduce serving sizes and lose weight
Choosing the right size and color of your bowls and plates could help you eat less, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Studies uncover keys in sudden cardiac death
Researchers in Rhode Island Hospital's Cardiovascular Research Center have published two new studies focusing on the causes of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD) when a genetic disorder is present. The studies use a first-ever genetic animal model the researchers developed in 2008 to further their understanding of a genetic disorder known as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). The first study identified differential conditions and cellular mechanisms that can trigger SCD when LQTS is a factor, and the second study, for the first time, directly links sex hormones and the incidence of arrhythmia and SCD. Their findings are published in the Journal of Physiology and the HeartRhythm Journal.
An easier way to remove gallstones
For more than 100 years, the traditional treatment for the painful growths called gallstones has been removal of the gallbladder, or cholecystectomy. But a new device, patented in China, promises to make removing the entire organ unnecessary. A group of scientists from the Second People's Hospital of Panyu District and Central South University in China have developed an endoscope specially designed for locating and clearing out gallstones and other gallbladder lesions.
Middle-aged men with upper-normal blood pressure at risk for AF
Middle-aged men at the upper end of normal blood pressure had an elevated risk for atrial fibrillation later in life, according to new research in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Study shows new drug helps 'bridge' stent patients to cardiac surgery
New findings from a research study led by physicians at Scripps Health reveal that the drug cangrelor has the unique properties of achieving very fast blood thinning effects when needed to protect from heart attacks, but also dissipates rapidly so patients can undergo surgery without the excessive bleeding often associated with blood thinning medications.
Cell signaling key to stopping growth and migration of brain cancer cells
Brain cancer is hard to treat: it's not only strong enough to resist most chemotherapies, but also nimble enough to migrate away from radiation or surgery to regrow elsewhere.
Blocking metabolic protein improves movement in animals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Turning off a protein that helps cells balance energy increases animal mobility and reduces the death of nerve cells that control movement in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study in the January 18 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. The findings may one day guide new directions for the treatment of the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, for which there is currently no cure.
New model for possible malaria vaccination suggests mass vaccination for low transmission areas
In the event that a vaccine for the prevention of malaria is licensed and ready for use (such as the research malaria vaccine RTS,S, which currently looks promising), distributing and giving the vaccine to three-month old infants via the World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) will be the most efficient mechanism in high transmission areas but for lower transmission areas, mass vaccination every 5 years might be a more efficient vaccination strategy, a new study has found.
Study offers clues as to why teens are more susceptible to addiction and mental illness
(Medical Xpress) -- Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh’s Moghaddam Laboratory, led by biochemist Bita Moghaddam have found after studying rat brains that minor differences in activity levels in certain brain parts, between adults and teens might help explain why teens tend to be more susceptible to both addiction and mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. As the team explains in their upcoming paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, differences in the way the dorsal striatum responds to rewards may offer an explanation as to why teens have such problems.
Computer algorithm used to identify bladder cancer marker
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have used an innovative mathematical technique to find markers that effectively predict how deadly a cancer will be. The discovery, which in this case concerned bladder cancer, could lead to faster, less expensive and more accurate analysis of cancer risk and better treatment of the disease.
Cell's 'battery' found to play central role in neurodegenerative disease
A devastating neurodegenerative disease that first appears in toddlers just as they are beginning to walk has been traced to defects in mitochondria, the 'batteries' or energy-producing power plants of cells.
Some breast cancer spread may be triggered by a protein, study shows
Cancers rarely are deadly unless they evolve the ability to grow beyond the tissues in which they first arise. Normally, cells -- even early-stage tumor cells -- are tethered to scaffolding that helps to restrain any destructive tendencies. But scientists from the University of Helsinki, Finland, and from UCSF have identified a cleaver-wielding protein that frees some tumor cells, allowing them to further misbehave.
Gossip can have social and psychological benefits
For centuries, gossip has been dismissed as salacious, idle chatter that can damage reputations and erode trust. But a new study from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests rumor-mongering can have positive outcomes such as helping us police bad behavior, prevent exploitation and lower stress.
A first: Brain support cells from umbilical cord stem cells
For the first time ever, stem cells from umbilical cords have been converted into other types of cells, which may eventually lead to new treatment options for spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, among other nervous system diseases.
Sleep preserves and enhances unpleasant emotional memories
A recent study by sleep researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the first to suggest that a person's emotional response after witnessing an unsettling picture or traumatic event is greatly reduced if the person stays awake afterward, and that sleep strongly "protects" the negative emotional response. Further, if the unsettling picture is viewed again or a flashback memory occurs, it will be just as upsetting as the first time for those who have slept after viewing compared to those who have not.
Biology news
Guilt, gender play roles in human-animal relations
Until recently, most archaeologists viewed human-animal relationships primarily in terms of their dietary role. But the social and symbolic functions of animals and meat may often be of equal or even greater importance, writes Nerissa Russell in her newly released book "Social Zooarchaeology: Humans and Animals in Prehistory" (Cambridge University Press). Russell, a Cornell associate professor and chair of anthropology, cautions that ignoring the importance of these factors results in interpretations of data "that are just plain wrong."
Plant pathologists put the squeeze on citrus disease
(PhysOrg.com) -- With Florida's $9 billion citrus industry threatened by a deadly bacterial disease, Rick Kress '73 asked scientists at Cornell's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva for help. Three years later, the researchers have delivered several genetically engineered orange trees that could provide a long-term solution.
53 dead fur seals wash up on Australian beach
More than 50 dead New Zealand fur seals have been found washed up on a beach in South Australia in unexplained circumstances, according to environmental officials.
Secret sex life to help save world's endangered seagrasses
(PhysOrg.com) -- Sex plays a much more important role in the reproduction of vitally important seagrasses than previously thought, according to important new findings by researchers from The University of Western Australia.
Climate adaptation difficult for Europe's birds
Åke Lindström is Professor of Animal Ecology at Lund University, Sweden. Together with other European researchers he has looked at 20 years' worth of data on birds, butterflies and summer temperatures. During this period, Europe has become warmer and set temperatures have shifted northwards by 250 km. Bird and butterfly communities have not moved at the same rate.
Breeding better grasses for food and fuel
Researchers from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (BSBEC) have discovered a family of genes that could help us breed grasses with improved properties for diet and bioenergy.
Two-timing and hybrids: Researchers look back on 100 million years of evolution
For about 100 million years, grass smut fungi have been breeding in a three-gender system. This was discovered by Dr. Ronny Kellner and professor Dr. Dominik Begerow of the RUB Geobotany Laboratory in cooperation with colleagues from the Heinrich Heine Universitat in Duesseldorf. In the journal PLoS Genetics, the team also reports that the fungi in the experiment not only mate within their own species, but also form hybrids with other species -- and that after millions of years of separate evolution.
Planet of the Apes: Survival of the self-promoters
We humans can be a cocky species - so much so that a realistic self-image can be seen as a symptom of trouble.
Researchers discover 'green' pesticide effective against citrus pests
University of Florida researchers have discovered a key amino acid essential for human nutrition is also an effective insecticide against caterpillars that threaten the citrus industry.
US bans import of Burmese pythons
The United States announced Tuesday it is banning the import of Burmese pythons and three other species of giant constrictor snakes due to the danger they pose to local wildlife.
Up to 6.7 million bats dead from fungus: US
Between 5.7 and 6.7 million bats have died in North America due to a fungus known as white-nose syndrome (WNS) since the disease first appeared in 2006, US authorities said on Tuesday.
Study uncovers how DNA unfolds for transcription
(PhysOrg.com) -- The human genome contains some 3 billion base pairs that are tightly compacted into the nucleus of each cell. If a DNA strand were the thickness of a human hair, the entire human genome would be crammed into a space the size of a softball, but if it were unraveled and all the strands lined up, they would stretch from Ithaca, N.Y., to Boston.
Fruit flies watch the sky to stay on course
Insects, equipped with complex compound eyes, can maintain a constant heading in their travels, some of them for thousands of miles. New research demonstrates that fruit flies keep their bearings by using the polarization pattern of natural skylight, bolstering the belief that many, if not all, insects have that capability.
Polar growth at the bacterial scale reveals potential new targets for antibiotic therapy
(PhysOrg.com) -- An international team of microbiologists led by Indiana University researchers has identified a new bacterial growth process -- one that occurs at a single end or pole of the cell instead of uniform, dispersed growth along the long axis of the cell -- that could have implications in the development of new antibacterial strategies.
Smooth muscle cells created from patients' skin cells
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have created cells which make up the walls of blood vessels; research could lead to new treatments and better screening for cardiovascular disease.
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