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Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for February 14, 2013:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Densest array of carbon nanotubes paves way toward post-silicon technology- New computer simulations reveal possible violent history of giant asteroid Vesta
- Math helps detect gang-related crime and better allocate police resources
- Gene invaders are stymied by a cell's genome defense
- Vision restored with total darkness
- First animal model of recent human evolution
- Unlocking the mystery behind Saturn's moonlets
- Roots of language in human and bird biology
- Sewage lagoons remove most—but not all—pharmaceuticals
- Researchers invent 'acoustic-assisted' magnetic information storage
- 1,500-year-old landfill discovered in USVI
- Humans and chimps share genetic strategy in battle against pathogens
- Revealing the secrets of motility in archaea
- Tough, light and strong: Lessons from nature could lead to the creation of new materials
- Clues to the mysterious origin of cosmic rays: Very Large Telescope probes remains of medieval supernova
Space & Earth news
Life not yet normal after Sandy, poll finds
Nearly three-quarters of New Jerseyans say life is not yet back to normal almost four months after Superstorm Sandy, and 77 percent call the storm a "transformative event," according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll. A quarter of those personally affected by the storm report not having fully recovered, with more than 60 percent of those respondents reporting unrepaired damage to their home.
Simulation of a double impact reveals the heart of an asteroid
Models boost the significance of image and measurement data from space missions and help to understand our solar system. A simulation of a double impact that occurred on the proto-planet Vesta one billion years ago allowed scientists to describe precisely the inner structure of the asteroid. A joint research from EPFL, Bern University, France and the United States is on the cover of Nature this week.
Researchers' models of planet-scale collisions reveal internal structure of asteroid 4 Vesta
Seeking to better understand the structure and composition of asteroid 4 Vesta, one of the major protoplanets of the asteroid belt, a team of researchers has developed a new model that reproduces the global topography observed by NASA's Dawn spacecraft, and makes predictions for the internal structure. A paper published Feb. 14 in Nature reports the team's three-dimensional simulations of Vesta's global evolution under two overlapping planet-scale collisions, starting from a spherical differentiated small planet.
Senators propose first US carbon tax
US senators proposed a tax on carbon emissions Thursday amid growing calls for action on climate change, but the bill is expected to face staunch opposition from many conservatives.
Scientists to measure spin of near-miss asteroid to help predict future path
(Phys.org)—As most have heard, an asteroid scientists have dubbed 2012 DA14 is set to pass very close to the Earth on Feb 15th—closer than most of the geosynchronous satellites currently in orbit. Because of its proximity, a team of researchers is set to take a novel approach to measure its spin, which should help researchers plot out its future course.
NOAA fisheries finds ESA listing of Alaska cold-water corals is not warranted
NOAA Fisheries has concluded that a petition to list 44 species of cold water corals off Alaska as threatened or endangered does not present substantial information that listing under the Endangered Species Act may be warranted. The agency will not conduct a formal status review of the species.
Russia, Kazakhstan may manage space base together
(AP)—Russia may suspend its lease for some facilities at the Baikonur space complex in Kazakhstan, opening the way for its joint administration by the two countries, a senior Russian space official says.
Tiny CREPT instrument to study the radiation belts
A smaller version of an instrument now flying on NASA's Van Allen Probes has won a coveted spot aboard an upcoming NASA-sponsored Cubesat mission—the perfect platform for this pint-size, solid-state telescope.
NASA satellite sees Cyclone Gino's rainfall shoved southward
NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite known as TRMM measured Cyclone Gino's rainfall from space and saw the bulk of precipitation was south of the center. Gino's rainfall is being pushed away from the center by vertical wind shear.
Breakthrough study models dying stars in a lab
A team of scientists has successfully reproduced conditions in one of the most hostile environments in the galaxy, enabling them to find out more about how atoms behave in these extreme settings.
New research sheds light on black hole growth
In a new study led by University of Central Lancashire astronomer Dr. Victor Debattista, researchers are looking into the mystery of how black holes grow and evolve. For many years, astronomers surmised black holes took on mass when their host galaxies merged, but now new modeling techniques show that black holes in spiral galaxies are forced to take on mass.
MOND used to predict key property in Andromeda's satellites
Using modified laws of gravity, researchers from Case Western Reserve University and Weizmann Institute of Science closely predicted a key property measured in faint dwarf galaxies that are satellites of the nearby giant spiral galaxy Andromeda.
Sewage lagoons remove most—but not all—pharmaceuticals
(Phys.org)—2012 marked the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which established regulations for the discharge of pollutants to waterways and supported the building of sewage treatment plants. Despite these advances, sewage remains a major source of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and naturally occurring hormones found in the environment.
Unlocking the mystery behind Saturn's moonlets
(Phys.org)—Research by Loughborough University physicists casts new light on Saturn's moonlets – and could help solve some of the mysteries surrounding planet formation.
Clues to the mysterious origin of cosmic rays: Very Large Telescope probes remains of medieval supernova
In the year 1006 a new star was seen in the southern skies and widely recorded around the world. It was many times brighter than the planet Venus and may even have rivaled the brightness of the Moon. It was so bright at maximum that it cast shadows and it was visible during the day. More recently astronomers have identified the site of this supernova and named it SN 1006. They have also found a glowing and expanding ring of material in the southern constellation of Lupus (The Wolf) that constitutes the remains of the vast explosion.
New computer simulations reveal possible violent history of giant asteroid Vesta
(Phys.org)—The asteroid Vesta, which exists between Mars and Jupiter, is one of the largest in the solar system—it is also considered to be a protoplanet because it has a core, mantel and crust. Now, a research team made up of members from Switzerland, France and the United States has created 3D computer simulations of the asteroid that appear to explain how it came to be shaped as it is today. As the team describes in their paper published in the journal Nature, it appears Vesta was struck by two massive objects—one approximately 2 billion years ago, and another 1 billion years ago.
Technology news
Judge throws out some Facebook IPO lawsuits
(AP)—A New York judge is dismissing a key group of the many lawsuits against Facebook over its initial public offering in May, saying the plaintiffs did not show that they lost money because of corporate wrongdoing.
Zuckerberg owns nearly a third of Facebook: US regulators
Mark Zuckerberg's stake in Facebook has climbed to nearly 30 percent since the leading social network made its dismal stock market debut, according to a filing Wednesday with US regulators.
Cardinal Health to buy AssuraMed for about $2 B
(AP)—Cardinal Health is spending about $2 billion to acquire the medical supplier AssuraMed to extend its reach to patients receiving care at home.
Google fires back at British Telecom in patent row
Google fired back at British telecom titan BT Group in US and British courts, escalating a year-old patent battle.
Pentagon creates new medal for cyber, drone warriors
The Pentagon unveiled a new medal on Wednesday to honor "extraordinary" troops who launch cyber attacks or drone strikes from their consoles, even if they do not risk their lives in combat.
Want zero carbon emissions? Go nuclear, economics professor says
(Phys.org)—Nuclear power often inspires fear and loathing, no more so than among environmentalists, who have long decried the potential dangers and the still-unsolved problem of what to do with nuclear waste. Consumers have their doubts as well. The memory of major accidents such as those at Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and, most recently, Fukushima Daiichi in Japan leaves many regular folks cringing at the prospect of relying on nuclear energy to light and heat their homes.
Endurance test of an offshore wind turbine in the laboratory
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology IWES in Kassel are testing the complex control system of wind turbines under real conditions in the laboratory before they are built into offshore wind energy plants, for example. This way, software and hardware faults can be found and eliminated before the costly installation of the turbine.
Safe glass facades
Metropolises like San Francisco are in a state of constant flux. Excavators and wrecking balls tear down dilapidated old factories and houses that are beyond renovation, freeing up space for new structures. Entirely in this spirit of dynamism, a huge building complex will soon go up on a site where until recently a train station stood: the Transbay Transit Center, a five-story structure with glass facades, over 20,000 square meters of floor area, and a glass-covered park on the roof. A second phase will see the construction of an additional high-rise building. The budget is 4 billion US dollars.
Wonderwalls: Hidden system makes it easier for elderly people to live at home
Most senior citizens would prefer to live in their own homes for as long as possible. But memory loss and restricted mobility can lead to problems. Items like glasses or the phonebook disappear into thin air, or seniors can find themselves on the wrong side of a locked door after a trip to the shops. Many seniors end up unwilling to set foot outside the door, wary of their ability to get around or simply worried about the weather.
Barnes & Noble shares fall as Nook losses grow
(AP)—Barnes & Noble Inc. shares fell Thursday after the retailer said that it expects losses from its Nook e-reader business to be larger in 2013 than last year.
'Sesame Street' nears 1 billion views on YouTube
(AP)—Nearing 1 billion views on YouTube, "Sesame Street" is headed for Justin Bieber territory.
Tamagotchi returns: Electronic pet reborn as app
(AP)—Tamagotchi is re-hatching as an app.
Dolby Theatre turns up the volume for first Oscars
(AP)—Dolby is ready for its first date with Oscar.
Android and Apple extend smartphone dominance
Android-powered smartphones and Apple's rival iPhone have extended their near duopoly with a whopping 91 percent of the global market in the fourth quarter, a survey showed Thursday.
BlackBerry former co-CEO Balsillie sells entire stake
Jim Balsillie, the former co-CEO and a driving force behind BlackBerry, no longer owns shares in the Canadian smartphone maker, according to a US securities filing Thursday.
Chubby Checker sues HP over penis-measuring app
A lawyer acting for Chubby Checker—the musical legend behind "The Twist"—has announced a lawsuit against tech-giant Hewlett-Packard for using the singer's name for a penis-measuring app.
Researcher examines disparities in worldwide access to Internet bandwidth
Work co-authored by a University of Kansas researcher examines how just a few nations and regions control the majority of the world's Internet connectivity.
Medicine & Health news
'Significant' proportion of HIV positive patients may not be telling NHS staff about their infection
A significant proportion of HIV positive patients may not be disclosing their infection to NHS staff, when turning up for treatment at sexual health clinics, suggests preliminary research published online in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Cause of illness at Villanova lab still a mystery
(AP)—Officials say they still don't know what sickened people at a Villanova University chemistry lab, prompting evacuation of the building and sending 29 people to the hospital.
Young Mexican mother was 12 or 13: authorities
Mexican authorities said Wednesday that a young girl who gave birth last month was 12 or 13 and not nine as originally reported, and that her stepfather is the father of the newborn.
Researchers determine optimum cooking times for shrimp and salmon
Popular consumer cookbooks generally define the "doneness" of shrimp by the surface color change (from white to pink) and for salmon by the flakiness of the center. However, these indicators make the products appear to be done before fully cooked. Also, fish can easily be overcooked and dry.
Outdated 'paper chart' model of computerized provider documentation seen as problematic
As healthcare practitioners and institutions increase their adoption and use of electronic health records, the transition from paper-based to computerized provider documentation (CPD) is having dramatic effects on a range of healthcare and business processes, and not all of them positive.
New approach to care after surgery reduces hospital stays, costs
A bold new approach that gets people out of the hospital more quickly after a major cancer surgery is producing excellent outcomes and reducing costs for patients at the University of Virginia Health System, a new study shows.
CT scans are the best alternative to colonoscopy to investigate bowel cancer symptoms
A scan that offers patients a less invasive test, sometimes called a 'virtual colonoscopy', is more effective than the traditional X-ray test of barium enema and should now be considered alongside the 'gold standard' of colonoscopy for investigating patients with a possible bowel cancer.
Software for new cancer screening method
Women may one day have a more accurate, less expensive means of detecting breast cancer, thanks in part to software developed by two South Dakota State University computer science professors.
Researchers develop clinical screening program for no.1 genetic cause of colon cancer
(Medical Xpress)—Cleveland Clinic researchers have found that colorectal cancer outcomes could be improved with regular genetic screening for Lynch syndrome, the most common hereditary, adult-onset cause of colorectal cancer, as published in the online version of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Risk of leukemia after cancer chemotherapy persists
While advancements in cancer treatment over the last several decades have improved patient survival rates for certain cancers, some patients remain at risk of developing treatment-related leukemia, according to results of a study published online in Blood, the Journal of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).
UK: Horse drug may have entered human food chain
(AP)—Six horse carcasses that tested positive for an equine painkiller may have entered the human food chain in France, Britain's food regulator announced Thursday—and the agency's chief said horsemeat tainted with the medicine may have been sold to consumers "for some time."
Cyprus destroys burgers over horsemeat fears
A Cypriot supermarket chain has destroyed more than 16 tonnes of beef burgers over fears they were contaminated with horsemeat, the authorities said on Thursday.
French medical body for euthanasia in 'exceptional' cases
France's medical ethics council said Thursday that assisted suicide should be allowed in exceptional cases when suffering patients make "persistent and lucid requests" in a step forward to legalising euthanasia.
Oregon experiment will provide insight into ACO-based reform
(HealthDay)—The outcome of the Oregon experiment, an ambitious program centered on a model of an accountable care organization (ACO), will offer important lessons for the wider implementation of ACOs as cost-saving mechanisms, according to a perspective piece published online Feb. 13 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Post-pregnancy deterioration in glycemic control in T1DM
(HealthDay)—Women with type 1 diabetes experience post-pregnancy deterioration in glycemic control and sustained weight gain, according to research published online Dec. 18 in Diabetes Care.
IOM urges international action to eradicate fake drugs
(HealthDay)—Falsified and substandard medications pose public health problems around the world, and international action should be taken to combat the phenomenon, according to a report published Feb. 13 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).
Emergency room crowding tied to ACS-induced PTSD
(HealthDay)—Exposure to emergency department crowding correlates with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms one month after ACS, according to a research letter published online Feb. 11 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Cancer type affects quality of care survivors receive
(HealthDay)—Compared with control patients without cancer, survivors of some cancers receive different quality of care on certain chronic and acute indicators, according to research published online Feb. 11 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Horsemeat: French company blamed, UK arrests
(AP)—The price, smell and color should have been clear tipoffs something was wrong with shipments of horsemeat that were fraudulently labeled as beef, French authorities said Thursday. The government pinned the bulk of the blame on a French wholesaler at the heart of a growing scandal in Europe.
US official: Cuts put key medical research at risk (Update)
(AP)—Better cancer drugs that zero in on a tumor with fewer side effects. A universal flu vaccine that could fight every strain of influenza without needing a yearly shot.
Report: J&J recalls thousands of hip implants
(AP)—A German newspaper reports that Johnson & Johnson is recalling thousands of hip implants 2 1/2 years after a similar recall.
Research uses smart surveillance to rapidly identify emerging disease threats
February 13, 2013 – EcoHealth Alliance, the nonprofit organization that focuses on local conservation and global health issues, announced new research focused on the rapid identification of disease outbreaks in the peer reviewed publication, Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
The role of radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer
Even in the presence of screening, there is benefit to radical prostatectomy (RP) in prostate cancer patients, however, the benefit is limited to a subgroup of patients and can take years to become evident according to a study published February 14 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Researchers find that doula care for low-income women could save taxpayers money
New research from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health has found lower cesarean birth rates among Medicaid beneficiaries with access to support from a birth doula than among Medicaid patients nationally. A doula is not a medical provider, but is a trained, experienced professional person who can provide information, physical assistance and support to a woman during childbirth.
Stem cell survival strategy key to blood and immune system health
Stem cells of the aging bone marrow recycle their own molecules to survive and keep replenishing the blood and immune systems as the body ages, researchers at UC San Francisco (UCSF) have discovered.
New study aims to use stem cells to help save sight of diabetes sufferers
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast are hoping to develop a novel approach that could save the sight of millions of diabetes sufferers using adult stem cells.
Drug shown to reverse radioiodine resistance in some advanced thyroid cancers
The experimental drug selumetinib may allow some patients with advanced thyroid cancer to overcome resistance to radioiodine (RAI), the most effective therapy for the disease, according to new research from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Study suggests link between untreated depression and response to shingles vaccine
Results from a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggest a link between untreated depression in older adults and decreased effectiveness of the herpes zoster, or shingles, vaccine. Older adults are known to be at risk for shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, and more than a million new cases occur each year in the U.S. The vaccine boosts cell-mediated immunity to the virus and can decrease the incidence and severity of the condition.
Nanotech'ed RNA drug reduces ovarian cancer tumors by 83 percent
By loading fragile RNA into silicon nanoparticles, researchers from The Methodist Hospital and two other institutions found a new drug delivery system can reduce the size of ovarian tumors by as much as 83 percent—and stop tumor growth in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer tissue.
PSAs spotlight families dealing with Alzheimer's
Families who have lived with Alzheimer's disease share their personal stories and proclaim "Now Is the Moment" to end this life-shattering disease, in a moving set of public service announcements (PSAs).
Novel designed molecules could stop colon cancer metastasis
A Basque research consortium has managed to stop the development of colon cancer and its liver metastasis in an experimental model using mice. This breakthrough, which could open new avenues for the future treatment of these pathologies, has been achieved by creating molecules that interfere with the tumour cells adhering to other cells in the body. In this way, these molecules stop both the tumour growth and the spreading of tumour cells to other organs and their subsequent proliferation.
Parkinson's patients advised to seek Deep Brain Stimulation treatment in early stages
People with Parkinson's disease who receive Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy in the early stages of the condition will benefit from a significant increase in quality of life, a revolutionary study from The New England Journal of Medicine has found.
New drug puts malaria under the pump
Researchers have discovered how a new class of antimalarial drugs kills the malaria parasite, showing that the drugs block a pump at the parasite surface, causing it to fill with salt.
March of the superbugs
Every so often, research laboratories and hospitals testing patients for the superbug methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have come across an oddity: a strain that appeared to be MRSA because it was resistant to antibiotics but one that tested negative with the 'gold standard' molecular test. The quirky cases were so infrequent that they were usually filed away for future analysis or disregarded. Until, that is, PhD student Laura Garcia-Alvarez from Cambridge's Department of Veterinary Medicine had the tenacity to look a little further at a bacterial strain she had spotted in cows' milk.
New study finds taste preferences impact health
Individuals who have a high preference for sweets and a high aversion to bitter flavors may be at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, according to a new study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
How to get a great night's sleep: Could less mean more?
If you regularly struggle to fall asleep, it might be better to try and restrict rather than extend the amount of time you spend in bed.
The relationship between child's play and scientific exploration
Laura Schulz, an associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences at MIT, has always been interested in learning and education. At the age of 6, she tried teaching her 3-year-old sister to read, an effort that met with limited success.
Survival of patients with prostate cancer improving but socio-economic inequalities worsening
Survival of patients with prostate cancer has improved since 1990, a new study has found, but socio-economic inequalities are still widening.
Are billboards driving us to distraction?
It's now unlawful to shave or use a mobile phone while driving, but reading billboards is still OK. Or is it?
Feeling down? Retail therapy helps beat the blues
Retail therapy is often lamented as wasteful and irresponsible, but new research from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business indicates that it can help alleviate certain negative emotions.
Love of musical harmony is not nature but nurture
Our love of music and appreciation of musical harmony is learnt and not based on natural ability – a new study by University of Melbourne researchers has found.
Lack of iron regulating protein contributes to high blood pressure of the lungs
A protein known to regulate iron levels in the body has an unexpectedly important role in preventing a form of high blood pressure that affects the lungs, and in stabilizing the concentration of red cells in blood, according to a study in mice by researchers at the National Institutes of Health.
Methamphetamine withdrawal may lead to brain-related concerns for recovering addicts
University of Florida researchers have found changes in the behavior and in the brains of mice in withdrawal from methamphetamine addiction. These findings may affect the way physicians treat recovering methamphetamine addicts, the researchers write in the current issue of the journal Synapse.
Iron in new maize strain gets absorbed more readily
Researchers at Cornell have developed a strain of maize with a high iron bioavailability, meaning more of the iron that is present naturally in these maize lines can be absorbed.
Preference to save the best for last fades with age, study finds
Will you save the best chocolate in the box until last? Do you want the good news first or the bad? Your preferences may depend on your age, reports a Cornell study published in Psychology and Aging.
Indian plant could play key role in death of cancer cells
Scientists at the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center have identified an Indian plant, used for centuries to treat inflammation, fever and malaria, that could help kill cancer cells.
Cure in sight for kissing bug's bite
Chagas disease, a deadly tropical infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by biting insects called "kissing bugs," has begun to spread around the world, including the U.S. Yet current treatment is toxic and limited to the acute stage.
New research identifies effective treatment for common gynecological problem
New research from the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed) found a progestogen-only treatment halted bleeding in women suffering from extremely heavy periods, according to the study published online by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Life experiences put their stamp on the next generation: New insights from epigenetics
The 18th century natural philosopher Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed that the necks of giraffes lengthened as a consequence of the cumulative effort, across generations, to reach leaves just out of their grasp. This view of evolution was largely abandoned with the advent of modern genetic theories to explain the transmission of most important traits and many medical illnesses across generations.
Physical activity linked to lower rates of depression in bariatric surgery patients
Adults undergoing bariatric surgery who are more physically active are less likely to have depressive symptoms and to have recently received medication or counseling for depression or anxiety than their less active counterparts, according to new research led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.
Gut microbes could determine the severity of melamine-induced kidney disease
Microbes present in the gut can affect the severity of kidney disease brought on by melamine poisoning, according to an international study led by Professor Wei Jia at the University of North Carolina in collaboration with the research group of Professor Jeremy Nicholson at Imperial College London.
Research shows how 'Mallard' dye fills need for speed
Scientists at the University of York have developed a new medical tool which could help surgeons carrying out complex procedures in the operating theatre.
Scientists find calcium is the initial trigger in our immune response to healing
For the first time scientists studying the cellular processes underlying the body's response to healing have revealed how a flash of calcium is the very first step in repairing damaged tissue. The findings, published in Current Biology, could lead to new therapies that speed up the healing process following injury or surgery.
Low-protein diet slows Alzheimer's in mice
Mice with many of the pathologies of Alzheimer's Disease showed fewer signs of the disease when given a protein-restricted diet supplemented with specific amino acids every other week for four months.
Scientists develop a pioneering technique to effectively treat mucositis
Investigators at the University of Granada have patented a melatonin gel that is 100% effective against this inflammatory reaction.
Facts on 'bute', pain drug found in horsemeat
Phenylbutazone, a painkiller for horses, can cause blood disorders in humans but at doses much higher than any one person is likely to ingest from eating horsemeat.
Chemicals in cookware, carpets may raise arthritis risk in women
(HealthDay)—In what researchers are calling a first, a new analysis suggests that the greater a woman's exposure to a type of common chemical compound called PFCs, the greater her risk for developing osteoarthritis.
Bacteria producing nitric oxide extend life in roundworms
Nitric oxide, the versatile gas that helps increase blood flow, transmit nerve signals, and regulate immune function, appears to perform one more biological feat— prolonging the life of an organism and fortifying it against environmental stress, according to a new study.
Self-objectification may inhibit women's social activism
Women who live in a culture in which they are objectified by others may in turn begin to objectify themselves. This kind of self-objectification may reduce women's involvement in social activism, according to new research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
Behavioral therapy for children with autism can impact brain function
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for before-and-after analysis, a team of researchers including a UC Santa Barbara graduate student discovered positive changes in brain activity in children with autism who received a particular type of behavioral therapy.
Scientists identify new therapeutic target for coronary heart disease
Scientists investigating how certain genes affect an individual's risk of developing coronary heart disease have identified a new therapeutic target, according to research published today in The American Journal of Human Genetics.
New study of the molecular roots of recurrent bladder infections could lead to a vaccine
Urinary-tract infections are the second most common bacterial infection in humans, and many of them are recurrent. A study published by Cell Press on February 14th in the journal Immunity reveals the cellular and molecular basis of recurrent bladder infections and suggests possible treatment strategies, such as vaccines, to prevent this common problem.
Obesity coverage in black newspapers is mostly negative, study finds
Obesity rates have increased dramatically in the last few decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, while African Americans are only 13 percent of the total population, 82 percent of black women are overweight or obese compared to nearly 60 percent of white women, and more than 70 percent of black males are classified as overweight or obese. A new study from the University of Missouri School of Journalism shows that American newspapers, and specifically newspapers geared toward an African-American audience, frame stories on obesity in a negative way. Hyunmin Lee, who performed her research while a doctoral student at MU, says this negative framing could have damaging effects on African Americans looking to lose weight.
Two studies reveal genetic variation driving human evolution
A pair of studies published by Cell Press on February 14th in the journal Cell sheds new light on genetic variation that may have played a key role in human evolution. The study researchers used an animal model to study a gene variant that could have helped humans adapt to humid climates, and they used whole-genome sequence data to identify hundreds of gene variants that potentially helped humans adapt to changing environmental conditions over time. The findings provide a road map for understanding human biological history as well as modern-day variability.
Scientists create method to personalize chemotherapy drug selection
In laboratory studies, scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a way to personalize chemotherapy drug selection for cancer patients by using cell lines created from their own tumors.
Study shows limits on brain's ability to perceive multifeatured objects
New research sheds light on how the brain encodes objects with multiple features, a fundamental task for the perceptual system. The study, published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, suggests that we have limited ability to perceive mixed color-shape associations among objects that exist in several locations.
Study tracks leukemia's genetic evolution, may help predict disease course, tailor care
Tumors are not factories for the mass production of identical cancer cells, but are, in reality, patchworks of cells with different patterns of gene mutations. In a new study, researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute show, more fully than ever before, how these mutations shift and evolve over time in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) – providing a strobe-like look at the genetic past, present, and future of CLL tumors.
Discovery in HIV may solve efficiency problems for gene therapy
A research team from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has discovered an approach that could make gene therapy dramatically more effective for patients.
Why cells stick: Phenomenon extends longevity of bonds between cells
Research carried out by scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology and The University of Manchester has revealed new insights into how cells stick to each other and to other bodily structures, an essential function in the formation of tissue structures and organs. It's thought that abnormalities in their ability to do so play an important role in a broad range of disorders, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Psychological, sexual impact of female breadwinners explored
(HealthDay)—For couples in which the wife earns more than the husband, there may be psychological and sexual implications, according to a study published in the March issue of the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
Estrogen may improve pathway-selective insulin resistance
(HealthDay)—Estrogen treatment at the time of surgical menopause may reverse aspects of pathway-selective insulin resistance in the liver associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice by promoting insulin action on glucose metabolism but limiting hepatic lipid deposition, according to a study published in the February issue of Diabetes.
Snoring tied to increased cardiovascular risk in women
(HealthDay)—For women, snoring is associated with a modest increased risk of stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Use of morning-after pill on the rise: CDC
(HealthDay)—The number of U.S. women using the "morning-after" contraception pill has risen dramatically in the last decade, federal health officials report.
Scientists improve arthritis treatments: Rheumatism patients can hope for a new therapy
Together with colleagues from the international rheumatic diseases research community, scientists of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have presented a new therapy approach for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic form of joint inflammation.
Study of insomnia finds a new predictor for suicidal thoughts
A new study confirms a link between insomnia and thoughts of suicide and suggests that this relationship is mediated by dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep as well as nightmares. The study suggests that the targeted assessment and treatment of specific sleep problems may reduce the risk of suicide in people with depressive symptoms.
Building healthy bones takes guts
(Medical Xpress)—In what could be an early step toward new treatments for people with osteoporosis, scientists at Michigan State University report that a natural probiotic supplement can help male mice produce healthier bones.
The good side of the prion: A molecule that is not only dangerous, but can help the brain grow
A few years ago it was found that certain proteins, the prions, when defective are dangerous, as they are involved in neurodegenerative syndromes such as the Creutzfeldt-Jakob and the Alzheimer diseases. But now research is showing their good side, too: when performing well, prions may be crucial in the development of the brain during childhood, as observed by a study carried out by a team of neuroscientists at Trieste's SISSA which appeared in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Study shows alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of cancer death in the US
Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) have shown that alcohol is a major contributor to cancer deaths and years of potential life lost. These findings, published in the April 2013 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, also show that reducing alcohol consumption is an important cancer prevention strategy as alcohol is a known carcinogen even when consumed in small quantities.
Researchers discover breakthrough in ovarian cancer
Researchers at The University of Arizona Cancer Center at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix have discovered that many women with low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum have seen their tumors stabilize or shrink after taking a regular dose of the compound selumetinib.
Combo of Avastin, second drug shows promise fighting brain cancer, study finds
The drug bevacizumab, also known by the trade name Avastin, shrinks tumors briefly in patients with an aggressive brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme, but then they often grow again and spread throughout the brain for reasons no one previously has understood. Now, Mayo Clinic researchers have found out why this happens. They have also discovered that pairing Avastin with another cancer drug, dasatinib, can stop that lethal spread. Dasatinib is approved for use in several blood cancers.
Researchers create new air sacs in mouse model of emphysema using novel growth factor
In a study of mice, researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified a new molecular pathway involved in the growth of tiny air sacs called alveoli that are crucial for breathing. The scientists say their experiments may lead to the first successful treatments to regrow the air sacs in people who suffer from diseases such as emphysema in which the air sacs have been destroyed by years of smoking. The work may also suggest new therapy for premature infants born before their lungs are fully developed.
Prevention efforts focused on youth reduce prescription abuse into adulthood
Middle school students from small towns and rural communities who received any of three community-based prevention programs were less likely to abuse prescription medications in late adolescence and young adulthood. The research, published today in the American Journal of Public Health, was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute of Mental Health, all components of the National Institutes of Health.
FDA seizes illegal dietary supplements in Florida
(AP)—The Food and Drug Administration says U.S. marshals have seized illegal dietary supplements from a Florida company because some may contain a dangerous pharmaceutical ingredient.
Stopping cold: Scientists turn off the ability to feel cold
(Medical Xpress)—USC neuroscientists have isolated chills at a cellular level, identifying the sensory network of neurons in the skin that relays the sensation of cold.
A glimpse inside the control centres of cell communication
Researchers detect characteristic constructional features in a family of sensors that process signals in the human body and control physiological processes.
Our primitive reflexes may be more sophisticated than they appear, study shows
Supposedly 'primitive' reflexes may involve more sophisticated brain function than previously thought, according to researchers at Imperial College London.
Bilingual babies know their grammar by 7 months
Babies as young as seven months can distinguish between, and begin to learn, two languages with vastly different grammatical structures, according to new research from the University of British Columbia and Université Paris Descartes.
Artificial retina receives FDA approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted market approval to an artificial retina technology today, the first bionic eye to be approved for patients in the United States. The prosthetic technology was developed in part with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
First animal model of recent human evolution
The first animal model of recent human evolution reveals that a single mutation produced several traits common in East Asian peoples, from thicker hair to denser sweat glands, an international team of researchers reports.
Vision restored with total darkness
Restoring vision might sometimes be as simple as turning out the lights. That's according to a study reported on February 14 in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, in which researchers examined kittens with a visual impairment known as amblyopia before and after they spent 10 days in complete darkness.
Biology news
US Supreme Court rejects bid by anti-whaling group
The US Supreme Court has denied a plea from anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd to end restrictions on its movement as Japan's whalers accused the activists of violating orders to stay away.
Eco-safe antibacterial fibre discovered
(Phys.org)—Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm have discovered an antibacterial polymer that can be used in everyday products such as sportswear, diapers and bandages, without causing resistant bacteria.
World's richest men aid 'Green Revolution' center
(AP)—The research center largely responsible for launching the "green revolution" of the 1960s that dramatically raised crop yields is getting support from the world's richest men to develop genetically-modified seeds to help farmers in the developing world grow more grain in the face of a changing climatic conditions and increased demand.
Japan researchers close in on stem cell trial
Researchers in Japan have moved one step closer to clinical trials using adult stem cells in a therapy they hope will prove a cure for common sight problems, an official said Thursday.
Rhino horn smuggling ring members charged in US
Three people have been charged in the United States this week with taking part in an alleged rhinoceros horn smuggling ring, authorities said Wednesday.
New Zealand dolphin faces extinction, group warns
Scientists have urged New Zealand to take immediate action to protect the critically endangered Maui's dolphin, amid warnings the marine mammal could become extinct by 2030.
Offspring for first captive-bred Philippine eagle
The first Philippine eagle bred in captivity has sired her first offspring, in what conservationists said Thursday was a small victory in efforts to save one of the world's rarest raptors.
Researchers make racehorses fertile
Ten percent of mares have difficulties conceiving. But now two researchers from University of Copenhagen have discovered what the trouble is and have developed a product to help such horses become pregnant. Veterinarians from the world's largest horse hospital in the US state of Kentucky have successfully tested the discovery on 64 breeding mares.
Plants do communicate—and kin relationship has a bearing
If you're a sagebrush and your nearby kin is being eaten by a grasshopper, deer, jackrabbit, caterpillar or other predator, it's good to be closely related. Through volatile (chemical) cues, your kin will inform you of the danger so you can adjust your defenses.
Golden retriever study suggests neutering affects dog health
(Phys.org)—Neutering, and the age at which a dog is neutered, may affect the animal's risk for developing certain cancers and joint diseases, according to a new study of golden retrievers by a team of researchers at the University of California, Davis.
Manuka honey opens door for effective treatment of chronic wounds
Manuka honey is highly effective in the treatment of chronic wound infections, according to new UTS research into how honey affects the growth of bacteria.
Roots of language in human and bird biology
The genes activated for human speech are similar to the ones used by singing songbirds, new experiments suggest.
Gene invaders are stymied by a cell's genome defense
Gene wars rage inside our cells, with invading DNA regularly threatening to subvert our human blueprint. Now, building on Nobel-Prize-winning findings, UC San Francisco researchers have discovered a molecular machine that helps protect a cell's genes against these DNA interlopers.
Humans and chimps share genetic strategy in battle against pathogens
A genome-wide analysis searching for evidence of long-lived balancing selection—where the evolutionary process acts not to select the single best adaptation but to maintain genetic variation in a population—has uncovered at least six regions of the genome where humans and chimpanzees share the same combination of genetic variants.
Revealing the secrets of motility in archaea
(Phys.org)—The protein structure of the motor that propels archaea has been characterized for the first time by a team of scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and Germany's Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Terrestrial Microbiology.
Fish become bolder and more gluttonous from drug residue
Anxiety-moderating drugs that reach waterways via wastewater create fearless and asocial fish that eat more quickly than normal. These behavioral changes can have serious ecological consequences. This is shown by Umeå University researchers in the prestigious journal Science.
How a microbial biorefinery regulates genes
Microorganisms that can break down plant biomass into the precursors of biodiesel or other commodity chemicals might one day be used to produce alternatives to petroleum. But the potential of this "biorefinery" technology is limited by the fact that most microorganisms cannot break down lignin, a highly stable polymer that makes up as much as a third of plant biomass.
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