Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for February 19, 2013:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Curves in spacetime violate Heisenberg's uncertainty principle- Bigfoot genome sequenced? There are skeptics
- Improved-yield dandelions prepped for tire production
- Researchers analyzing hyrax urine layers to study climate change
- Towards a new moth perfume
- NASA briefly loses contact with space station
- Rewriting a receptor's role: Synaptic molecule works differently than thought
- Jurassic records warn of risk to marine life from global warming
- How predictable is evolution?
- Males' superior spatial ability likely is not an evolutionary adaptation
- Researchers gain insight into abnormally shaped cell nuclei of people with cancer
- When it comes to genetic code, researchers prove optimum isn't always best
- Breakthrough study opens door to broader biomedical applications for Raman spectroscopy
- Researchers create semiconductor 'nano-shish-kebabs' with potential for 3-D technologies
- Mimicking nature in engineering
Space & Earth news
Aussies told, cut water use to save bush
(Phys.org)—Australians may be asked to reduce their use of bore water in order to preserve their cherished native landscapes.
Euro MPs back plans to freeze pollution credits
The European Parliament's environment committee on Tuesday backed efforts to make investment in clean technology financially more attractive by freezing about 900 million tonnes of pollution credits available to companies in 2013-2015.
Trying to revive Manila's toxic river heart
Boys shout in delight as they flip backwards off a bridge. Fishermen quietly cast rods out. They are joyful acts that should belong to an earlier era, before the Philippines' Pasig River turned toxic.
Study finds climate change impact on stream flow differs according to location
A new analysis of river basins in the western United States suggests that climate change will have the greatest impact on summer stream flows in those waterways that might seem less vulnerable – the large, snow-fed rivers that originate in the high Cascades and other mountain ranges.
Pacific Islands ignored under Australia's 'short attention span'
Australian foreign policy often overlooks the Pacific and the post of Minister for Pacific Island Affairs should be re-established, University of Melbourne research has determined.
Report finds Floridians value water resources, want to conserve
Floridians are more concerned with water quality than quantity, the results of a new University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences water survey suggest.
Russia asteroid impact: ESA update and assessment
The first firm details of the 15 February asteroid impact in Russia, the largest in more than a century, are becoming clear. ESA is carefully assessing the information as crucial input for developing the Agency's asteroid-hunting effort.
Plants help lower temperatures
(Phys.org)—As Melbourne swelters through another heat wave, scientists are using thermal imaging to work out how plants can be used to reduce the severe temperatures in our cities.
Data paper describes Antarctic biodiversity data gathered by 90 expeditions since 1956
A new peer-reviewed data paper offers a comprehensive, open-access collection of georeferenced biological information about the Antarctic macrobenthic communities. The term macrobenthic refers to the visible-for-the-eye organisms that live near or on the sea bottom such as echinoderms, sponges, ascidians, crustaceans. The paper will help in coordinating biodiversity research and conservation activities on species living near the ocean bottom of the Antarctic.
Russian fireball largest ever detected by CTBTO's infrasound sensors
(Phys.org)—Infrasonic waves from the meteor that broke up over Russia's Ural mountains last week were the largest ever recorded by the CTBTO's International Monitoring System. Infrasound is low frequency sound with a range of less than 10 Hz. The blast was detected by 17 infrasound stations in the CTBTO's network, which tracks atomic blasts across the planet. The furthest station to record the sub-audible sound was 15,000km away in Antarctica.
New study to predict future shape of coastline
A new experiment is underway that will help forecast the shape of the Dutch coastline under changing climate conditions, involving scientists and engineers from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC).
Brazil hosts Russian satellite navigation system
(AP)—Brazil has become the first country outside Russia to host part of that nation's satellite navigation system, which is known as Glonass.
NASA saw Tropical Storm Haruna come together
Tropical Storm Haruna came together on Feb. 19 in the Southern Indian Ocean and two NASA satellites provided visible and infrared imagery that helped forecasters see the system's organization.
NASA satellite sees Tropical Depression 02W soak the Philippines
The second tropical depression of the northwestern Pacific Ocean season formed on Feb. 19, and NASA's Aqua satellite showed the storm was soaking the central and southern Philippines.
BP vows to 'vigorously defend' itself at US oil spill trial
British energy giant BP vowed Tuesday to "vigorously defend" itself in court next week against US government claims for "excessive" fines in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.
Lake-effect snow sometimes needs mountains
University of Utah researchers ran computer simulations to show that the snow-producing "lake effect" isn't always enough to cause heavy snowfall, but that mountains or other surrounding topography sometimes are necessary too.
Rising seas to hit tropics hardest
Sea levels around the equator will rise up to 150 per cent more than the global average by 2100, new research reveals.
Rapid changes in the Arctic ecosystem
(Phys.org)—Huge quantities of algae are growing on the underside of sea ice in the Central Arctic: in 2012 the ice algae Melosira arctica was responsible for almost half the primary production in this area. When the ice melts, as was the case during the ice minimum in 2012, these algae sink rapidly to the bottom of the sea at a depth of several thousands of metres. Deep sea animals such as sea cucumbers and brittle stars feed on the algae, and bacteria metabolise what's left, consuming the oxygen in the sea bed. This short-term reaction of the deep sea ecosystem to changes in sea ice cover and ocean productivity has now been published in the scientific journal Science by a multidisciplinary team of researchers around Antje Boetius from the Alfred Wegener Institute the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen.
Hunt for distant planets intensifie (w/ Video)
(Phys.org)—When astronomers discovered planet GJ 1214b circling a star more than 47 light-years from Earth in 2009, their data presented two possibilities: Either it was a mini-Neptune shrouded in a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, or it was a water world nearly three times the size of Earth.
Jurassic records warn of risk to marine life from global warming
Researchers at Plymouth University, UK, believe that findings from fieldwork along the North Yorkshire coast reveal strong parallels between the Early Jurassic era of 180 million years ago and current climate predictions over the next century.
NASA briefly loses contact with space station
The International Space Station briefly lost contact with ground controllers on Tuesday because of a computer problem, but its commander said the crew was fine, NASA said.
Radio telescope, GPS use ionosphere to detect nuclear tests
(Phys.org)—U.S. Naval Research Laboratory radio astronomer, Joseph Helmboldt, Ph.D., and researchers at Ohio State University Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering analyzed radio telescope interferometry and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data recorded of the ionosphere during one of the last underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) in the U.S., codenamed Hunters Trophy.
Researchers analyzing hyrax urine layers to study climate change
(Phys.org)—Researchers from Montpelier University in France have discovered a novel way to trace climate change over the past several thousand years—by analyzing layers of urine deposited by generations of the rock hyrax in the mountains of South Africa. The small, guinea pig-sized animal lives among the rocks and crags and tends to urinate in the same spot every time it goes, creating layer after layer of material that is chock full of evidence of climatic change. The study is being led by Brian Chase who reported on the team's findings while speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting in Boston.
Technology news
China rejects status as world's biggest trader
(AP)—China has a new status its government doesn't want—world's biggest trader.
Dell earnings down 31 percent in 4Q
(AP)—Dell Inc.'s net income fell 31 percent in the latest quarter as the company continued to be hurt by a shrinking PC market.
Dutch roof fire warning for 650,000 solar panels
Hundreds of thousands of solar panels are at risk of setting roofs on fire because of an electrical fault, Dutch authorities and media warned Tuesday, with 15 roof fires already reported in Europe.
Success in operation of transistor with channel length of 3 nm
AIST researchers have confirmed the operation of an ultra-miniaturized transistor with a channel length of 3 nm. The developed transistor was fabricated employing a V-shaped groove created by anisotropic dissolution of silicon crystal in an alkaline solution. By controlling the conditions of dissolution, a groove with a sharp tip measures 3 nm was prepared and the groove tip was used as the channel. Junctions were formed by a new technique whereby impurities are uniformly distributed on the entire silicon crystal. In terms of electrical characteristics, the current-regulating performance was maximized when the thickness of the channel (whose length is 3 nm) was thinned down to 1 nm. The velocity of electrons in the transistor was also investigated; it was verified that scattering effects are repressed inside the 3 nm-long channel, resulting in a quasi-ballistic flow of electrons. This suggests that an electric current can flow without energy loss. Consequently, reduction i! n power consumption of integrated circuits is expected.
New technology to join steel and aluminum with world's first application to the door panel of mass production vehicles
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has newly developed a technology to join steel and aluminum and applied it to enable adoption of aluminum for an outer door panel, which has conventionally been made of steel. Honda will adopt this technology first to the North American version of the all-new Acura RLX, which will go on sale in the United States in March 2013, and will expand application sequentially to other models.
Mobile phones may make us healthier, research suggests
(Phys.org)—More than 6 billion people worldwide (including almost 400 million in the United States) now carry mobile phones, which could be used to enhance mental and physical health, a Cornell researcher proposes.
Coming to a smartphone near you: Personalized experiences
Say au revoir to the concierge. The proliferation of technology focused on finding the best tickets, the hottest restaurants or the next flight out of town may mean it's time to bid adieu to the concierge and other traditional service information gatekeepers, according to new research.
It's off to work we go
In a large city like Montreal, public transit provides us with options for getting to work or school and back home again. In deciding to choose traffic jams over metro delays, or to pay for parking rather than buy a monthly pass, you weigh the pros, cons and costs of your options, and your mental calculations are more complicated than they may appear at first glance.
Google's stock price breaks $800 for 1st time
(AP)—Google's stock price topped $800 for the first time Tuesday amid renewed confidence in the company's ability to reap steadily higher profits from its dominance of Internet search and prominence in the increasingly important mobile device market.
Buying ad time just got easier
Today's consumers switch between media forms so often – from TV to laptops to smart phones – that capturing their attention with advertising has gone, as one CEO explained, from shooting fish in a barrel to shooting minnows.
A look at Mandiant, allegations on China hacking
(AP)—A private technology security firm on Tuesday described in extraordinary detail efforts it blamed on a Chinese military unit to hack into 141 businesses, mostly inside the U.S., and steal commercial secrets. China denies the claim. Here's a look at the company, Mandiant, and why its report is significant.
Goal-line technology and how it works
Ever since the dawn of football, governing bodies have been looking for ways to avoid controversial refereeing decisions.
NY mayor launches bid to help tech startups
Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday launched an initiative to attract high-tech startups, the latest step in his campaign to turn New York into an East Coast version of Silicon Valley.
Hackers target Jeep's Twitter account
Hackers referencing hip-hop acts took over US automaker Jeep's Twitter account Tuesday in an attack not unlike one the day before that targeted fast food chain Burger King.
US, China trade charges on cyberattacks
The United States and China on Tuesday traded charges over cyberattacks after a security firm alleged that Beijing controled hackers who have penetrated the US government, companies and media.
CDC app lets you solve disease outbreaks at home
(AP)—You may not be a disease detective, but now you can play one at home.
Microsoft's Outlook takes aim at Google's Gmail
(AP)—Microsoft is so confident it has the Internet's best email service that it is about to spend at least $30 million to send its message across the U.S.
China's PLA controls hackers: US IT security firm
China's army controls hundreds if not thousands of virulent and cutting-edge hackers, according to a report Tuesday by a US Internet security firm that traced a host of cyberattacks to an anonymous building in Shanghai.
Picture-perfect: Quick, efficient chip cleans up common flaws in amateur photographs
Your smartphone snapshots could be instantly converted into professional-looking photographs with just the touch of a button, thanks to a processor chip developed at MIT.
Professor brings access to previously untapped higher frequency bandwidth
Society's increasing technology use and data consumption is causing an information bottleneck, congesting airwave frequencies and sending engineers searching for access to higher capacity bandwidths.
Mimicking nature in engineering
Lizards and frogs are about to take up residence in the laboratories of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering.
Apple hit by hackers
Apple on Tuesday said it was hit by hackers who wormed their way into the California company's system but evidently failed to steal any data.
Medicine & Health news
Nestle finds horsemeat in pasta dishes in Italy, Spain
Swiss food giant Nestle has become the latest retailer hit by Europe's horsemeat scandal, announcing it is removing pasta meals from supermarket shelves in Italy and Spain due to contamination.
Internet can combat cancer confusion, study finds
Some think pursuing information on WebMD just fuels one's inner hypochondriac, but when it comes to cancer, could Internet research actually make us healthier?
Researchers coat spinal polymer implants with bioactive film to improve bonding with bone
Researchers from North Carolina State University have for the first time successfully coated polymer implants with a bioactive film. The discovery should improve the success rate of such implants – which are often used in spinal surgeries.
Study examines family struggles with anger and forgiveness when relative is dying
(Medical Xpress)—Watching a loved one die tests some family members' relationships with God or the higher being of one's faith. And the spiritual anger and resentment grow with the level of pain and suffering their family member endures, according to researchers at Case Western Reserve University.
Researchers guardians of trust in biobank research
Do we trust biobank researchers? In a doctoral thesis from Uppsala University, medical doctor and bioethicist Linus Johnsson claims that we do: At least in Sweden. And since we do, researchers in turn have a moral responsibility towards us.
Romania: alleged illegal trafficking of human eggs
(AP)—Police questioned 30 people on Tuesday and searched the homes of six employees of a private fertility clinic who are suspected of illegally trafficking human eggs and selling them to Israeli couples with fertility problems.
Syria hit by typhoid outbreak: WHO
A rebel-held area of Syria has been hit by an outbreak of typhoid after power cuts hit water supplies and forced the population to turn to the Euphrates River, the UN's health agency warned Tuesday.
Is there a link between coffee drinking and mortality?
(Medical Xpress)—A large study of nearly half a million older adults followed for about 12 years revealed a clear trend: as coffee drinking increased, the risk of death decreased. Study author Neal Freedman, PhD, MPH, National Cancer Institute, discusses the significance of these findings and the potential links between coffee drinking, caffeine consumption, and various specific causes of disease in an interview in Journal of Caffeine Research, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Caffeine Research website.
Study focuses on the health of Colombian refugees in Ecuador
New York University College of Nursing's Professor Michele Shedlin, PhD, recently published a paper, "Sending-Country Violence and Receiving-Country Discrimination: Effects on the Health of Colombian Refugees in Ecuador," on-line in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, February 2, 2013.
Unplanned hospitalization more likely in people with several illnesses, mental health conditions
People with multiple illnesses are much more likely to be admitted to hospital unexpectedly, and mental health issues and economic hardship further increase the likelihood, according to a study in Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Stillbirth in Inuit and First Nations women higher than for non-Aboriginal residents
Stillbirth rates in First Nations and Inuit populations in Quebec are higher than in the general population, especially in late gestation and at term, found a new study in Canadian Medical Association Journal.
ASCO: anticoagulant use predicts metastatic prostate CA survival
(HealthDay)—Anticoagulant use is associated with improved overall survival in men receiving docetaxel chemotherapy for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), according to research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, held from Feb. 14 to 16 in Orlando, Fla.
Intravenous fluid used for critically ill patients linked with adverse outcomes
In an analysis of studies that examined critically ill patients requiring an increase in blood fluid volume, intravenous use of the fluid hydroxyethyl starch, compared with other resuscitation solutions, was not associated with decreased mortality, according to an article appearing in the February 20 issue of JAMA. Moreover, after exclusion of 7 trials performed by an investigator whose research has been retracted because of scientific misconduct, the analysis of the remaining studies indicated that hydroxyethyl starch was associated with a significant increased risk of death and acute kidney injury.
Increase seen in use of robotically-assisted hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disorders
Between 2007 and 2010, the use of robotically-assisted hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disorders increased substantially, although, when compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy, the robotic procedure appears to offer little short-term benefit and is accompanied by significantly greater costs, according to a study appearing in the February 20 issue of JAMA.
Suit: Hospital granted request for no black nurses
(AP)—An African-American nurse claims a Michigan hospital agreed to a man's request that no black nurses care for his newborn.
Family seeks answers in Down Syndrome son's death
(AP)—A lawyer for the family of a man with Down syndrome who died while being escorted from a movie theater says the grieving family is seeking answers after the death, which was ruled a homicide.
Whole genome sequencing better at tracing TB outbreaks than standard test
A new form of genetic testing of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis can provide better information on TB transmission and also trace TB outbreaks more accurately than the current standard test, according to a study from Germany published in this week's PLOS Medicine.
Baby wash does not damage baby's skin barrier function, study finds
The findings by academics at The University of Manchester, published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing, compared Johnson's Baby Top-to-Toe wash against plain bath water on 307 newborn babies over a four week period.
Caffeine linked to low birth weight babies
Maternal nutrition is important to a developing embryo and to the health of the child later in life. Supplementing the diet with specific vitamins is known to increase health of the foetus for example folic acid (vitamin B9) reduces the risk of spina bifida. However not everything an adult might consume is beneficial to a developing baby. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Medicine shows that caffeine is linked to low birth weight babies and that caffeine from coffee in linked to increasing length of pregnancy.
Doctors fail to communicate impact of heart devices with patients, study finds
New research at Saint Louis University shows physicians do not talk to patients about the psychosocial impact and long-term risks of implanting cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to treat irregular heart rhythms, leaving them misinformed about how the device may affect quality of life.
Study suggests reduced lung function in infancy associated with wheeze later
A study in Australia suggests that reduced lung function in infancy was associated with wheezing beyond childhood at 18 years of age, according to a report published Online First by JAMA Pediatrics, a JAMA Network publication.
Study suggests women have higher risk of hip implant failure
Women appear to have a higher risk of implant failure than men following total hip replacement after considering patient-, surgery-, surgeon-, volume- and implant-specific risk factors, according to a report published Online First by JAMA Internal Medicine, a JAMA Network publication.
CT angiography helps predict heart attack risk
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an effective tool for determining the risk of heart attacks and other adverse cardiac events in patients with suspected coronary artery disease but no treatable risk factors, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology.
Fibromyalgia prevalence at 2.1 percent of general German population
Researchers have determined that fibromyalgia prevalence is 2.1% of the general population in Germany. Results appearing in Arthritis Care & Research, a journal published by Wiley on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), suggest that fibromyalgia is a spectrum disorder rather than a categorical illness. Additionally, a number of fibromyalgia cases in the general population satisfy proposed criteria for physical symptom disorder—the presence of one or more physical symptoms that impair function, which cannot be explained by another clinical or psychiatric illness.
Novel coronavirus well-adapted to humans, susceptible to immunotherapy
The new coronavirus that has emerged in the Middle East is well-adapted to infecting humans but could potentially be treated with immunotherapy, according to a study to be published on February 19 in mBio, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology. The study indicates that the virus HCoV-EMC can penetrate the lining of the passageways in the lung and evade the innate immune system as easily as a cold virus can, signs that HCoV-EMC is well-equipped for infecting human cells. The study also reveals that the virus is susceptible to treatment with interferons, components of the immune system that have been used successfully to treat other viral diseases, opening a possible mode of treatment in the event of a large-scale outbreak.
N. Zealand to introduce plain packets for tobacco
New Zealand announced plans Tuesday to force tobacco companies to sell cigarettes in plain packaging, becoming only the second country in the world after Australia to introduce the measure.
UK patient dies from SARS-like coronavirus
(AP)—A patient being treated for a mysterious SARS-like virus has died, a British hospital said Tuesday.
Some cheeses exceed contaminant levels recommended by EU
Researchers at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) have analysed more than 60 brands of cheese commonly available in supermarkets. The concentration of organochloride contaminants in the majority of the samples was lower than levels set by European legislation, but in a few cases it was higher. The scientists recommend that an eye is kept on polychlorinated biphenyls as they are carcinogenic. The majority of these compound concentrations appeared in organic cheeses.
Detailed analysis of drugs, alcohol & crimes across a city could help target prevention, study finds
As cities across America work to reduce violence in tight budget times, new research shows how they might be able to target their efforts and police attention – with the help of high-powered computers and loads of data.
National screening benchmarks for finding polyps during a colonoscopy might be too low
Current national guidelines provide benchmarks regarding the number of polyps physicians should detect, on average, during a colonoscopy. Recent studies at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida suggest these benchmarks may be too low.
Sitting time associated with increased risk of chronic diseases
The more you sit, the higher your risk of chronic diseases. Kansas State University researcher Richard Rosenkranz, assistant professor of human nutrition, examined the associations of sitting time and chronic diseases in middle-aged Australian males in a study that is published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Collaborators include University of Western Sydney researchers Emma George and Gregory Kolt.
Group therapy for Generalised Anxiety Disorder: A viable alternative
Generalised anxiety disorder is no joke for its many sufferers who find their enjoyment of everyday life inhibited by excessive and uncontrollable worry and whose treatment presents a significant cost to the healthcare system.
p38beta MAPK not critical to brain inflammation, study finds
(Medical Xpress)—A study by a leading Alzheimer's researcher at the University of Kentucky provides new evidence that will help researchers home in on the molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) and aid drug-development strategies for treating inflammatory neurological diseases.
Young malaria parasites refuse to take their medicine, which may explain emerging drug resistance, new study finds
(Medical Xpress)—New research has revealed that immature malaria parasites are more resistant to treatment with key antimalarial drugs than older parasites, a finding that could lead to more effective treatments for a disease that kills one person every minute and is developing resistance to drugs at an alarming rate.
Should grandma join Facebook? It may give her a cognitive boost, study finds
Preliminary research findings suggest that learning to use Facebook may help give adults older than 65 a cognitive boost.
Pregnancy riskline warns about Internet inaccuracies
The Arizona Pregnancy Riskline, a service at the UA College of Pharmacy, warns about inaccurate information on the Internet in light of a recent study on the subject.
Eye movements reveal impaired reading in schizophrenia
A study of eye movements in schizophrenia patients provides new evidence of impaired reading fluency in individuals with the mental illness.
New research into the effects of perfectionistic parenting and its impact on childhood anxieties
In a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, researchers investigated the impact of perfectionistic rearing behaviors by parents on children. Results showed that while all children showed an increase in their self-oriented perfectionism under perfectionist rearing conditions, it was children in the non-perfectionistic rearing condition that improved significantly in task accuracy performance.
Research suggests the consequences of overuse of antibiotics is now reaching the Amazon
A major review recently published in Frontiers of Microbiology examines the broader issues associated with widespread antibiotic resistance. The paper, by Professor Michael Gillings from Macquarie University, discussed the increasing concentration of antibiotics in densely populated areas. He says that the effects of antibiotics and resistance genes have now spread to locations distant from the influence of developed societies, such as the Artic, Antarctica, and the Amazonian jungle.
Experimental vaccine offers improved protection for poultry
Chickens are vulnerable to a range of infectious diseases similar to those found in humans. Fowl typhoid is a widespread and devastating illness, particularly in the developing world, where the birds are a vital source of income and nutrition.
When selecting a child's doctor, families prefer grapevine over online ratings (w/ Video)
(Medical Xpress)—Numerous websites are available to rate just about any service or product: restaurant food, hotel service and even a pediatrician's care. However, a new poll from the University of Michigan shows that only 25 percent of parents say they consider doctor rating websites very important in their search for a child's physician.
Gene identified in some melanoma linked to increased resistance to treatment
(Medical Xpress)—Scientists at Queen Mary, University of London have identified a gene present in some melanoma which appears to make the tumour cells more resistant to treatment, according to research published today in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.
Discovery of previously unknown immunodeficiency
Severe autoimmunity in childhood can be an indication of a primary immunodeficiency (PID) – this has now been demonstrated in a 13-year-old patient by a research group from the MedUni Vienna belonging to the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the AAS and the St. Anna paediatric hospital. A previously unknown B-cell defect was identified in the teenager with the aid of so-called "next generation sequencing", with which genetic mutations in the genetic material can be detected within a few days. The study has been published in the leading journal Blood.
Paving the way for better sleep in Alzheimer's
A new sleep pattern monitoring system has been developed by UK researchers to help spot sleep disturbance in people diagnosed with early dementia. The system, known as PAViS, could be used remotely by healthcare workers to view sleep profiles and analyse sleep patterns based on sensory data gathered at the patient's home.
Using mouthrinse reduces plaque and gingivitis more than toothbrushing alone
New research published in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), indicates that the use of a germ-killing mouthrinse in addition to regular toothbrushing can significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis, more so than brushing alone.
Blood is thicker than water—and blood plasma is, too (w/ Video)
(Medical Xpress)—The results are significant because they can help to improve our understanding of medical conditions, such as thrombosis, aneurysms and arteriosclerosis. The research team is publishing its results in Physical Review Letters.
The criteria for weight-loss surgery need to be changed
(Medical Xpress)—Weight-loss surgery is currently only offered to patients who exceed a certain BMI. However, surgical intervention could improve the health of many more people. This is shown by the Swedish Obese Subjects study carried out at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, involving 104 patients who were operated on despite their BMI being "too low". As a result, the risk of developing diabetes was reduced by 67 percent.
Genetic signs of alcoholism in women studied for the first time
(Medical Xpress)—Research done at the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country has determined the frequency of genetic variants linked to alcoholism for the Spanish population, and its incidence not only in individuals with a high level of alcohol intake, but also in individuals with alcohol dependence. Furthermore, the broad presence of women in the sample has made it possible, for the first time, to associate some of these genetic variants with a high level of alcohol intake in women. The results have been published in various top, international journals worldwide, like the journal Addiction, a leader in the field of misused substances.
There's room for improvement in women's heart disease awareness
The number of women aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death has nearly doubled in the last 15 years, but that knowledge still lags in minorities and younger women, according to a new study in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.
Abnormal growth regulation may occur in children with heart defects
The poor growth seen in children born with complex heart defects may result from factors beyond deficient nutrition. A new study by pediatric researchers suggests that abnormalities in overall growth regulation play a role.
'Quality of life' therapy improves health during cancer treatment, study finds
(Medical Xpress)—Therapy to ease stress, fatigue and other quality of life issues significantly improves patients' sense of well-being during cancer treatment, new Mayo Clinic research shows. Patients who kept to their standard routines showed a decline in quality-of-life measures, the study found. The findings are published this month in Cancer.
History of stroke and coronary heart disease—a fatal combination
(Medical Xpress)—Heart and cerebro-vascular disorders represent the two leading causes of death throughout the world. They are sometimes combined in a single patient and their combination represents both a considerable risk to the patient and a therapeutic challenge.
5-ALA fluorescence guides resection of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme
Neurosurgeons from UC San Francisco describe the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence in guiding resection of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Ingestion of 5-ALA by a patient before surgery leads to fluorescence of tumor cells intraoperatively in response to certain wavelengths of light. This can provide information not necessarily available through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the standard mode of imaging used to detect primary and recurrent GBMs. The additional information provided by 5-ALA fluorescence can guide surgeons in the treatment of individual cases.
Monocyte migrations
LMU researchers led by Christian Weber have, for the first time, elucidated how cells that promote the development of atherosclerosis find their way to the blood vessel wall, where they stimulate the formation of obstructive deposits.
Is there a link between childhood obesity and ADHD, learning disabilities?
A University of Illinois study has established a possible link between high-fat diets and such childhood brain-based conditions as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory-dependent learning disabilities.
Steroid injection may lead to worse outcomes in patients with spinal stenosis
For patients with spinal stenosis, epidural steroid injections (ESI) may actually lead to worse outcomes—whether or not the patient later undergoes surgery, according to a study in the February 15 issue of Spine.
Variations within influenza strain may explain varying patient response
(Medical Xpress)—Just the mention of H1N1 can conjure up images of long lines of people waiting to be vaccinated, news reports of the severity of the pandemic and the count of the number of people who perished from the 2009-10 outbreak. However, some positives are coming forward.
Degenerative cervical spine disease may not progress over time
Follow-up data on patients with degenerative disease of the upper (cervical) spinal vertebrae show little or no evidence of worsening degeneration over time, according to a study in the February 15 issue of Spine.
Thigh fat may be to blame for older adults who slow down
(Medical Xpress)—A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center shows that an increase in fat throughout the thigh is predictive of mobility loss in otherwise healthy older adults.
New evidence for link between depression and heart disease
A Loyola University Medical Center psychiatrist is proposing a new subspecialty to diagnose and treat patients who suffer both depression and heart disease. He's calling it "Psychocardiology."
Sports, shared activities are 'game changers' for dad/daughter relationships, study finds
The most frequent turning point in father-daughter relationships is shared activity—especially sports—ahead of such pivotal events as when a daughter marries or leaves home, according to a study by Baylor University researchers.
Reports of toxic milk trigger scare in Balkans
(AP)—Some milk in the Balkans has been contaminated by a naturally occurring cancer-causing toxin and consumers are accusing officials of hiding the real truth of how serious the problem is.
Dustbin to dinner: ministers served binned food
The green beans are fresh, the broccoli crunchy and the baby corn sweet, but having failed "cosmetic" tests of international supermarkets, the Kenyan-grown food was hurled out as waste.
UN urges deeper probe into hormone-disrupting chemicals
Scientists suspect chemicals which disrupt the hormone system are linked to early breast development, poor semen quality, low birthweight in babies and other problems, but more research is needed, UN agencies reported on Wednesday.
Nicotine lozenges, tobacco-free snuff help smokeless tobacco users quit, study finds
Smokeless tobacco users who said they didn't want to quit changed their minds or significantly cut back when given nicotine lozenges or tobacco-free snuff in a Mayo Clinic study. The findings are published in the February issue of Addictive Behaviors.
Fear, anger or pain: Why do babies cry?
(Medical Xpress)—Spanish researchers have studied adults' accuracy in the recognition of the emotion causing babies to cry. Eye movement and the dynamic of the cry play a key role in recognition.
Fungi offers new clues in asthma fight
Hundreds of tiny fungal particles found in the lungs of asthma sufferers could offer new clues in the development of new treatments, according to a team of Cardiff University scientists.
Don't trust liposomes in your beauty products
New research shows that liposomes in cremes are not capable of transporting active ingredients into the skin.
Study shows reduced risk of preterm birth for pregnant women vaccinated during pandemic flu
(Medical Xpress)—Pregnant women who received the H1N1 influenza vaccine during the 2009 pandemic were less likely to have premature babies, and their babies weighed more on average.
New epigenetic mechanisms for improved cancer therapy
A review article by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) proposes a new epigenetic hypothesis linked to tumor production and novel ideas about what causes progenitor cells to develop into cancer cells. Published in the February 2013 issue of Epigenomics, the article provides examples of how epigenetic drug treatments could be beneficial in treating cancers while also decreasing the likelihood of cancer relapse.
We know when we're being lazy thinkers: New study shows that human thinkers are conscious cognitive misers
(Medical Xpress)—Are we intellectually lazy? Yes we are, but we do know when we take the easy way out, according to a new study by Wim De Neys and colleagues, from the CNRS in France. Contrary to what psychologists believe, we are aware that we occasionally answer easier questions rather than the more complex ones we were asked, and we are also less confident about our answers when we do. The work is published online in Springer's journal Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.
New drug combination could prevent head and neck cancer in high-risk patients
(Medical Xpress)—A new drug combination shows promise in reducing the risk for patients with advanced oral precancerous lesions to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The results of the study, which included preclinical and clinical analyses, were published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
New study shows how seals sleep with only half their brain at a time
(Medical Xpress)—A new study led by an international team of biologists has identified some of the brain chemicals that allow seals to sleep with half of their brain at a time.
Study shows that diet of resistant starch helps the body resist colorectal cancer
(Medical Xpress)—As the name suggests, you can't digest resistant starch so it ends up in the bowel in pretty much the same form it entered your mouth. As unlovely as that seems, once in the bowel this resistant starch does some important things, including decreasing bowel pH and transit time, and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. These effects promote the growth of good bugs while keeping bad bugs at bay. A University of Colorado Cancer Center review published in this month's issue of the journal Current Opinion in Gastroenterology shows that resistant starch also helps the body resist colorectal cancer through mechanisms including killing pre-cancerous cells and reducing inflammation that can otherwise promote cancer.
Infants in poverty show different physiological vulnerabilities to the care-giving environment
(Medical Xpress)—Some infants raised in poverty exhibit physical traits that make them more vulnerable to poor caregiving, according to new research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. The combination of physiological vulnerability and poor caregiving may lead these children to show increased problem behaviors later in childhood.
Most moms stop breastfeeding earlier than they desire
(HealthDay)—Concerns about maternal or child health and lactation or milk-pumping problems are the major reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than desired, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in Pediatrics.
Program cuts unnecessary referrals for scoliosis in teens
(HealthDay)—Implementation of a quality improvement program correlates with a sustained reduction in unnecessary referrals for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), according to a study published online Feb. 18 in Pediatrics.
Early exposure to gluten may help babies avoid celiac risk: study
(HealthDay)—Modifying an infant's diet to include the protein gluten while the mother is still breast-feeding could lower the risk of celiac disease, a common intestinal disorder, according to a new Swedish study.
New compound holds high promise in battling kidney cancer
Chemists at the University of California, Riverside have developed a compound that holds much promise in the laboratory in fighting renal (kidney) cancer.
Engineering control theory helps create dynamic brain models
Models of the human brain, patterned on engineering control theory, may some day help researchers control such neurological diseases as epilepsy, Parkinson's and migraines, according to a Penn State researcher who is using mathematical models of neuron networks from which more complex brain models emerge.
Powerful people are looking out for their future selves
Would you prefer $120 today or $154 in one year? Your answer may depend on how powerful you feel, according to new research in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
New approach alters malaria maps
Identifying areas of malarial infection risk depends more on daily temperature variation than on the average monthly temperatures, according to a team of researchers, who believe that their results may also apply to environmentally temperature-dependent organisms other than the malaria parasite.
Association found between length of biological marker and development of respiratory infection
Among healthy adults who were administered a cold virus, those with shorter telomere length (a structure at the end of a chromosome) in certain cells were more likely to develop experimentally-induced upper respiratory infection than participants with longer telomeres, according to results of preliminary research published in the February 20 issue of JAMA.
Momentum builds in quest to find cure for childhood brain disease
How do you find a cure for a devastating pediatric brain disease so rare that it can take decades to build a meaningful research base?
Novel trading system could help fund global health
A novel global trading system based on the cost effectiveness of health interventions, similar to the market on carbon permits to help control climate change, could provide the extra funding needed to reach the health targets in the Millennium Development Goals, argue experts writing in this week's PLOS Medicine.
Common IV fluid associated with reduced likelihood of full recovery in patients with cardiac arrest
Although an intravenous fluid that paramedics in Japan often give to patients in cardiac arrest before they reach hospital may help restore circulation, it may also be linked to reduced survival with minimal neurological or physical damage one month later, according to a study from Japan published in this week's PLOS Medicine.
Age-related macular degeneration common cause of vision impairment in Kenya
Despite current beliefs, the degenerative eye condition age-related macular degeneration is a common cause of vision impairment and blindness in sub-Saharan Africa, requiring an urgent review of vision services, according to a study by international researchers published in this week's PLOS Medicine.
Childhood cancer in developing countries—a growing health threat that could be easily managed
Across the developing world, childhood cancer is on the rise, and mortality is high. Once thought of as a rich world disease, cancer is a growing health threat across low-income and middle-income countries (LMCs). A major new Lancet Oncology Series by some of the world's most eminent cancer experts outlines the biggest challenges to treating childhood cancer in developing nations and proposes strategies to improve care for children and young people.
It's not just amyloid: White matter hyperintensities and Alzheimer's disease
(Medical Xpress)—New findings by Columbia researchers suggest that along with amyloid deposits, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) may be a second necessary factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Research examines interventions in treating African-Americans with substance abuse
New research out of the University of Cincinnati reveals a relatively rare look into the success of substance abuse treatment programs for African-Americans. Researchers report that self-motivation could be an important consideration into deciding on the most effective treatment strategy. The study led by Ann Kathleen Burlew, a UC professor of psychology, and LaTrice Montgomery, a UC assistant professor of human services, is published online this week in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.
Primatologist argues for changes to caloric values listed on food labeling
(Medical Xpress)—Richard Wrangham, a primatology professor at Harvard University, in a speech given to an audience at this year's American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting, advocated that changes be made to how calories are shown on food labels. He said that the current method doesn't count the calories in fiber or take into account how much energy the body uses to break down foods. This he said, means consumers aren't getting accurate information.
Researchers say silencing of retinoblastoma gene regulates differentiation of myeloid cells
Researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center have found a potential mechanism by which immune suppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells can prevent immune response from developing in cancer. This mechanism includes silencing the tumor suppressor gene retinoblastoma 1 or Rb1. Their data explains a new regulatory mechanism by which myeloid-derived suppressor cells are expanded in cancer.
Researchers gain insight into abnormally shaped cell nuclei of people with cancer
Misshapen cell nuclei are frequently observed in the cells of people with cancer and other diseases, but what causes the abnormality—and why it is associated with certain disorders—has remained unclear.
Rewriting a receptor's role: Synaptic molecule works differently than thought
(Medical Xpress)—In a pair of new papers, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences upend a long-held view about the basic functioning of a key receptor molecule involved in signaling between neurons, and describe how a compound linked to Alzheimer's disease impacts that receptor and weakens synaptic connections between brain cells.
Could an old antidepressant treat sickle cell disease?
(Medical Xpress)—An antidepressant drug used since the 1960s may also hold promise for treating sickle cell disease, according to a surprising new finding made in mice and human red blood cells by a team from the University of Michigan Medical School.
Researchers develop tool for reading the minds of mice (w/ Video)
(Medical Xpress)—If you want to read a mouse's mind, it takes some fluorescent protein and a tiny microscope implanted in the rodent's head.
Researchers discover a biological marker of dyslexia
(Medical Xpress)—Though learning to read proceeds smoothly for most children, as many as one in 10 is estimated to suffer from dyslexia, a constellation of impairments unrelated to intelligence, hearing or vision that make learning to read a struggle. Now, Northwestern University researchers report they have found a biological mechanism that appears to play an important role in the reading process.
Language protein differs in males, females
Male rat pups have more of a specific brain protein associated with language development than females, according to a study published February 20 in The Journal of Neuroscience. The study also found sex differences in the brain protein in a small group of children. The findings may shed light on sex differences in communication in animals and language acquisition in people.
Biology news
Organic rice research moves to front burner in Texas
Organic rice studies have moved to the front burner with almost $1 million in federal grants to Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists.
Raw meat diet may not be enough for cats or tigers
Animal scientists say a raw meat diet is a good source of protein for cats, but pet owners may need to supplement with other nutrients.
Horses don't have stage fright—but their riders do
(Phys.org)—It is well known that horses show symptoms of stress when ridden but relatively little attention has been paid to the effects on their riders. This is surprising, as equestrian sports rely on the close cooperation between the animals and their riders. How does the horse-rider team cope with the stress involved in competing in an equestrian event?
New insight into dogs' fear responses to noise
A study has gained new insight into domestic dogs' fear responses to noises. The behavioural response by dogs to noises can be extreme in nature, distressing for owners and a welfare issue for dogs.
Nesting site protection 'key to save turtles from climate change'
(Phys.org)—International marine scientists today warned it will be vital to protect key marine turtle nesting grounds, and areas that may be suitable for turtle nesting in the future, to ensure that the marine reptiles have a better chance of withstanding climate change.
New scorpion discovery near metropolitan Tucson, Arizona
A new species of scorpion, Vaejovis brysoni, was found in the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona. Another scorpion of the same group also inhabits this mountain range, making this the first documented case of two vorhiesi group species distributed on the same mountain. The study was published in the open access, peer-reviewed journal Zookeys.
Phosphorus starvation linked to symptoms of citrus disease Huanglongbing in new study
The citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), meaning "yellow shoot disease" in Chinese and also called citrus greening in English-speaking countries, is the most destructive disease threatening the citrus industry worldwide. Powerful diagnostic tools and management strategies are desired to control it.
'Growing' medicines in plants requires new regulations
Scientists say amending an EU directive on GMOs could help stimulate innovation in making vaccines, cheaper pharmaceuticals and organic plastics using plants.
2012 another deadly year for elephants in Africa: CITES
The number of African elephants killed by poachers in 2012 will most likely be higher than the 25,000 illegally killed the previous year, the head of UN wildlife trade regulator CITES said Tuesday.
Diagnosis and treatment now possible for osteoarthritic cats
(Phys.org)—Scientists at the University of Montreal's Quebec Research Group in Animal Pharmacology have found a way to recognize and treat osteoarthritis in cats – a condition that the owner might not notice and that can make even petting painful.
How the whale got its teeth
Whales are mammals, but they don't look like the mammals living around us, as they have a triangular fluke for tail, no hind legs and no body hair. And inside their mouths, their teeth are unfamiliar too – being much simpler and 'peg like'. A multidisciplinary team of researchers have now married together the fossil record and the embryonic development process to investigate how the whale got its teeth.
Jellyfish blooms pulse cyclically through time
A surge in jellyfish blooms over the past decade has spawned similar blooms of public fascination with these sea drifters and their apparent saturation of our oceans. Images of fish nets and nuclear-plant intake pipes clogged with gelatinous sacks of tentacles have flared concerns for fisheries and public safety. But recent work from an international team of marine scientists, including MBARI biologist Steve Haddock, suggests that this recent population explosion might only reflect half of the jellyfish story.
New species appear to arise from sudden changes
(Phys.org)—Folmer Bokma, researcher at Umeå University, explains that living species have a limited ability to adapt to the environment. His results suggest that species do not change gradually, as the modern evolutionary theory assumes, but suddenly when a new species arises.
Subordinate animals as guinea pigs
Subordinate animals must face higher risks than dominant ones Dominant meerkat females yield to their subaltern group members when faced with a dangerous obstacle: as a group of these animals reaches a road, a "guinea pig" has to go first. This is the result of a behavioural study conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.
Understanding termite digestion could help biofuels, insect control
A termite's own biology with help from microorganisms called protists, are keys to the insect's digestion of woody material, according to a Purdue University scientist.
When it comes to genetic code, researchers prove optimum isn't always best
Imagine two steel springs identical in look and composition but that perform differently because each was tempered at a different rate.
Males' superior spatial ability likely is not an evolutionary adaptation
(Phys.org)—Males and females differ in a lot of traits (besides the obvious ones) and some evolutionary psychologists have proposed hypotheses to explain why. Some argue, for example, that males' slight, but significant, superiority in spatial navigation over females – a phenomenon demonstrated repeatedly in many species, including humans – is probably "adaptive," meaning that over the course of evolutionary history the trait gave males an advantage that led them to have more offspring than their peers.
Towards a new moth perfume
(Phys.org)—A single mutation in a moth gene has been shown to be able to produce an entirely new scent. This has been shown in a new study led by researchers from Lund University in Sweden. In the long run, the researchers say that the results could contribute to tailored production of pheromones for pest control.
Mutant champions save imperiled species from almost-certain extinction
(Phys.org)—Species facing widespread and rapid environmental changes can sometimes evolve quickly enough to dodge the extinction bullet. Populations of disease-causing bacteria evolve, for example, as doctors flood their "environment," the human body, with antibiotics. Insects, animals and plants can make evolutionary adaptations in response to pesticides, heavy metals and overfishing.
How predictable is evolution?
Understanding how and why diversification occurs is important for understanding why there are so many species on Earth. In a new study published on 19 February in the open access journal PLOS Biology, researchers show that similar—or even identical—mutations can occur during diversification in completely separate populations of E. coli evolving in different environments over more than 1000 generations. Evolution, therefore, can be surprisingly predictable.
Improved-yield dandelions prepped for tire production
(Phys.org)—With supply falling short of demand for natural rubber, scientists in The Netherlands are literally planting seeds of hope for a viable solution. Researchers at the Dutch biotech firm KeyGene are engaged in developing the dandelion into a promising source of rubber. The dandelion's roots contain latex, the milky liquid that is a source for natural rubber. The latex from dandelion roots could serve as a needed source of material for tires.
Bigfoot genome sequenced? There are skeptics
(Phys.org)—A team of researchers led by Melba Ketchum of DNA Diagnostics in Nacogdoches, New Mexico, claims to have succeeded in sequencing the genome of Bigfoot (Sasquatch). The team published their findings in DeNovo, a journal that Ketchum purchased and renamed because mainstream scientific journals would not accept the study. Scientists have been understandably skeptical.
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