Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for October 17, 2011:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Dark matter mystery deepens- New record voltage for organic solar cells opens the tech to consumer electronics
- Wearable depth-sensing projection system makes any surface capable of multitouch interaction (w/ video)
- New research links common RNA modification to obesity
- Impurity atoms introduce waves of disorder in exotic electronic material
- Muscling toward a longer life: Genetic aging pathway identified in flies
- Ancient Greek ships traded more than just wine
- Links in the chain: Global carbon emissions and consumption
- Scientists discover immune peacekeepers
- Protecting the brain when energy runs low
- New light at the end of the tunnel
- Chemical warfare on the reef: How certain seaweed species harm corals
- Clustered hurricanes reduce impact on ecosystems
- Progression of Lou Gehrig's disease explained
- Google Earth typhoid maps reveal secrets of disease outbreaks
Space & Earth news
NASA, NRO, USAF establish strategy for certifying new expendable launch vehicles
NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the U.S. Air Force signed an agreement this week to establish clear criteria for certification of commercial providers of launch vehicles used for national security space and civil space missions.
Space image: Carina Nebula: 14,000+ Stars
(PhysOrg.com) -- The Carina Nebula is a star-forming region in the Sagittarius-Carina arm of the Milky Way that is 7,500 light years from Earth and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory has detected more than 14,000 stars in the region.
Planned Tanzanian soda ash plant threatens flamingoes
Salmon-coloured clouds of flamingoes sweeping overhead is a common sight at east Africa's Rift Valley lakes, but the mounds of mud where they lay their eggs are found only here.
The public debate on climate change
Even after years of scientific research that points to how human activity is causing climate change, pundits, policymakers and the general public are still debating the issue.
Is M85 missing a black hole?
The conventional wisdom of galaxies is that they should have a central massive black hole (CMBH). The presence of such objects has been confirmed in our own galaxy as well as numerous other galaxies, including the Andromeda galaxy (M31) and even some dwarf galaxies. The mass of these objects, several million times the mass of the Sun, has been found to be related to many properties of galaxies as a whole, indicating that their presence may be critical in the formation and evolution of galaxies as a whole. As such, finding a massive galaxy without a central black hole would be quite surprising. Yet a recent study by astronomers from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor seems to have found an exception: The well known M85.
NASA to test new atomic clock
When people think of space technologies, many think of solar panels, propulsion systems and guidance systems. One important piece of technology in spaceflight is an accurate timing device.
Sea levels will continue to rise for 500 years: study
Rising sea levels in the coming centuries is perhaps one of the most catastrophic consequences of rising temperatures. Massive economic costs, social consequences and forced migrations could result from global warming. But how frightening of times are we facing? Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute are part of a team that has calculated the long-term outlook for rising sea levels in relation to the emission of greenhouse gases and pollution of the atmosphere using climate models. The results have been published in the scientific journal Global and Planetary Change.
Branson and NM officials dedicate space terminal
(AP) -- With his usual flare, British billionaire Richard Branson rappelled from a balcony, shook up a bottle of champagne and took a swig while christening the world's first built-from-scratch commercial spaceport.
Research team suggests European Little Ice Age came about due to reforestation in New World
(PhysOrg.com) -- A team comprised of geological and environmental science researchers from Stanford University has been studying the impact that early European exploration had on the New World and have found evidence that they say suggests the European cold period from 1500 to 1750, commonly known as the Little Ice Age, was due to the rapid decline in native human populations shortly after early explorers arrived.
US rivers and streams saturated with carbon
Rivers and streams in the United States are releasing enough carbon into the atmosphere to fuel 3.4 million car trips to the moon, according to Yale researchers in Nature Geoscience. Their findings could change the way scientists model the movement of carbon between land, water and the atmosphere.
Chemical warfare on the reef: How certain seaweed species harm corals
Scientists for the first time have identified and mapped the chemical structure of molecules used by certain species of marine seaweed to kill or inhibit the growth of reef-building coral. Chemicals found on the surfaces of several species of seaweed have been shown to harm coral, suggesting that competition with these macroalgae could be a factor in the worldwide decline – and lack of recovery – of coral reefs.
Clustered hurricanes reduce impact on ecosystems
New research has found that hurricane activity is 'clustered' rather than random, which has important long-term implications for coastal ecosystems and human population. The research was carried out by Professor Peter Mumby from The University of Queensland Global Change Institute and School of Biological Sciences, Professor David Stephenson and Dr Renato Vitolo (Willis Research Fellow) at the University of Exeter's Exeter Climate Systems research centre.
Links in the chain: Global carbon emissions and consumption
It is difficult to measure accurately each nation's contribution of carbon dioxide to the Earth's atmosphere. Carbon is extracted out of the ground as coal, gas, and oil, and these fuels are often exported to other countries where they are burned to generate the energy that is used to make products. In turn, these products may be traded to still other countries where they are consumed. A team led by Carnegie's Steven Davis, and including Ken Caldeira, tracked and quantified this supply chain of global carbon dioxide emissions. Their work will be published online by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences during the week of October 17.
Dark matter mystery deepens
(PhysOrg.com) -- Like all galaxies, our Milky Way is home to a strange substance called dark matter. Dark matter is invisible, betraying its presence only through its gravitational pull. Without dark matter holding them together, our galaxy's speedy stars would fly off in all directions. The nature of dark matter is a mystery -- a mystery that a new study has only deepened.
Technology news
LivingSocial launching exclusive food events
(AP) -- Online deals site LivingSocial is launching an invitation-only service aimed at food fans, offering experiences such as a visit to an environmentally sustainable farm or a meal served in a restaurant's kitchen.
Fujitsu releases high-performance file system
Fujitsu today announced the launch of FEFS (Fujitsu Exabyte File System), a scalable file system software package for building file systems for x86 HPC clusters in Japan.
Irish Church launches app for would-be priests
The Catholic Church in Ireland launched a new app on Monday for young men who are thinking of joining the priesthood, taking a technological leap to reverse four decades of declining vocations.
Hybrid construction vehicle emissions to be analyzed
Scientists at the University of California, Riverside's Center for Environmental Research and Technology have received a $2 million contract for a first-of-its-kind study of hybrid construction vehicles.
Thailand flooding hits Western Digital operations
(AP) -- Computer hard drive maker Western Digital Corp. said Monday that flooding damage to its Thailand locations will have a significant impact on its operations and its ability to meet customer demand in the December quarter.
Kodak to license laser projection patents to Imax
(AP) -- Eastman Kodak Co. said Sunday that it will license thousands of patents to Imax in a deal that will supply the troubled photography company with millions of dollars.
Samsung seeks iPhone sales ban in Japan, Australia
South Korea's Samsung Electronics said Monday it is trying to block the sale of Apple's newest iPhone in Japan and Australia, escalating a legal battle with the US company after several setbacks.
Silicon Valley elite honor Steve Jobs
Silicon Valley nobility and political heavyweights paid tribute to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs on Sunday at a private memorial service at Stanford University, local media said.
Making up: free apps for furious Blackberry users
Trying to make amends for massive outages last week, Research In Motion announced a free premium apps giveaway for millions of its customers who may still feel jolted, and a month of technical support for some.
GM: Self-driving vehicles could be ready by end of decade
Vehicles that partially drive themselves will be available by the middle of the decade with more sophisticated self-driving systems by the end of the decade, General Motors Vice President of Global Research and Development Alan Taub says.
SwRI demonstrates traffic management to minimize environmental impacts
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is collecting and communicating real-time vehicle emissions data to demonstrate new concepts in environment-based traffic management as part of a connected vehicle test bed at the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems in Orlando, Oct.16-20.
Battery research: Bionics reduces filling time
The latest development by engineers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Germany) is inspired by nature. To fill the porous electrodes of lithium-ion batteries more rapidly with liquid electrolyte, they use a physico-chemical effect that also provides for transport in trees. The new process increases the throughput of battery production and reduces investment costs. These and other innovations will be presented by KIT at the eCarTec International Electromobility Fair in Munich from October 18 to 20.
India's TCS announces 14.7% Q2 profit jump
India's biggest software exporter, TCS, said Monday its quarterly net profit rose 14.7 percent, marginally below estimates, as concerns over global uncertainty offset improved outsourcing demand.
Now you can determine the solar efficiency of your roof
It is becoming more and more common to install solar panels on roofs in order to obtain green electricity, but not all roofs are equally suitable. Scientists from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, have launched a tool that uses the actual conditions to determine the maximum possible magnitude of solar incidence - in a whole town, a neighbourhood, or a particular roof. The scientists have surveyed Gothenburg in a pilot project.
Apple says iPhone 4s sales over 4mn in three days
Apple said Monday that it had sold more than four million new iPhone 4s models in their first three days on the market.
Laboratory on wheels
Electric and hybrid vehicles will be conquering the cities: cars, bicycles, buses and trains. This is why new ideas are in demand for individual and public transportation. In "Fraunhofer's System Research for Electromobility" researchers are coming up with solutions for tomorrow's mobility.
Food without preservatives -- thanks to self-cleaning equipment
Eclairs and other pastries should taste light and fluffy. If the pastry dough contains too many microorganisms, though, it will not rise in the oven. Now, researchers have devised a system that cleans itself automatically after every batch of dough. This means the dough is sterile -- and for the first time, it can be made in large quantities off-site for delivery to bakeries.
Cellphone cos. to warn as plans approach limit
(AP) -- Cellphone companies pledged Monday to warn subscribers before they go over their monthly limits for calling minutes, text messages and data use.
'Sesame Street' back online after porn hacking
"Sesame Street" returned to cyberspace on Monday after its YouTube channel was targeted by unknown hackers who replaced Ernie, Abby, Big Bird and the Cookie Monster with hardcore porn.
Yahoo's 3Q earnings may shed light on CEO firing
(AP) -- Yahoo's third-quarter earnings report may shed some light on why the Internet company abruptly fired Carol Bartz as CEO last month.
RIM rallies developers to burnish BlackBerry
Research In Motion (RIM) kicks off a major software developers conference Tuesday as the BlackBerry maker tries to burnish its tarnished image and stop losing ground to rivals.
IBM bumps guidance again, but revenue falls short
(AP) -- IBM raised its full-year guidance again on Monday, offering fresh evidence of the company's ability to wring profit from technology services and software contracts.
Alcatel-Lucent: We've seen the future and it's (still) copper
(PhysOrg.com) -- Alcatel-Lucent is promoting a commercial broadband-over-copper solution. Its new equipment design will deliver better broadband speeds with standard VDSL2 (stands for Very-high-speed Digital Subscriber Line 2) plus vectoring. Alcatel-Lucent says its vectoring approach helps to boost speeds significantly. The telecom giant is letting communications service providers know that the future is copper, still. Now, though, it’s a future with better data speeds and capacity, capable of broadband speeds of 100 Mbps and beyond.
Cybersecurity breakthrough keeps sensitive data confined in physical space (w/ video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- In a breakthrough that could aid spies, keepers of medical records, and parents who want to prevent their kids from "sexting," a team of Virginia Tech researchers has created software to remotely put smart phones under lockdown. The phones are given permission to access sensitive data while in a particular room, but when the devices leave the room, the data is completely wiped.
Wearable depth-sensing projection system makes any surface capable of multitouch interaction (w/ video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- OmniTouch, a wearable projection system developed by researchers at Microsoft Research and Carnegie Mellon University, enables users to turn pads of paper, walls or even their own hands, arms and legs into graphical, interactive surfaces.
New record voltage for organic solar cells opens the tech to consumer electronics
Molecular Solar Ltd, a spinout company from the University of Warwick, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. They have achieved and demonstrated a record voltage for organic photovoltaic cells that means these highly flexible, low cost solar cells can now be devolved for commercial uses in a wide range of consumer electronics.
Medicine & Health news
Making sure the right mental health interventions are provided in humanitarian settings
The third paper in The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health examines mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in humanitarian settings, and points out that most research and evidence is focused on interventions that are infrequently applied, while the most commonly used interventions have had little rigorous scrutiny. The paper is by Dr Wietse Tol, Global Health Initiative, MacMillan Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA, and colleagues.
How to scale up mental health care
Scaling up mental health services in developing countries is an essential part of any plan to improve mental health worldwide. However recent data suggests while 1 in 3 people with a mental health problem in wealthy nations receive treatment (in itself a huge shortfall in care), in developing countries it can be as few as 1 in 50. The fourth paper in The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health looks at progress made since the Lancet's landmark 2007 Series on the same subject. The paper is written by Dr Julian Eaton, who works with CBM International and is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and colleagues from many other countries.
Breaking the cycle: Studies show improving mental health status helps improve financial status
The first paper in The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health reviews the negative cycle of interaction between mental ill health and poverty in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). A review of published work shows that improving financial status does not always improve mental health status, whereas mental health interventions consistently improve economic status. The paper is by Dr Crick Lund, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa, and colleagues.
Up to 1 in 5 children in developing countries has a mental health problem, yet treatment is woefully inadequate
Mental health problems affect 10-20% of children and adolescents worldwide. Despite their relevance as a leading cause of health-related disability in this age group and their longlasting effects throughout life, the mental health needs of children and adolescents are neglected, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. The second paper in The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health looks at the evidence for action in this especially vulnerable group. The paper is by Professor Atif Rahman, University of Liverpool, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, Child Mental Health Unit, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK, and colleagues.
Preventing the inexcusable human rights violations of people with mental and psychosocial disabilities
Stigma and discrimination lead to pervasive human rights violations against people with mental and psychosocial disabilities in low-income and middle-income countries. The final paper in The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health draws on the views, expertise, and experience of 51 people with mental and psychosocial disabilities from 18 low-income and middle-income countries as well as a review of English language literature including from UN publications, non-governmental organisation reports, press reports, and the academic literature. The report is by Natalie Drew, World Health Organization, Switzerland, and Sylvester Katontoka, Mental Health Users Network of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, and colleagues.
No cupcakes here! Gold-medal school fights obesity
(AP) -- Five-year-olds dance hip-hop to the alphabet. Third-graders learn math by twisting into geometric shapes, fifth-graders by calculating calories. And everyone goes to the gym - every day.
Multiple riders, lack of helmet use, and faster ATVs contribute to pediatric injuries
As all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use continues to grow, so does the number of injuries. Children comprise about one-third of the 130,000 to 150,000 ATV-related emergency department visits each year and one-quarter of the more than 800 deaths. In fact, more children are injured from ATV crashes each year than from bicycles.
Lung cancer patients with diabetes show prolonged survival
Lung cancer patients with diabetes tend to live longer than patients without diabetes, according to a Norwegian study published in the November issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.
Incidence of non-fatal pediatric firearm injuries in the US higher than previously estimated
From 1999 to 2007, there were 185,950 emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S. for firearm injuries in children aged 0 to 19 years. A new abstract presented Monday, Oct. 17, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston, provided an overview of these injuries, including a variety of risk factors including age, race, hospital location, and insurance type.
New study reinforces need for continued infant sleep campaigns to prevent SIDS
New research reinforces the need for continued public education programs that encourage parents to place their infants to sleep in the supine (back) position in a safe crib or bassinet, to prevent an estimated 4,600 annual Sudden Unintended Infant Deaths (SUID), of which 50 percent are classified as Sudden Death Syndrome (SIDS). The abstract, "Retrospective Review of Sleeping Conditions in Infant Deaths in New Mexico," was presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston.
Teachers, children mistake candy for medicine in study
More than one in four kindergarten children, and one in five teachers, had difficulty distinguishing between medicine and candy in new research conducted by two, now seventh-grade students, who presented their findings on Monday, Oct. 17, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston.
Pilot study looks at medication safety in US homes
Nearly 30 percent of homes with young children have acetaminophen products stored unsafely, and nearly all homes included at least one expired medication, according to a research abstract presented Monday, Oct. 17, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston.
The Medical Minute: Talk about prescriptions
“Tell me about any medications you take.” It’s a simple request asked of people whenever they go to a physician’s office or hospital. Most Americans are taking at least one prescribed or over the counter (OTC) medication or supplement. Can you name the medications you take? Do you know what each medication is for?
Beyond calories and consumption, new book critiques obesity orthodoxies
Countering the so-called obesity crisis with local, organic, and seasonal food is a nice idea but one that is not likely to work, writes Julie Guthman, associate professor of community studies at UC Santa Cruz.
Killing house dust mites on children's soft toys
Infestations of house dust mites on children’s soft toys can be eradicated by freezing, hot tumble drying or washing with eucalyptus oil and detergent according to new research by the University of Otago, Wellington.
Lice tops seasonal Halloween creepy crawlies
Autumn brings tales of scary delight, but none terrifies parents so much as the note home from school that a case of lice has been detected.
TARDIS trial seeks new dimension in stroke treatment
People who suffer from acute stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA, a mini stroke) could get better treatment in the future thanks to the expansion of a large clinical trial of a new combination of drugs led by researchers at The University of Nottingham.
Leveraging novel ideas to improve health care
Integrating some of the best new practices of industry into the strengths of the academic research process, the Regenstrief Institute is launching an initiative to encourage and propel innovation. The Institute has over 40 years of experience as an international leader in improving healthcare delivery.
Caresses enjoyable vicariously, too
It is well-known that we humans enjoy sensual caresses, but the brain reacts just as strongly to seeing another person being caressed, reveals research from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Climate change poses immediate threat to health: experts
Climate change poses an immediate and serious threat to global health and stability, as floods and droughts destroy people's homes and food supplies and increase mass migration, experts warned Monday.
Canada needs to adopt a national suicide prevention strategy
Canada needs to adopt a national suicide prevention strategy, and physicians can play a key role in the strategy, states an analysis in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Rates of suicide attempts and hospitalizations in children and adolescents
Although children and adolescents in the child welfare system are at increased risk of attempted suicide compared with the general population, rates are highest before they enter care then begin to decline, states an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Pediatric cancer and palliative care: parental preferences compared with health-care professionals
Parents of children in the palliative stage of cancer favour aggressive chemotherapy over supportive care compared with health care professionals, states an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Harvard Medical School launches major initiative to address crisis in drug development
Taking aim at the alarming slowdown in the development of new and lifesaving drugs, Harvard Medical School is launching an Initiative in Systems Pharmacology, a comprehensive strategy to transform drug discovery by convening biologists, chemists, pharmacologists, physicists, computer scientists and clinicians to explore together how drugs work in complex systems.
NJIT researcher testing micro-electronic stimulators for spinal cord injuries
A new wireless device to help victims of spinal cord injury is receiving attention in the research community. Mesut Sahin, PhD, associate professor, in the department of biomedical engineering at NJIT, recently has published and presented news of his findings to develop micro-electrical stimulators for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Reversing aging
Technology developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin could significantly reduce the time and cost to finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease and help answer one of the greatest biological questions: why do we age?
Research examines approaches to treating substance abuse among African-Americans
A new study is the first to examine the effectiveness of a widely used counseling approach to treating substance abuse among African-Americans. The study found that African-American women were more likely than men to continue a counseling approach to treating substance abuse, but their substance-abuse issues continued. The study led by LaTrice Montgomery, a doctoral student in the University of Cincinnati Department of Psychology, is published this month in "Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology," a journal of the American Psychological Association.
6,800 exposed to HIV or hepatitis at Ottawa clinic
Up to 6,800 people may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis an Ottawa clinic over the past decade, health officials warned Monday.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease appear to be at increased risk for post-operative DVT, PE
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing surgery may be more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT; blood clot in a deep vein in the thigh or leg) or pulmonary embolism (PE; blood clot in blood vessels in the lungs) following surgical procedures, according to a study published Online First by Archives of Surgery.
Bacteria associated with stomach ulcers not detected in enlarged adenoids in children
Bacteria that cause stomach inflammation and ulcers were not detectable in tissue from inflamed and enlarged adenoids in children, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.
Some hair professionals report looking for skin cancer lesions on customers' scalp, neck and face
In a survey of hair professionals, some reported that they look at customers' face, scalp and neck for suspicious skin lesions, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Dermatology.
FDA panel unanimously votes down Parkinson's drug
A panel of federal medical specialists has unanimously voted that a drug for Parkinson's disease from Teva Pharmaceuticals has not been shown to slow progress of the debilitating neurological disease.
Sleep disruption for breastfed babies is temporary
While breastfed babies initially awaken more during the night for feedings, their sleep patterns -- falling asleep, staying asleep and total sleep time -- stabilize in later infancy and become comparable to non-breastfed babies, according to an abstract presented Monday, Oct. 17, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston.
Study finds clue to birth defects in babies of mothers with diabetes
In a paper published today in Diabetologia, a team at Joslin Diabetes Center, headed by Mary R. Loeken, PhD, has identified the enzyme AMP kinase (AMPK) as key to the molecular mechanism that significantly increases the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and some heart defects among babies born to women with diabetes.
Dads, community health care workers' roles in supporting low-income moms with breast feeding
The low rate of breastfeeding among low-income, inner-city African-American mothers is a health disparity now receiving national attention. Two new studies from University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital highlight some obstacles to increasing the breastfeeding rate in this population and identify methods to address this disparity.
Researchers discover that same gene has opposite effects in prostate, breast cancers
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have discovered that a gene – known as an androgen receptor (AR) – is found in both prostate and breast cancers yet has opposite effects on these diseases.
Profanity in TV and video games linked to teen aggression
While it's been long established that watching violent scenes increases aggression levels, a new study in the medical journal Pediatrics suggests that profanity in the media may have a similar effect. Pediatrics is the top-ranked journal in its field and among the top 2 percent most-cited scientific and medical journals in the world.
Musical aptitude relates to reading ability
Auditory working memory and attention, for example the ability to hear and then remember instructions while completing a task, are a necessary part of musical ability. But musical ability is also related to verbal memory and literacy in childhood. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal Behavioral and Brain Functions shows how auditory working memory and musical aptitude are intrinsically related to reading ability, and provides a biological basis for this link.
Study identifies scenarios that precede at-home pool drownings of young children
Very young children who live in a home with a swimming pool are at risk of drowning, a leading cause of injury death among toddlers. A study abstract presented Monday, Oct. 17, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston identifies three likely scenarios that precede the drowning of a very young child (ages 1 to 4) in an at-home swimming pool.
Malaria elimination maps highlight progress and prospects
A new global atlas charts prospects for malaria elimination by offering the first full-color, detailed depiction of a disease now declining in many parts of the globe. The "Atlas of Malaria-Eliminating Countries" spotlights countries successfully moving toward eliminating the disease and provides a visual tool to help focus resources where they are needed most.
New clue to brain bleeding after stroke treatment
The only medication currently approved for stroke treatment – tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which dissolves blood clots – is associated with an increased risk of bleeding in the brain, particularly among patients with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). A study led by Raymond A. Swanson, MD, chief of the neurology and rehabilitation service at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, provides a possible reason: high blood sugar fuels the formation of superoxide, a toxic form of oxygen, which in turn damages tissues, weakens blood vessels and promotes excess bleeding.
Avoiding bias in medical research
Most people are rather vague when reporting on food and drink consumption, smoking and exercise habits. General practitioners, however, are skilled at interpreting phrases such as "I only have a few drinks rarely...each week" and "I get to the gym regularly" and can estimate based on symptoms and a person's physical appearance just how precise those claims are. However, it is crucial for healthcare research and epidemiology that relies on patient self-reporting that we find a more objective, rather than intuitive, way to identify bias in self-reporting.
Antiviral drugs may slow Alzheimer's progression
Antiviral drugs used to target the herpes virus could be effective at slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a new study shows.
Could hypertension drugs help people with Alzheimer's?
Within the next 20 years it is expected the number of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) will double from its current figure of half a million to one million. A new study has looked at whether certain types of drugs used to treat high blood pressure, also called hypertension, might have beneficial effects in reducing the number of new cases of Alzheimer's disease each year.
Gene variant leads to better memory via increased brain activation
Carriers of the so-called KIBRA T allele have better memories than those who don't have this gene variant. This means we can reject the theory that the brain of a non-bearer compensates for this. This is shown by researchers from Umea University in The Journal of Neuroscience.
Study shows that new DNA test to identify Down syndrome in pregnancy is ready for clinical use
A new DNA-based prenatal blood test that can strikingly reduce the number of risky diagnostic procedures needed to identify a pregnancy with Down syndrome is ready to be introduced into clinical practice. The test can be offered as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy to women who have been identified as being at high risk for Down syndrome. These are the results of an international, multicenter study published online today in the journal Genetics in Medicine. The study, the largest and most comprehensive done to date, examined almost 1,700 pregnancies at high risk of chromosomal abnormalities, 212 of which were affected by Down syndrome.
Omega-3 fatty acids shown to prevent or slow progression of osteoarthritis
New research has shown for the first time that omega-3 in fish oil could "substantially and significantly" reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
New studies highlight risks of vitamin supplements
New research is prompting a fresh look at the value of vitamin supplements, with some surprising results indicating that taking too many supplements of some could be harmful.
S.African hospital reports 'superbug' outbreak
A South African outbreak of a multi-drug resistant "superbug" has been contained after it infected nine patients of whom three were still in quarantine, a hospital group said Monday.
Study suggests key to avoiding ankle re-injury may be in the hips and knees
Nearly all active people suffer ankle sprains at some point in their lives, and a new University of Georgia study suggests that the different ways people move their hip and knee joints may influence the risk of re-injury.
Psychologists chase down sleep demons
What do Moby Dick, the Salem witch trials and alien abductions all have in common? They all circle back to sleep paralysis.
Protein family key to aging, cancer
The list of aging-associated proteins known to be involved in cancer is growing longer, according to research by investigators at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Associating your car with your identity can lead to aggressive driving
A new study by a Temple University Fox School of Business professor finds those who view their car as an extension of themselves have stronger aggressive driving tendencies.
1 in 4 children exposed to some form of family violence
More than 1 in 4 children have been exposed to physical violence between their parents at some time, 1 in 9 of them during the past year, according to new research from the University of New Hampshire Crimes against Children Research Center.
Protein that fuels lethal breast cancer growth emerges as potential new drug target
A protein in the nucleus of breast cancer cells that plays a role in fueling the growth of aggressive tumors may be a good target for new drugs, reports a research team at the Duke Cancer Institute.
Protein is potential new treatment target for adult pulmonary hypertension
A protein critical to development appears to have a grave impact on lungs exposed to smoking and air pollution, researchers report.
CDC: Add $2 per drink for US excessive drinking
(AP) -- The toll of excessive drinking works out to about $2 per drink, in terms of medical expenses and other costs to society, according to a new federal research.
Ruling could speed repeal of long-term care plan
(AP) -- A troubled long-term care plan in President Barack Obama's health overhaul has suffered another setback.
Halo effect: Family members of gastric-bypass patients also lose weight
Family members of patients who have undergone surgery for weight loss may also shed several pounds themselves, as well as eat healthier and exercise more, according to a new study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Biomarker-guided heart failure treatment significantly reduces complications
Adding regular testing for blood levels of a biomarker of cardiac distress to standard care for the most common form of heart failure may significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular complications, a new study finds. The report from investigators at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Heart Center, appearing in the Oct. 25 Journal of the American College of Cardiology, describes how adjusting therapy to keep levels of the protein NT-proBNP below 1,000 pg/ml reduced hospitalizations for heart failure symptoms by half, along with lowering rates of arrhythmias, stroke, heart attack and cardiac death. Preliminary results of the study – results of which were so striking that enrollment was halted halfway through the planned schedule – were presented in November at the American Heart Association 2010 Scientific Sessions.
High rate of false-positives with annual mammogram
During a decade of receiving mammograms, more than half of cancer-free women will be among those summoned back for more testing because of false-positive results, and about one in 12 will be referred for a biopsy.
White House waffling on long-term care plan?
(AP) -- The White House appeared to waffle Monday on the fate of a financially troubled long-term care program in President Barack Obama's health overhaul law, as supporters and foes heaped criticism on the administration.
Malaria on way out in third of nations hit: study
Nearly a third of all nations in which malaria is endemic are working to eliminate the disease within a decade, according to a new report released Monday in the United States.
New study shows cell phones exceed FCC exposure limits by as much as double for children
(Medical Xpress) -- A scholarly article on cell phone safety published online October 17, 2011, in the journal Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine reports the finding that cell phones used in the shirt or pants pocket exceed FCC exposure guidelines and that children absorb twice as much microwave radiation from phones as do adults.
Trudeau Institute reports new approach to treating Listeria infections
Research underway at the Trudeau Institute could lead to new treatments for people sickened by Listeria and other sepsis-causing bacteria. Dr. Stephen Smiley's laboratory has published a study in the scientific journal Infection and Immunity that supports a new approach to treating these infections.
Half of teens shy, but for a few it's more serious
Does your teen show normal nerves about the weekend party, or always stay home? Nearly half of teenagers say they're shy, perhaps a bit surprising in our say-anything society. But a government study finds a small fraction of those teens show signs of a troubling anxiety disorder that can be mistaken for extreme shyness.
Doctors: Pap remains best test for cervical cancer
There's more news on cancer screening tests - this time for women. Scientists advising the government say a Pap test is a good way to screen young and middle-aged women for cervical cancer, and it's only needed once every three years. But they say there is not enough evidence yet to back testing for HPV, the virus that causes the disease.
'Drunkorexia:' A recipe for disaster
It is well known that eating disorders are common among teens and college students. Heavy alcohol consumption is another well-known unhealthy habit of this age group. A new study from the University of Missouri shows that when college students combine these two unhealthy habits, their long-term health may be affected. "Drunkorexia" is a new term coined by the media to describe the combination of disordered eating and heavy alcohol consumption.
Google Earth typhoid maps reveal secrets of disease outbreaks
In the mid-nineteenth century, John Snow mapped cases of cholera in Soho, London, and traced the source of the outbreak to a contaminated water pump. Now, in a twenty-first century equivalent, scientists funded by the Wellcome Trust working in Kathmandu, Nepal, have combined the latest in gene sequencing technology and global positioning system (GPS) case localisation to map the spread of typhoid and trace its source.
Low birthweight infants have five times rate of autism
Autism researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have found a link between low birthweight and children diagnosed with autism, reporting premature infants are five times more likely to have autism than children born at normal weights.
Whether we know it or not, we can 'see' through one eye at a time
Although portions of the visible world come in through one eye only, the brain instantaneously takes all that information and creates a coherent image. As far as we know, we 'see' with both eyes at once. Now a new study suggests that the brain may know which eye is receiving information -- and can turn around and tell that eye to work even harder.
Do white LEDs disrupt our biological clocks?
You come into contact every day with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) -- they illuminate alarm clocks, new televisions, traffic lights, and smartphone displays. Increasingly, you will see white-light versions of LEDs becoming available for energy-efficient home lighting, car headlights, and streetlamps.
Scientists sequenced DNA of oldest woman in hopes to unlock long life secrets
(Medical Xpress) -- Hendrikje van Andel-Schipper became the world’s oldest person in May of 2004 at the age of 115 but dies only a few months later. But contrary to what you would expect Andel-Schipper was as sharp as a whip right up until her death.
Protecting the brain when energy runs low
Researchers from the Universities of Leeds, Edinburgh and Dundee have shed new light on the way that the brain protects itself from harm when 'running on empty.'
Progression of Lou Gehrig's disease explained
Researchers in Uruguay and Oregon have discovered a previously unknown type of neural cell that appears to be closely linked to the progression of amytrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that they believe will provide an important new approach to therapies.
Scientists discover immune peacekeepers
There are more bacteria living on our skin and in our gut than cells in our body. We need them. But until now no-one knew how the immune system could tell that these bacteria are harmless.
Possible link between bacterium, colon cancer found
For the first time, a specific microorganism has been found to be associated with human colorectal cancer. In two studies published online today in Genome Research, independent research teams have identified Fusobacterium in colon cancer tissue, a finding that could open new avenues for diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Biology news
Studying grizzly bears' picnic
Armed with a coffee grinder and a lot of questions, a University of Alberta graduate student is uncovering the mysteries of a humble root that is vital to grizzly bear survival.
A genetic barcode against forestry law-breaking
The massive overexploitation of Madagascar's tropical woods is endangering the island's unique flora and fauna. A project by ETH Zurich and Zurich Zoo aims to make the illegal wood trade more difficult through a new declaration method for wood.
Genetic study of cave millipedes reveals isolated populations and ancient divergence between species
Last week the International Journal of Myriapodology published the first population genetic study of cave millipedes. This research highlights an important challenge in the conservation of cave biodiversity – that for many species caves are 'islands' of habitat that support isolated and genetically distinct populations.
Examining rice genes for rice blast resistance
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have characterized the molecular mechanism behind some plants' ability to resist rice blast, a fungal disease that affects cereal grain crops such as rice, wheat, rye and barley and can cause yield losses of up to 30 percent. The fungus has been found in 85 countries worldwide, including the United States.
Pecan ipmPIPE: Harnessing the Internet for stakeholders in production agriculture
A new, open-access article in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management examines the Pecan Pest Information Platform for Extension and education (PIPE), a program that provides a new informatics resource that targets 5,000 pecan stakeholders located primarily in the southern tier of the United States.
50 years of cereal leaf beetle management research
A new, open-access article in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management provides a review of cereal leaf beetle biology, past and present management practices, and current research being conducted.
Disgraced Korean scientist unveils cloned coyotes
Disgraced South Korean stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-Suk unveiled eight cloned coyotes Monday in a project sponsored by a provincial government.
Plastic fantastic – the future of biodegradables
Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a thermoplastic polyester which occurs naturally in bacteria as Ralstonia eutropha and Bacillus megaterium. Even though PHB is biodegradable and is not dependent on fossil resources, this bioplastic has been traditionally too expensive to produce to replace petroleum-based plastics. New research reported in BioMed Central's open access journal Microbial Cell Factories describes an alternative method of producing PHB in microalgae.
Deep-reef coral hates the light, prefers the shade
Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, second only to tropical rain forests. Bird's nest coral (Seriatopora hystrix) is common throughout the Indo-Pacific and is able to live across a range of depths. However, there is little gene flow between the coral populations at each depth and even the algal endosymbionts (Symbiodinium), which provide energy for the corals to survive, are genetically different across habitats. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Evolutionary Biology used genetic and photosynthetic analyses to demonstrate that these genetic differences reflect adaptations to the different environmental conditions encountered at different depths.
Genomic sequence and comparison of two macaques reveal new insights into biomedical research
The South China Center for Innovative Pharmaceuticals, Sun Yat-Sen University, and BGI, the world's largest genomic organization, announced that they were among the research organizations from China, US and UK comprising an international research group that completed the genome sequence and comparison of two non-human primate animal models - Chinese rhesus macaque and cynomolgus. The study is published today online in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
Good housekeeping maintains a healthy liver
Differences in the levels of two key metabolic enzymes may explain why some people are more susceptible to liver damage, according to a study in the October 17 issue of the Journal of Cell Biology.
2011 a banner year for young striped bass in Virginia
Preliminary results from a 2011 survey conducted by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) suggest the production of a strong class of young-of-year striped bass in the Virginia portion of Chesapeake Bay. The 2011 year class represents the group of fish hatched this spring.
Lethal Atlantic Virus found in Pacific Salmon
The highly contagious marine influenza virus, Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) has for the first time been officially reported after being found in the Pacific on B.C.’s central coast.
New research offers insight into long term sperm storage in animals and parthenogenesis
(PhysOrg.com) -- Recently an eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake gave birth to 19 offspring; not exactly headline news, except for the fact that the female had been separated from any male snakes for five years. What’s more, another snake, this one a female copperhead snake gave birth to little ones without ever having mated with a male at all.
Muscling toward a longer life: Genetic aging pathway identified in flies
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a set of genes that act in muscles to modulate aging and resistance to stress in fruit flies.
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