Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for June 18, 2012:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Mexican jumping beans may influence robot design (w/ Video)- On the origin of music by means of natural selection
- Highways of the brain: High-cost and high-capacity
- BaBar experiment data hint at cracks in the Standard Model
- New sequencing method uses nanopores to detect DNA damage
- Team introduces breakthrough in understanding of high-temperature superconductivity
- In nanotube growth, errors are not an option
- MRI images show what the brain looks like when you lose self-control
- Reflected infrared light unveils never-before-seen details of Renaissance paintings
- Internet study links usage case with basket case
- Key part of plants' rapid response system revealed
- Researchers find two distinct strains in 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak
- Microsoft stirs buzz on possible iPad challenger (Update)
- Increase in Lyme disease mirrors drop in red fox numbers: study
- Researchers reveal crucial immune fighter role of the STING protein
Space & Earth news
Corporations pledge sustainability at Rio+20
Microsoft and other firms attending the Rio+20 business forum are falling over each other to prove their corporate responsibility credentials, but critics remain highly skeptical about their commitments.
First map of floating plastics to help save baby turtles
(Phys.org) -- A PhD student at The University of Western Australia is creating the first map to show the distribution of floating marine plastics in Australian waters, and models that chart the likely pathways of these plastics and sea turtle hatchlings.
Global research centre on ocean acid launched
The UN nuclear agency announced on Monday the creation of a new centre in Monaco to help coordinate international efforts to research and combat the serious environmental problem of ocean acidification.
New contract between science and society critical for ensuring sustainability
Ensuring a sustainable future in the face of inter-connected, human-induced challenges facing the Earth system urgently requires new knowledge and a new relationship between science and society, according to leading scientists gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
Countries should implement inclusive wealth accounting
A report released today provides a path forward for countries to implement inclusive wealth accounting - a better and more comprehensive wealth indicator than GDP.
US, others commit to restoring damaged forests
The United States, Rwanda and a coalition of Brazilian groups on Monday vowed to restore at least 18 million hectares (45 million acres) of damaged forests.
Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in Arctic coastal seas
The Arctic coastal seas absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to an ever-decreasing extent. This leads to an increase in the level in the atmosphere and an increase in the rate of warming in the Arctic. This is the conclusion from research carried out at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Dutch, Nordic bourses best on sustainability: report
Dutch, Danish and Finnish stock exchanges performed best in sustainability disclosures, according a report by the British asset management company Aviva Investors released at the Rio+20 conference Monday.
CEOs pledge sustainability, urge 'green revolution'
Business leaders gathered at a Rio+20 conference Monday pledged sustainable policies and joined a call for world leaders to usher in "a green industrial revolution" to save the planet.
China in first automatic, manned space docking
China completed its first automatic space docking on a manned mission Monday, before the three astronauts on board enter an orbiting module -- a key step towards the nation's first space station.
Italian super-eruption larger than thought
Recent research suggested that the super-eruption of the Campi Flegrei caldera volcano in southern Italy about 40,000 years ago may have played a part in wiping out, or forcing the migration of, the Neanderthal and modern human populations in the eastern Mediterranean regions that were covered in ash.
Langmuir circulation inhibits near-surface water turbulence
In the surface ocean, breaking waves are a major source of air bubbles and turbulent kinetic energy. During the presence of a consistent surface wind, these wave-generated bubbles, along with other surface material like seaweed or foam, can be drawn into long rows along the surface.
Seasonal algae plays critical role in North Pacific carbon uptake
The role of the North Pacific Ocean as a net carbon sink may prove to be more precarious than previously thought as researchers work to isolate the contributions of biological and physical processes to air-sea gas exchange. Scientists have long known that physical processes, such as the seasonally changing solubility of carbon dioxide in seawater, combine with a biological pump driven by seasonal shifts in phytoplankton growth to control the carbon dioxide flux in the region.
Astronomers pinpoint elusive galaxy - and find it is not alone
An international team of astronomers has for the first time determined the distance of the galaxy HDF850.1. The discovery challenges and expands our understanding of how galaxies are born and develop over time.
Delving inside Earth from space
(Phys.org) -- ESA astronaut André Kuipers is running experiments on the International Space Station that are shedding light on conditions deep inside Earth. Orbiting some 400 km above us, Geoflow is offering insights into the inner workings of our planet.
Why won't the supernova explode?
(Phys.org) -- Somewhere in the Milky Way, a massive old star is about to die a spectacular death. As its nuclear fuel runs out, the star begins to collapse under its own tremendous weight. Crushing pressure triggers new nuclear reactions, setting the stage for a terrifying blast. And then... nothing happens.
Million year old groundwater in Maryland water supply
A portion of the groundwater in the upper Patapsco aquifer underlying Maryland is over a million years old. A new study suggests that this ancient groundwater, a vital source of freshwater supplies for the region east of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, was recharged over periods of time much greater than human timescales.
NASA sees powerful Typhoon Guchol affecting Kadena Air Base
All hatches should be battened down at Kadena Air Base, Japan as NASA satellite imagery today, June 18, revealed the northern quadrant of Typhoon Guchol as already affecting the island.
NASA reveals heaviest rainfall in Tropical Storm Talim's southwestern side
Tropical Storm Talim was born today in the South China Sea, and NASA's TRMM satellite noticed the heaviest rainfall in the storm is occurring in the south and western quadrants of the storm. NASA's Aqua Satellite noticed that some of Talim's rainfall is reaching Vietnam.
Landsat sets the standard for maps of world's forests
NASA's Earth-observing fleet of satellites provides a worldwide and unbiased view with standardized scientific data -- information crucial for tracking the health of the world's forests.
China astronauts enter space module for first time (Update)
Three Chinese astronauts on Monday entered an orbiting module for the first time, in a move broadcast live on China's state television network and a key step towards the nation's first space station.
Geoscientist claims to have found mystery volcano that caused mighty 13th century blast
(Phys.org) -- For years, geoscientists have known that a volcano erupted sometime in the mid thirteenth century, with nearly unprecedented force. Skies were darkened and the entire planet experienced a temporary cooling. What’s not been known though, is which volcano it was and the exact year that it blew. Scientists have informally agreed that the event likely occurred in the year 1258. Now however geoscientist Franck Lavigne of Panthéon-Sorbonne University, is claiming that he has proof that the volcano actually erupted a year earlier than that, and what’s more, he says, he knows which volcano it was, but won’t say until his paper has been published in an as yet still unnamed journal.
Seeping Arctic methane has serious implications for Florida coastline: study
All of the methane escaping into the atmosphere causes more melting ice, oceanographer Jeff Chanton says, which causes sea levels to rise and could affect coastal real estate values -- sooner rather than later.
'Carbon capture' too risky, earthquake prone: study
A proposed method of cutting harmful carbon emissions in the atmosphere by storing them underground risks causing earthquakes and is unlikely to succeed, a US study said Monday.
Technology news
Study sheds light on prevention of heat stroke for outdoor workers
A pioneering study by researchers of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has shed light on the prevention of heat stroke for outdoor workers in a scientific manner. One of the major recommendations is to link up the Very Hot Weather Signal issued by the Hong Kong Observatory with additional breaks for outdoor workers on stuffy work days.
Carnegie Mellon spinoff receives funding to commercialize transit app
Tiramisu Transit LLC, a Carnegie Mellon University spinoff, has received Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to commercialize Tiramisu, the smartphone application that enables transit riders to create real-time information about bus schedules and seating.
NXP releases smallest, toughest power MOSFETs
NXP Semiconductors today released its new LFPAK33 portfolio – a range of high switching performance MOSFETs available in an ultra-reliable 3.3-mm x 3.3-mm power package. Unlike many MOSFET packages of this size, LFPAK33 has been designed from the ground up to be a tough power solution. Incorporating copper clip and solder die attach technologies, it features a market-leading junction temperature of 175 degrees Celsius. Nine LFPAK33 power MOSFET types are available immediately.
Facebook launches page for all things Olympics
(AP) — Facebook on Monday launched an official London Olympics page for fans to connect with their favorite athletes and teams, a move it says can help make this summer's games the first "truly social" one.
Politics prime target in take-down requests: Google
Political commentary remains a prime target as governments increase the number of requests for Google to remove material from the reach of Internet users.
New Samsung chief vows more focus on software
The new chief executive of South Korean giant Samsung Electronics stressed Monday the need for more investment on software to maintain the company's lead in the fast-changing technology industry.
Russians design blockbuster video games in Siberia woods
In a decrepit building in the wild woodlands of Siberia, young designers work on an online video game that will soon hit the global market.
Japanese researchers achieve world record cryptanalysis of next-generation cryptography
Fujitsu Laboratories, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology and Kyushu University jointly broke a world cryptography record with the successful cryptanalysis of a 278-digit (923-bit)-long pairing-based cryptography, which is now becoming the next generation cryptography standard.
Renewable energy use surged worldwide last year
Renewable energy reached a big milestone in 2011, surging to a record $257 billion in global investments, the U.N. Environment Program announced, up 17 percent from 2010 and a sixfold increase over the past seven years. The figure also marks a breakthrough for the solar power industry, which drew nearly twice as much investment as wind energy last year, according to reports from the U.N. and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21).
Yahoo hires chief revenue officer to spur ad sales
(AP) — Yahoo is turning to a former colleague of its interim CEO to oversee the troubled Internet company's efforts to sell more online advertising.
Facebook buys facial-recognition tech company
(AP) — Facebook is bringing one of its long-term vendors, facial-recognition technology company Face.com, in-house.
Tokyo to test-drill for oilfield in Sea of Japan
Japan plans to test-drill in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) next year where a potentially "large-scale" oilfield has been found, a news report said Monday.
FlyNano electric sea plane takes first test flight
(Phys.org) -- A single-seat carbon-fiber airplane designed for water operations and proposed as a “fun flyer” has taken its first test flight at Finland’s Lake Hepari. The June test flight comes after more than a year since its introduction at an air show in Germany in 2011. The earlier FlyNano was showcased as a single-occupant petrol/electric microlight amphibious aircraft. The new FlyNano has undergone key changes to advance its readiness for takeoff. Gone are the petrol-engine models. The new engine, propeller, controller and batteries combine to produce a stronger model than the earlier structure.
Sharper ultrasound images could improve diagnostics (w/ Video)
Ultrasound images, known as sonograms, have become a familiar part of pregnancy, allowing expectant parents a view of their unborn child. But new research at MIT could improve the ability of untrained workers to perform basic ultrasound tests, while allowing trained workers to much more accurately track the development of medical conditions, such as the growth of a tumor or the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Researchers develop prototype automated pavement crack detection and sealing system
Sealing cracks in roadways ensures a road's structural integrity and extends the time between major repaving projects, but conventional manual crack sealing operations expose workers to dangerous traffic and cover a limited amount of roadway each day.
Facebook pays $10 million to settle ad suit
Facebook will pay $10 million to settle a lawsuit from users who claimed their names, images and other information were improperly used in advertising described as "sponsored stories," court documents showed.
Microsoft stirs buzz on possible iPad challenger (Update)
Microsoft kept the tech world buzzing Monday ahead of a mysterious announcement which has fueled speculation the software giant may unveil a product to challenge the Apple iPad.
Internet study links usage case with basket case
(Phys.org) -- You may have had to think about the Internet as a place where your Web usage puts a pricetag on your head and you are treated with ads assuming you are a likely customer. Now you need to think about the Internet as a place where your Web usage may land you on the books as mentally imbalanced. Sriram Chellappan and Raghavendra Kotikalapudi are two researchers who suggest the way one uses the Internet says something about the user’s mental well-being. Chellappan is an assistant professor of computer science at Missouri University of Science and Technology and Kotikalapudi is a computer science graduate.
On the origin of music by means of natural selection
Do away with the DJ and scrap the composer. A computer program powered by Darwinian natural selection and the musical tastes of 7,000 website users may be on the way to creating a perfect pop tune, according to new research published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Mexican jumping beans may influence robot design (w/ Video)
(Phys.org) -- Most animals move around by using their appendages, such as legs, wings, or fins. But a few exceptional creatures employ rolling as a mode of locomotion. Included in this group are rolling salamanders, spiders, caterpillars, and Mexican jumping beans. In a new study, researchers have investigated the seemingly random motion of Mexican jumping beans, which are not actually beans but hollow seeds containing moth larva, and found that their motion is not entirely random. The researchers developed an algorithm of the beans’ behavior, which they then used to program rolling robots to move in a controlled direction.
Medicine & Health news
Top court ruling on US health reforms hotly anticipated
With the US Supreme Court set to rule within days on the constitutionality of President Barack Obama's health care reforms many Americans are fearful of the political fallout of the decision.
Online alcohol threat to Britain's youth revealed
(Medical Xpress) -- A new report published last week, by independent auditors of underage sales Serve Legal and Plymouth University, warns that online alcohol sales and purchasing by friends and family are creating a significant and emerging battleground in the fight against underage drinking.
ILR survey finds HR pros value disability focus
(Medical Xpress) -- Disability-focused employee networks are key to retaining and advancing workers with disabilities, according to ILR School research released with the Society for Human Resource Management June 7. Such employee affinity groups are "very effective," according to 54 percent of human resource professionals surveyed by ILR's Employment and Disability Institute; another 20 percent ranked them "somewhat effective."
Crying for science
Work is underway to discover whether human tears can play a role in the early diagnosis of breast and prostate cancer, as well as confirming if a person has a predisposition to developing the diseases.
Screening helps early diagnosis of bowel cancer
(Medical Xpress) -- Patients who attend bowel screening are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage - when there is a better chance of survival - than those who wait until they have symptoms of the disease.
Penn researcher looks at infertility's impact on women
(Medical Xpress) -- For a woman who is unable to bear children, the pain of infertility extends far into her everyday life and can impact her relationships with family and friends for years.
Family first – caring within UK Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities
Over the next 20 years the proportion of older people living within the Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities in the UK will increase significantly. Most expect that their immediate family, particularly female family members, will provide the majority of care for them in their old age, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Bioinformatics researchers explore additional coding potential hidden in the human genome
Sequencing the human genome was just the first step. The next challenge is of the kind that makes history: to decode the genome, and understand how the information needed to construct a human being can be packaged into a single molecule. And there are a lot more than loose ends in the way of a solution. A group of bioinformatics experts at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) in Madrid have published findings which point to still unexplored coding potential within the genome.
BGI, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia launch the 1,000 Rare Diseases Project
BGI, the world's largest genomics organization, and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) today announced that they have jointly initiated the 1,000 Rare Diseases Project with the aim of accelerating the discovery of genetic variants underlying rare diseases.
Children, brain development and the criminal law
The legal system needs to take greater account of new discoveries in neuroscience that show how a difficult childhood can affect the development of a young person's brain which can increase the risk adolescent crimes, according to researchers. The research will be presented as part of an Economic and Social Research Council seminar series in conjunction with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.
Presidential candidates should address childhood obesity and bullying, poll says
During this presidential election season, there will be plenty of debate between the candidates on the issues. But when it comes to childhood health concerns, a new poll shows many adults agree on the top priorities they want to see the candidates address: childhood obesity and bullying.
Experts recommend men at risk for osteoporosis undergo bone density testing
Osteoporosis in men causes significant morbidity and mortality. Today, the Endocrine Society released clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for management of this condition in men. "Osteoporosis in Men: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline," is published in the June 2012 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM), a publication of The Endocrine Society.
The neurological basis for fear and memory
Fear conditioning using sound and taste aversion, as applied to mice, have revealed interesting information on the basis of memory allocation.
Canadian teen moms run higher risk of abuse, depression than older mothers
(Edmonton) Teen mothers are far more likely to suffer abuse and postpartum depression than older moms, according to a study of Canadian women's maternity experiences by a University of Alberta researcher.
Survey finds surgical interns concerned about training duty-hour restrictions
A survey of surgical interns suggests many of them believe that new duty-hour restrictions will decrease continuity with patients, coordination of care and time spent operating, as well as reduce their acquisition of medical knowledge, development of surgical skills and overall educational experience, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of Surgery.
Alzheimer's patients experience adverse outcomes, delirium
The state of acute confusion and disorientation known as delirium can stem from a serious illness, surgery or infection, and often develops while patients are in the hospital. Now a new study confirms that for patients with Alzheimer's disease, hospitalization and delirium pose a particular risk and can lead to adverse outcomes, including hastened cognitive decline, institutionalization and death.
The weight of nations: An estimation of adult human biomass
The world population is over seven billion and all of these people need feeding. However, the energy requirement of a species depends not only on numbers but on its average mass. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Public Health has estimated the total mass of the human population, defined its distribution by region, and the proportion of this biomass due to the overweight and obesity.
Safer grilling methods might cut cancer risk
(HealthDay) -- A few simple changes in how people grill outdoors, such as avoiding too much beef or processed meats and not charring foods, can aid in cancer prevention, according to an expert.
Mango peel helps you stay slimmer
(Medical Xpress) -- It might not be the tastiest part of the fruit, but for anyone wanting to look their best this summer they should think about new ways of eating mango.
New surgical technique may reverse paralysis, restore use of hand
Justin M. Brown, MD, reconstructive neurosurgeon at UC San Diego Health System, is one of only a few specialists in the world who have pioneered a novel technique to restore hand function in patients with spinal cord injury. In a delicate four-hour procedure, Brown splices together tiny nerve endings, only one millimeter in width, to help restore hand mobility. Most patients return home 24 hours after surgery.
Faulty PIP breast implants not toxic: British authorities
Faulty breast implants made by PIP, the French company that sparked a global health scare, do not pose any long-term medical threats, British health authorities said in a final report Monday.
Early screening alone is not enough to give children language boost
(Medical Xpress) -- Pre-school children should be more closely monitored by health and early years professionals to try and identify potential language problems, new research suggests.
Inexpensive approach to preventing type 2 diabetes shows promise in new study
(Medical Xpress) -- A simple, inexpensive method for preventing type 2 diabetes that relies on calling people and educating them on the sort of lifestyle changes they could make to avoid developing the disease has proven effective in a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the City of Berkeley Department of Public Health.
Identification of a novel target for glioblastoma treatment
(Medical Xpress) -- A recent study from scientists at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research has identified a novel target for the treatment of malignant brain tumors. The scientists found that the Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) is highly expressed in human brain tumors but absent from normal adult brain tissue. MerTK not only increases the invasive potential of brain tumor-derived cells but also promotes their survival when treated with chemotherapeutics. Conversely, the authors demonstrate that loss of MerTK strongly reduces the invasive capacity of tumor cells, making it an attractive target for future brain tumor therapies.
Scientists discover mechanism that promotes lung cancer growth and survival
A multi-institutional research study has uncovered a new mechanism that may lead to unique treatments for lung cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
New cerebellar ataxia gene identified in dogs
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Folkhälsan Research Center, Finland, have identified the genetic cause of early-onset progressive cerebellar degeneration the Finnish Hound dog breed. The study, led by Professor Hannes Lohi, revealed a new disease mechanism in cerebellar degeneration. A mutation was identified in the SEL1L gene, which has no previous link to inherited cerebellar ataxias.
Atrial fibrillation: Flec-SL trial proves efficacy of short-term antiarrhythmic drug treatment
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently sustained arrhythmia of the heart. It affects several million people in Europe. AF causes a loss of contraction in the atria and gives rise to heart failure. Moreover, it is associated with a high risk of stroke. One in five strokes is due to AF.
Expanding waistlines threaten planet: researchers
If the human race keeps growing fatter at American rates, the Earth may face a rise in food demand equal to that of nearly a billion extra people, British researchers warned on Monday.
More ADHD drugs, fewer antibiotics for US kids: study
More drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and fewer antibiotics are being prescribed to US children and teenagers compared to a decade ago, said a US study on Monday.
Weight-loss surgery increases alcohol use disorders over time
Adults who had a common bariatric surgery to lose weight had a significantly higher risk of alcohol use disorders (AUD) two years after surgery, according to a study by a National Institutes of Health research consortium.
Outcomes for children after brain injury difficult to predict and highly variable
Outcomes for children with brain injury acquired during childhood are difficult to predict and vary significantly, states an analysis of evidence on the topic published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Psychological distress increases risk of death from stroke
Psychological distress was associated with a higher risk of death from stroke, according to a study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Fish shed light on human melanoma
A transparent member of the minnow family is providing researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City with insight into human melanoma – a form of skin cancer – that may lead to new or repurposed drug treatments, for skin and other cancers.
Peaches, plums, nectarines give obesity, diabetes slim chance
Peaches, plums and nectarines have bioactive compounds that can potentially fight-off obesity-related diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to new studies by Texas AgriLife Research.
Device implanted in brain has therapeutic potential for Huntington's disease
Studies suggest that neurotrophic factors, which play a role in the development and survival of neurons, have significant therapeutic and restorative potential for neurologic diseases such as Huntington's disease. However, clinical applications are limited because these proteins cannot easily cross the blood brain barrier, have a short half-life, and cause serious side effects. Now, a group of scientists has successfully treated neurological symptoms in laboratory rats by implanting a device to deliver a genetically engineered neurotrophic factor directly to the brain. They report on their results in the latest issue of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience.
Pediatric regime of chemotherapy proves more effective for young adults
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), usually found in pediatric patients, is far more rare and deadly in adolescent and adult patients. According to the National Marrow Donor Program, child ALL patients have a higher than 80 percent remission rate, while the recovery rate for adults stands at only 40 percent.
Mental imagery doesn't improve surgeon performance
(HealthDay) -- Mental imagery (MI) training does not result in an improvement in objective surgical assessment of novice gynecological surgeons performing vaginal hysterectomies (VHs), but does correlate with improvements in resident self-confidence, according to a study published online June 7 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Coexistent lumbar disorders complicate hip arthroplasty
(HealthDay) -- Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) who have coexistent lumbar spine disorders (LSDs) do not report as much improvement in pain and function after arthroplasty compared with patients without lumbar disorders, according to a study published in the May issue of The Spine Journal.
Patient-Rated elbow evaluation most responsive instrument
(HealthDay) -- The Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation form (PREE) is the most responsive instrument to identify and quantify elbow joint-specific changes before and after total elbow arthroplasty, according to a study published online June 5 in Arthritis Care & Research.
Sleep apnea severity linked to glycated hemoglobin levels
(HealthDay) -- For adults without diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity is independently associated with impaired glucose metabolism, as measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, according to a study published online June 11 in Diabetes Care.
Sports-related kidney injuries rare in high school athletes
(HealthDay) -- Sports-related kidney injuries occur significantly less frequently than other injuries in high school athletes, according to a study published online June 18 in Pediatrics.
Infant vaccination 'delays' triple in Oregon: study
(HealthDay) -- Oregon has seen a sharp rise in the number of parents who are delaying infant vaccinations, a trend that experts warn raises the risk of outbreaks of serious, even deadly, diseases.
Ergonomic chairs make long office hours bearable
It's a scenario that many of us have had the misfortune of experiencing: lower back pain, shoulder strain, a cramped neck and a general sense of malaise that stems from spending an average of 8.9 hours per day sitting in an office chair that offers little or no support to the parts of our body that need it most. No, it's not necessarily those five doughnuts that you scarfed down during that 9 a.m. staff meeting that will kill you (although they certainly don't help), it's that shoddy, ill-fitting office chair.
Psoriasis increases risk of diabetes: study
Psoriasis is an independent risk for Type 2 Diabetes, according to a new study by researchers with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, with the greatest risk seen in patients with severe psoriasis. Researchers estimate that an additional 115,500 people will develop diabetes each year due to the risk posed by psoriasis above and beyond conventional risk factors. The research is published in the latest issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Doctors cite concern for patients, colleagues top motives for working sick
An unwavering work ethic is a hallmark of many health professionals. But a new survey finds that when a doctor is sick, staunch dedication can have unintended consequences.
Living alone puts people with heart problems at risk for death
According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately one in seven American adults live alone. Social isolation and lack of social support have been linked to poor health outcomes. Now a new study at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) shows that living alone may be a risk factor for death, especially death due to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke.
Minimally invasive approach to weight-loss surgery reduces complications, study shows
A study by researchers at Stanford University Medical Center has found that a popular weight-loss operation is safer and reduces hospital bills when done with minimally invasive techniques rather than open surgery, which requires a large abdominal incision.
Too much salt may damage blood vessels, lead to high blood pressure
Eating a high-salt diet for several years may damage blood vessels — increasing your risk of developing high blood pressure, according to research reported in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. People with this type of blood vessel damage who eat a high-salt diet
More hospitalizations, higher charges, for kids with high blood pressure
Hospitalizations for children with high blood pressure and related charges dramatically increased during 10 years ending in 2006, according to a study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension.
Microbiome analysis helps understand cause of chronic sinus condition, suggests cure
A study of the microbiome of the human nose provides clues to the cause of a chronic sinus condition and potential strategy for a cure. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco report their findings today at the 2012 General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
Study links loneliness in older individuals to functional decline, death
Loneliness in individuals over 60 years of age appears associated with increased risk of functional decline and death, according to a report published Online First by Archives of Internal Medicine.
Study suggests laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery appears to be safer than open procedure
A study that examined national outcome differences between laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass suggests that the minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure was associated with greater safety and used fewer resources because of shorter hospital stays and less cost, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of Surgery.
Diabetes, poor glucose control associated with greater cognitive decline in older adults
Among well-functioning older adults without dementia, diabetes mellitus (DM) and poor glucose control among those with DM are associated with worse cognitive function and greater cognitive decline, according to a report published Online First by Archives of Neurology, a JAMA Network publication.
Study suggests link between smoking, increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Smoking appears to be associated with an increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer, according to a report of a meta-analysis and review of available medical literature published Online First by Archives of Dermatology.
Study examines chronic inflammation in oral cavity and HPV status of head and neck cancers
Among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, a history of chronic inflammation in the mouth (periodontitis, i.e. gum disease) may be associated with an increased risk of tumors positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), according to a report published Online First by Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery.
Cheaper AMD drug could lead to serious eye issues
A Queen's University study of two eye drugs used to treat wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) has determined the cheaper of the two could lead to eye inflammation, a potentially blinding adverse effect.
Social-class discrimination contributes to poorer health: study
Discrimination felt by teenagers based on their social class background can contribute to physiologic changes associated with poorer health, according to a new study published online in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
Buying life experiences to impress others removes happiness boost
Spending money on activities and events, such as concert tickets or exotic vacations, won't make you happier if you're doing it to impress others, according to findings published in the Journal of Happiness Studies.
Survival rates lower for heart transplant patients whose arteries reclose after stenting
Heart transplant patients are notorious for developing an aggressive form of coronary artery disease that can often result in heart failure, death or the need for repeat transplantation. The condition can also have a negative impact on future cardiac procedures, such as stenting.
Arthritis treatment linked to liver problems in study
(HealthDay) -- A "medical food" called Limbrel, which doctors prescribe to treat osteoarthritis of the knee, was linked to several cases of liver disease in a small study, but the effects so far seem to be rare and easily reversible.
High cholesterol diet found to help mice afflicted with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease
(Medical Xpress) -- In people and most animals, the nerves that carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another must have a protective coating (called a myelin sheath) to allow signals to travel properly. When problems arise that prevent the sheath from forming, a variety of symptoms occur depending on the part of the body impacted. When it happens in the brain, the result is generally fatal. Such is the case with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, where the duplication of the proteolipid protein gene 1 (PLP1) causes the over-expression of the protein in myelin (PLP) which leads to it becoming stuck inside the cells, thus preventing the sheath from being created; sadly, very little can be done for patients with the disease. Now new hope is on the horizon as researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Germany have found that feeding mice that have been genetically altered to give them Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, show improvements when fed a diet high in cholestero! l. The team has published the results of their study in the journal Nature Medicine.
Antitoxin strategy may help target other pathogens
Researchers have unveiled a novel strategy for neutralizing unwanted molecules and clearing them from the body.
Study shows no evidence medical marijuana increases teen drug use
While marijuana use by teens has been increasing since 2005, an analysis of data from 1993 through 2009 by economists at three universities has found no evidence to link the legalization of medical marijuana to increased use of the drug among high school students.
Researchers find two distinct strains in 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak
A new study by an international team of scientists led by researchers from the Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of Maryland, College Park, and CosmosIDTM Inc., College Park, have found two distinct strains of cholera bacteria may have contributed to the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak. The team published its results June 18, 2012 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
MRI images show what the brain looks like when you lose self-control
New pictures from the University of Iowa show what it looks like when a person runs out of patience and loses self-control.
Discovery helps mice beat urinary tract infections
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found new clues to why some urinary tract infections recur persistently after multiple rounds of treatment.
Coenzyme Q10 study indicates promise in Huntington's treatment
A new study shows that the compound Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) reduces oxidative damage, a key finding that hints at its potential to slow the progression of Huntington disease. The discovery, which appears in the inaugural issue of the Journal of Huntington's Disease, also points to a new biomarker that could be used to screen experimental treatments for this and other neurological disorders.
Brothers in arms: Commensal bacteria help fight viruses
Healthy humans harbor an enormous and diverse group of bacteria and other bugs that live within their intestines. These microbial partners provide beneficial aid in multiple ways – from helping digest food to the development of a healthy immune system. In a new study published online in the journal Immunity, David Artis, PhD, associate professor of Microbiology, and Michael Abt, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Artis lab, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, show that commensal bacteria are also essential to fight off viral infections.
Researchers reveal crucial immune fighter role of the STING protein
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have unlocked the structure of a key protein that, when sensing certain viruses and bacteria, triggers the body's immediate immune response.
Highways of the brain: High-cost and high-capacity
A new study proposes a communication routing strategy for the brain that mimics the American highway system, with the bulk of the traffic leaving the local and feeder neural pathways to spend as much time as possible on the longer, higher-capacity passages through an influential network of hubs, the so-called rich club.
Biology news
Mobile MITEs jump to fame in gene regulation
Moving genetic elements from one location to another in a genome makes for a very dynamic situation in terms of development and disease. An EU project has investigated a special type of micro transposable element and its impact on neighboring genes.
Predicting when plants face extinction threat
(Phys.org) -- Drawn to dense stands of wildflowers in search of food, bees and other pollinators carry pollen between plants and provide a vital service for the survival of many plant species.
Researchers search for viruses to save honeybees
In an effort to save the dwindling honeybee population researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas are looking to viruses to help treat one of the most destructive and widespread bee brood diseases in the United States. They report their findings today at the 2012 General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
Carbon is key for getting algae to pump out more oil
(Phys.org) -- Overturning two long-held misconceptions about oil production in algae, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory show that ramping up the microbes’ overall metabolism by feeding them more carbon increases oil production as the organisms continue to grow. The findings — published online in the journal Plant and Cell Physiology on May 28, 2012 — may point to new ways to turn photosynthetic green algae into tiny “green factories” for producing raw materials for alternative fuels.
Study shows black bears able to "count"
(Phys.org) -- Most people who have worked with black bears tend to believe the animals are pretty smart compared to say dogs or cats; others who have seen them in action, e.g. riding a unicycle in a circus, tend to agree. But, oddly enough, very little actual research has been done to find out just where black bears sit on the animal kingdom’s brainiac scale. Now a pair of researchers in the US has decided to change that by testing some captive black bears to see how they measure up against other animals in discerning the difference in the numbers of things. They have written a paper describing their findings and have had it published in the journal Animal Behavior.
Increase in Lyme disease mirrors drop in red fox numbers: study
A continued increase of Lyme disease in the United States, once linked to a recovering deer population, may instead be explained by a decline of the red fox, UC Santa Cruz researchers suggest in a new study.
Key part of plants' rapid response system revealed
Science has known about plant hormones since Charles Darwin experimented with plant shoots and showed that the shoots bend toward the light as long as their tips, which are secreting a growth hormone, aren't cut off.
Clues to nervous system evolution found in nerve-less sponge
UC Santa Barbara scientists turned to the simple sponge to find clues about the evolution of the complex nervous system and found that, but for a mechanism that coordinates the expression of genes that lead to the formation of neural synapses, sponges and the rest of the animal world may not be so distant after all. Their findings, titled "Functionalization of a protosynaptic gene expression network," are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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