Newswise: Latest News

Novel Approach to Regulating Blood Sugar Levels in the Body

University Health Network (UHN) — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:05:00 EST

For the first time, scientists at the Toronto General Research Institute showed that targeting glucagon action in the brain may be a new frontier for regulating diabetes.

In Early Earth, Iron Helped RNA Catalyze Electron Transfer

Georgia Institute of Technology, Research Communications — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

A new study shows how complex biochemical transformations may have been possible under conditions that existed when life began on the early Earth. The study shows that RNA is capable of catalyzing electron transfer under conditions similar to those of the early Earth.

New Theory on Genesis of Osteoarthritis Comes with Successful Therapy in Mice

Johns Hopkins Medicine — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

Scientists have turned their view of osteoarthritis inside out. Instead of seeing the painful degenerative disease as a problem primarily of the cartilage that cushions joints, they now have evidence that the bone underneath the cartilage is also a key player and exacerbates the damage. Blocking the action of a critical bone regulation protein in mice halts progression of the disease.

Computational Tool Translates Complex Data into Simplified 2-Dimensional Images

Columbia University Medical Center — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

Researchers at Columbia University and Stanford University have developed a computational method that enables scientists to visualize and interpret "high-dimensional" data produced by single-cell measurement technologies such as mass cytometry. The method, published today in the online edition of Nature Biotechnology, has particular relevance to cancer research and therapeutics.

Ketamine Shows Significant Therapeutic Benefit in People with Treatment-Resistant Depression

Mount Sinai Medical Center — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Drug associated with rapid antidepressant effect in largest clinical trial to-date.

Consuming Coffee Linked to Lower Risk of Detrimental Liver Disease

Mayo Clinic — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:00:00 EST

Regular consumption of coffee is associated with a reduced risk of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), an autoimmune liver disease, Mayo Clinic research shows. The findings were being presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2013 conference in Orlando, Fla.

For Combat Veterans Suffering From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, "Fear Circuitry" in the Brain Never Rests

NYU Langone Medical Center — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:00:00 EST

Chronic trauma can inflict lasting damage to brain regions associated with fear and anxiety. Previous imaging studies of people with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, have shown that these brain regions can over-or under-react in response to stressful tasks.

Cracking the Ice Code

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST

UWM geologist John Isbell reads rock, looking for the natural rules that govern the Earth's climate in the absence of human activity. His work is challenging many assumptions about the ways drastic climate change unfolds - and what to expect next.

New Research Suggests Possible Direction for Treatment of Autism

American Psychological Association (APA) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:30:00 EST

In the first successful experiment with humans using a treatment known as sensory-motor or environmental enrichment, researchers documented marked improvement in young autistic boys when compared to boys treated with traditional behavioral therapies, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

America's Top Sports Dietitians Convene in St. Louis May 20-23 for 5th Annual Conference

Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST

All the Registered Dietitians in the U.S. that work fulltime in pro or college athletic programs ("Sports RDs") would fit comfortably in one Boeing 727. And most of them will be landing in St. Louis May 20th for the 5th annual conference of the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA) at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.

Progress in Correcting Drug Errors and Other Mistakes in Hospitals Too Slow to Assure Optimal Patient Safety

National Association for Healthcare Quality — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST

Dr. Patrick Stiff Named Chair of SWOG Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Committee

Loyola University Health System — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 EST

Dr. Patrick Stiff of Loyola University Medical Center has been named chair of a nationwide committee of cancer researchers who design and conduct clinical trials involving bone marrow and stem cell transplants.

Covering Bangladesh & Cambodia Factory Fires? UC Berkeley Professor Terry Taylor finds Safety Compliance Auditing is Counterproductive

University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST

Hopkins Nursing Bucks Trend on Faculty Hiring

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST

Seven new full-time faculty bring a wealth of experience, promise as the school does its part to fill the nursing gap.

Smithsonian Welcomes Hungary to the 2013 Folklife Festival

Smithsonian Institution — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:00 EST

This summer, visitors to the 47th annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival will experience the vitality and living traditions that define and sustain Hungary's unique culture. "Hungarian Heritage: Roots to Revival" will feature more than 100 participants from this 1,000-year-old country. Artists, dancers, craftspeople and cooks will share and celebrate the customs and traditions from every part of the country.

Graduates of Nation's Most Unique Health Sciences University Prepared to 'Care for Those in Harm's Way'

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:05:00 EST

More than 300 students in the nation's most unique health sciences university will graduate Saturday, May 18, 2013, in ceremonies at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C.

First Atlanta Science Festival Set for 2014

Georgia Institute of Technology — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

Atlanta residents of all ages will celebrate the science and technology of the region and its impact on our daily lives during the inaugural Atlanta Science Festival, March 22-29, 2014. With scientists, engineers and educators from local museums, corporations, K-12 schools and universities, the festival will host more than 40 different events for children and adults at venues across the city. Learn more at http://atlantasciencefestival.org

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Program to Raise Awareness of Global Language Loss

Smithsonian Institution — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

The United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that of the more than 7,000 languages in the world, nearly half of them are in danger of becoming extinct by the end of this century. The Smithsonian's Folklife Festival program "One World, Many Voices: Endangered Languages and Cultural Heritage" will focus attention on this urgent issue of global language loss by bringing together communities from around the world that are fighting to save their native tongues and cultural traditions.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Showcases African American Diversity, Style and Identity

Smithsonian Institution — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival showcases its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program "The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity." This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans.

Invasive Species: "Away-Field Advantage" Weaker Than Ecologists Thought

Smithsonian Institution — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:05:00 EST

For decades, ecologists have assumed the worst invasive species--such as brown tree snakes and kudzu--have an "away-field advantage." They succeed because they do better in their new territories than they do at home. A new study led by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center reveals that this fundamental assumption is not nearly as common as people might think.

Modern Lab Reaches Across the Ages to Resolve Plague DNA Debate

Northern Arizona University — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

A plague from 1,500 years ago--a reputed ancestor to the Black Death--found its way back to relevance via labs in Germany and at Northern Arizona University, which collaborated to resolve a debate: The Justinianic Plague that started in A.D. 541 can indeed be placed on the family tree of the disease.

Expert on Animal to Human Diseases: Drivers of Disease Outbreaks Linked to Agricultural and Environmental Change

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:50:00 EST

N.C. Coal Plant Emissions Might Play Role in State Suicide Numbers

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST

New research from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center finds that suicide, while strongly associated with psychiatric conditions, also correlates with environmental pollution.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center to Host Annual Meridian Health Research Day on June 11, 2013

Meridian Health — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST

Meridian Health's annual Research Day will take place at Jersey Shore University Medical Center on Tuesday, June 11, from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in Jersey Shore's Lance Auditorium.

Researchers Analyze How Spanish Smoking Relapse Booklets Are Distributed

Moffitt Cancer Center — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:00 EST

Researchers from Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida have evaluated how Florida health care and social service agencies distribute "Libres para Siempre" ("Forever Free(r)"), a Spanish smoking relapse prevention booklet series.