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Science News for October 5, 2004


Fewer arrests, auto accidents and ER visits among young adults counseled for high-risk drinking

A randomized clinical trial found that brief alcohol counseling resulted in long-term reductions in high-risk drinking behaviors and adverse events among young adults. Counseling led to a 40-50% decrease in alcohol use and a significant reduction in emergency department visits, auto accidents, and arrests.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateOct 5, 2004

Study recommends education level be added to CHD treatment guidelines

A prospective cohort study found that patients with less than 12 years of education have a higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease, similar to other traditional risk factors. This suggests incorporating educational level into CHD treatment guidelines may facilitate individualized treatment and reduce socioeconomic disparities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateOct 5, 2004

New biosensor rapidly detects deadly foodborne pathogen

Purdue researchers develop a new optical biosensor that can detect minute quantities of Listeria monocytogenes in less than 24 hours. The sensor is selective enough to recognize only the species monocytogenes and has improved detection capabilities compared to existing commercial test kits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 5, 2004

Protein energy profiles offer clues about amyloids

Researchers developed a new technique to predict which proteins are prone to misfold and at what point the folding process breaks down. This could help identify causes of amyloid-related diseases and provide insights into more prevalent conditions like cancer and heart disease.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateOct 5, 2004

Arylamine exposure related to bladder cancer risk

A case-control study of 300 bladder cancer patients and 300 control subjects found higher levels of arylamine-hemoglobin adducts in cancer patients than in control subjects. The findings suggest exposure to arylamines is a causal factor for most cases of bladder cancer in humans, with potential non-smoking-related sources identified.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 5, 2004

Dying cells encourage neighbors to grow

Researchers discover that apoptotic cells induce compensatory proliferation in fruit fly tissue, promoting cell growth through specific signaling cascades. This phenomenon has implications for understanding cancer and hyperplasia, highlighting the importance of regulating apoptosis.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 5, 2004