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Science News for January 3, 2005


IL-7 wipes out HIV-1 hideouts

Researchers have identified IL-7 as a potent and strain-specific inducer of latent HIV-1 cellular reservoirs in individuals on virally suppressive HAART. The growth factor stimulates HIV-1 activation from resting T cells, suggesting new approaches for HIV treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

JCI table of contents, 3 January 2005

Researchers identified a novel oncogene in Chernobyl residents with papillary thyroid cancer, resulting from the fusion of the AKAP9 and BRAF genes. This study provides evidence that chromosomal inversions are a common molecular lesion in post-Chernobyl thyroid cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

Health care costs higher for children with special health care needs

According to a study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) have significantly higher healthcare expenditures compared to their peers. The study found that CSHCN account for 42.1% of total medical care costs and 33.6% of total health care costs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005

Heart-stopping antibodies

Autoantibodies disrupt calcium ion fluctuations, leading to toxic build-up and cell death in heart cells. Researchers are searching for the binding target of these antibodies to develop a new way to identify women at risk for congenital heart block.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005

Jefferson virologists coax HIV out of hiding

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that interleukin-7 (IL-7) can stimulate latent HIV viruses, making them vulnerable to drugs and the immune system. The new technique may lead to improved treatments for HIV infection and could be a step towards complete viral eradication.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

Study links sexual behavior, genetic factors to increased risk of kidney infection in women under 50

A recent study by Group Health Research Institute has identified key risk factors for kidney infections in women under 50. The research found that frequent sexual intercourse, recent urinary tract infections, new sex partners, family history of UTIs, and spermicide use are associated with a higher risk of kidney infection.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005

The giant eagle of Middle Earth

Researchers at Oxford University extracted DNA from fossil eagle bones to study the extinct Haast's eagle, which was related to a small Australian wedge-tailed eagle. The eagle grew to be massive due to abundant prey and lack of predators.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 3, 2005

Mayo Clinic study suggests no link between autism and immunizations

A Mayo Clinic study analyzed data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and found a stable incidence of autism until 1988-1991, then increased with new diagnostic criteria and special education laws. Researchers identified 124 children meeting current diagnostic criteria for autism out of 3,000 with related diagnoses.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 3, 2005