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Science News for November 23, 2005


Avian flu in perspective: New England Journal article reviews 'spectacular' findings

Recent research findings on avian flu provide critical insight into the origin of pandemic influenza, highlighting two possible mechanisms: direct transmission from birds to humans or reassortment with human strains. This knowledge can help scientists track virus adaptation and inform global surveillance efforts and vaccine development.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 23, 2005

Family habits set drinking path

Researchers found that teenage children of mothers who drank one or more drinks a day had a twofold risk of problem drinking in young adulthood. Maternal depression and early teenage behavior increased the risk of alcohol disorders in young adults.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 23, 2005

JCI table of contents: November 23 2005

Researchers discovered cross-reactive T cells in patients with infectious mononucleosis, which stimulated excessive lymphocyte proliferation. Meanwhile, selectively killing regulatory T cells improved the efficacy of cancer vaccines by enhancing tumor-specific T cell responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 23, 2005