Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2005 - Page 2


Page 2 of 16

A persistent immune response to an acute viral infection

A study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that the body's T cell response to parvovirus B19 persists long after symptoms have cleared, contradicting previous assumptions about the virus. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development and treatment of this viral infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 31, 2005

Highlights from October ESA journals

New studies reveal that a significant portion of US species are threatened, with only 15% well-studied. Wandering albatrosses have an unique foraging strategy, catching prey in highly dispersed areas. Coral reefs can recover from nuclear tests within five years, but ecosystem integrity is crucial.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateOct 31, 2005

New brain tumor model developed

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a heretofore unknown role for the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor INK4C in medulloblastoma development. The study found that Ink4c inactivation cooperates with mutations in Patched to stimulate medulloblastoma formation, even when p53 is intact.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 30, 2005

What is the best treatment strategy for early rheumatoid arthritis?

Initial combination therapy with either prednisone or infliximab significantly reduces progression of radiographic joint damage and improves functional outcomes compared to DMARDs alone or step-up combination therapy. Patients treated with initial combination therapy also experience earlier relief from symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 28, 2005

Which drugs should health plans cover?

Experts from Group Health Research Institute outline five principles for making informed decisions on drug coverage, prioritizing true experiments, real health outcomes, and full ranges of alternatives. These evidence-based guidelines aim to protect patients and promote cost-effectiveness.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2005

Regular physical activity may strenghten knee cartilage

A study found that moderate exercise can improve knee cartilage strength and elasticity, reducing the progression of osteoarthritis. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce knee pain and stiffness, as well as improve functional performance tests.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 28, 2005

Medical news tips

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have found hormone therapy will not diminish the value of radiation for prostate cancer. Additionally, a leukemia drug shows modest benefits in suppressing PSA levels for some men with localized prostate cancer.

'Know thyself' — easier said than done

A recent study found that people generally overestimate their abilities and health risks, leading to poor decision-making in areas such as health management, education, and the workplace. This can have serious consequences, including underestimating susceptibility to health risks and overconfidence in professional competence.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateOct 28, 2005

What makes the brain tick, tick, tick. . .

Researchers at Duke University explore the neural mechanisms of interval timing, a fundamental process involved in tasks like walking, speech recognition, and learning. They propose a new model involving the 'coincidence detection' of oscillatory patterns, which integrates information from various brain structures.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateOct 28, 2005

Novel discovery of 'DCDC2' gene associated with dyslexia

Researchers identified the DCDC2 gene as a significant contributor to dyslexia, disrupting brain circuitry that enables reading. The study's findings have the potential to lead to early and accurate diagnoses, as well as more effective educational programs for individuals with dyslexia.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2005

Hepatitis C complicated by morphine withdrawal

Research by Chuan-Qing Wang and colleagues found that morphine withdrawal and precipitated withdrawal increase HCV replicon expression and inhibit IFN-alpha production in liver cells. This study suggests that opioid abuse may contribute to the chronicity of HCV infection and promote disease progression.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 28, 2005

Forsyth scientists identify a gene responsible for facial diversity

Researchers discover bmp4 gene plays key role in regulating craniofacial diversity, with implications for understanding human craniofacial defects and preserving species biodiversity. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying biodiversity and offers possibilities for exploring what genes make a head.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2005

UCLA study identifies $7 in societal savings for every $1 spent on drug abuse treatment

The study analyzed data from 2,567 clients and estimated cost of treatment for an individual, finding reductions in hospital inpatient, emergency room, and mental health services costs. The research team also discovered a significant reduction in the cost of victimization and other criminal activities, averaging $5,676.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHealth Services Research·DateOct 27, 2005