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Science News for February 1, 2006


Increased role for PET imaging could improve cancer care

PET imaging has shown to be a valuable tool in improving cancer care management by accurately assessing treatment outcomes and monitoring tumor response. Studies have demonstrated that PET can detect residual scar tissue rather than viable tumor, leading to changes in how PET is used in cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2006

New route to therapy for Rett syndrome?

Researchers have discovered a functional interaction between the genes MECP2 and BDNF, which could lead to new therapeutic opportunities for Rett syndrome patients. By modulating BDNF expression, it may be possible to delay or reverse disease progression.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 1, 2006

A step forward in the fight against bacterial infections

Researchers at VIB have discovered the mechanism behind reduced inflammation in mice, which produces just enough interferons to activate the immune system against bacteria. This finding is relevant to the quest for new therapeutics for bacterial infections and may provide a breakthrough in combating these deadly diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2006

Scientists discover genetic profile of an often-misdiagnosed chronic allergic disease of children

Researchers identified a specific set of genes expressed differently in individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis (EE), a chronic disease causing inflammation in the esophagus. The study found that eotaxin-3 levels were significantly higher in EE patients, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2006

JCI table of contents, February 1, 2006

A genetic mutation in a heart protein has been identified as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in African American infants. Diabetic patients may benefit from a nerve survival protein called GDNF to treat gastrointestinal disorders related to diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2006

Workshop on telemedicine for Africa

The European Space Agency's workshop on telemedicine for Africa aimed to demonstrate the relevance of space technology in improving and complementing African health service structures. The event highlighted the need for a comprehensive picture of opportunities for telemedicine via satellite services, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Principals' and foodservice directors' perceptions differ on food policy

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals that more principals than school foodservice directors reported enforced policies, but many expressed misconceptions about nutritional standards. The researchers found few school nutrition policies related to competitive foods, particularly in areas such ...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateFeb 1, 2006

Unraveling the viral mechanism

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how viruses infect cells using cryoelectron microscopy and computational methods. The study reveals the importance of proteins beyond the surface shell in binding to host cells, injecting DNA, and packaging it during virus formation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2006

All placebos not created alike

A study of 270 individuals with chronic arm pain found that patients receiving sham acupuncture reported a more significant decrease in pain and symptom severity than those receiving placebo pills. The results suggest the medical ritual of a device can deliver an enhanced placebo effect beyond that of a placebo pill.

Genetic cause of sudden infant death in African Americans

Researchers identified a common cardiac sodium channel variant, SCN5A S1103Y, as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in African Americans. The study provides new insights into the genetic causes of SIDS and highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2006