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Science News for January 19, 2006


UNC, Virginia Tech create digital library curriculum

The collaboration aims to develop and field-test individual lessons/modules that can be incorporated within courses or used to support entire courses. The project's deliverables will benefit digital library users with improved understanding of those who build the next generation of digital library systems.

Heart-healthy compound in chocolate identified

The study found that epicatechin, a flavanol present in cocoa, is directly linked to improved circulation and other hallmarks of cardiovascular health. Volunteers from the Kuna Indians, who consume large amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa, had higher levels of urinary nitric oxide compared to their mainland counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2006

Nuclear medicine imaging allows prediction of breast cancer patients' response to hormonal treatment

Belgian and Italian researchers developed a new imaging technique that can predict breast cancer patients' response to hormonal treatment with high accuracy. The technique uses 99mTc-depreotide scintigraphy to assess hormone sensitivity in tumors, allowing for early selection of patients likely to benefit from hormonal therapy.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 19, 2006

JCI table of contents: January 19, 2006

Researchers have identified a new vitamin D-related compound that inhibits the production of c-Fos protein, which plays a key role in bone breakdown and resorption. In contrast, a nuclear protein called Tlx acts as an oxygen-sensing switch to regulate angiogenesis in retinal astrocytes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2006

Obesity lawsuits – lessons learned from tobacco litigation

A review of history and lessons from tobacco litigation inform the evaluation of potential litigation strategies against the food industry. The authors argue that public health lawsuits can encourage food companies to improve nutritional content and change marketing practices, ultimately addressing obesity issues.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 19, 2006

Low-level heat wrap therapy safely reduces low back pain and improves mobility in the workplace

Researchers found that using a low-level heat wrap therapy (CLHT) for three consecutive days significantly reduced pain intensity and improved pain relief, with benefits maintained in the follow-up period. The study showed CLHT to be a safe and effective alternative for treating acute low back pain.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 19, 2006