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Science News for July 3, 2006


Teen sexual assault survivors seldom complete HIV prevention therapy

A study found that only 15% of adolescent sexual assault survivors completed the full 28-day course of antiviral medications, highlighting difficulties in prescribing therapies to this population. The lack of adherence is attributed to factors such as unclear risk assessment and psychiatric conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Avoiding punishment is its own reward

A new study published in PLoS Biology found that avoiding punishment activates the same brain reward centers as receiving a reward. Researchers used fMRI to scan the brains of humans performing an instrumental conditioning task, where participants could either lose or win money. The results showed that the medial orbitofrontal cortex (...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 3, 2006

Gene expression in lung tumors

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that gene expression patterns in human lung tumors most similar to those seen in early mouse lung development stages predict poorer outcomes for lung cancer patients. The researchers developed a classification system based on genomic analysis, which may help improve treatment options.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Early drinking linked to risk for alcohol dependence

Individuals who begin drinking at a young age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence throughout their lives. A national survey found that 47% of those who started drinking before age 14 experienced alcohol dependence during their lifetimes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Children's health and human rights are at risk in Nepal

The situation of Nepalese children is dire, with over 1 in 11 dying before reaching the age of five, and almost 70,000 annual deaths from preventable causes. The ongoing conflict has disrupted healthcare delivery and education, exacerbating human rights violations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Experiments with fruit quality improvement lead to new approach for halting spread of cancer cells

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem isolated malignant tumor cells from their nutritional and oxygen supplies, inhibiting growth and stopping metastases. Actibind, a protein found in black mold, was shown to bind actin in human and animal cells, halting cell growth and reducing the ability of cancer cells to form new tumors.

A surprise about our body clock

Researchers discover that a specific gene mutation increases gene activity to speed up the internal clock, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding has significant implications for developing treatments for circadian rhythm disorders such as depression and insomnia.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2006

SARS vaccine development

Researchers developed a strategy combining two human monoclonal antibodies to combat SARS virus, offering potential breadth of protection against all strains and preventing escape variants. The study presents the characteristics of this antibody combination in cell-culture experiments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Mild sadness provokes depressive thinking in some recovered patients

A study found that mild sadness can provoke depressive thinking in some recovered patients, leading to a higher risk of relapse. Cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication were tested on 301 patients with major depressive disorder, showing that those who displayed greater cognitive reactivity were more likely to relapse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 3, 2006

The right kind of oil

Researchers have discovered that substituting Omegaven, an IV fat mixture made from fish oil, can prevent fat accumulation and liver injury in patients with parenteral nutrition. The study has shown promising results in treating liver disease in children and adults, with most patients experiencing complete resolution of the condition.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 3, 2006

JCI table of contents: July 3, 2006

Researchers found that Terry's brain underwent axonal re-growth, allowing for basic motor function and speech recovery. The study suggests a method to monitor brain function and track potential recovery in severely brain-damaged patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 3, 2006

Commonly recommended sedative does not improve infant sleep

A study found that diphenhydramine hydrochloride did not improve infant sleep or parents' happiness with their children's sleep. Parents who took the medication experienced no significant difference in nighttime awakenings or parental satisfaction with their child's sleep.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006

Healing the heart with bone marrow cells

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered bone marrow adult stem cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged hearts. The 'SOS' distress signal mobilizes these cells to stimulate new blood vessel growth and restore heart function.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 3, 2006

Trouble putting the kids to sleep?

A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that diphenhydramine, a widely used antihistamine, has no benefit in helping infants and toddlers sleep. The study involved 44 children aged 6-15 months and showed only 1 out of 22 children improved sleeping after using the drug.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 3, 2006