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Science News for March 1, 2006


Conference examines latest research on drug-induced liver injury

The conference focused on idiosyncratic DILI, a rare form of liver damage caused by genetic and non-genetic factors. Researchers aim to develop diagnostic tools to identify patients at risk, with studies examining DNA, lymphocytes, and serum samples from patients who have experienced and recovered from idiosyncratic DILI.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMar 1, 2006

Poor neighborhood conditions triple risk for disabilities

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that poor neighborhood conditions, such as noise and air quality, can increase the risk of disability in middle-aged African Americans by three times. The researchers assessed limitations in lower-body function among 563 participants living in St. Louis neighborhoods with ...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 1, 2006

Wellcome brain insights

Dr Jacquelyn Bond is studying the ASPM protein to understand its role in brain development and its connection to microcephaly. The research aims to uncover the pathways involved in brain development and determine how aberrations in these pathways lead to microcephaly.

UMaine researcher puts new date on early agriculture

A team of researchers has discovered evidence of cultivated corn in southern Peru dating back to around 3,600-4,000 years ago, challenging long-held beliefs about the origins of agriculture in the region. The discovery, made using microfossil analysis, also highlights the potential of this technique as a new tool for archeologists.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2006

Habitat microstructure drives salamander metamorphosis

A study published in BMC Biology found that Oklahoma salamanders metamorphose into more terrestrial adult forms in fine, tightly packed gravel streambeds and retain juvenile forms in large, loosely packed particles. The researchers discovered a strong negative correlation between small streambed sediments and paedomorphosis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 1, 2006

Smoking cessation delivered at-home proves effective

Home health care nurses using motivational enhancement counseling techniques significantly improved smoking cessation rates compared to standard care. Patients in the motivational enhancement group were more likely to quit and had lower cigarette consumption, highlighting the potential of this approach to promote public health.

SourceLifespan·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 1, 2006

Obesity and risk for death due to motor vehicle crashes

A study of over 22,000 drivers found that men with higher BMIs were at greater risk of death from front or left-side collisions, particularly at high speeds. The research suggests that obesity may pose a significant health risk for male drivers and highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve traffic safety policies.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 1, 2006

Inadequate prescribing practices lead to poor pain control in nursing home residents

A study found that less than half of residents with predictably recurrent pain were prescribed scheduled pain medication, highlighting the need for improved pain management practices. The use of evidence-based process measures is intended to address persistent problems in pain management and improve overall quality of life.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 1, 2006

Inflammatory biomarker helps identify progressive precancerous lesions in the lung

A study found that a high level of CRP is associated with an increased risk of developing progressive precancerous lesions in the lungs. The researchers believe that this inflammatory biomarker could help identify individuals at high risk for non-small cell lung cancer and potentially treat them with chemopreventive agents.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2006

Hit-and-run injury to the brain

Researchers tracked individuals infected with EBV, RRV, or Q fever and found post-infective fatigue syndrome lasting six months or longer. The study suggests that brain damage during acute infection phase may be responsible for chronic fatigue symptoms.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2006

Studies report findings on colorectal cancer screening methods and survival rates

Regular screening significantly reduces cancer deaths in families with hereditary Lynch syndrome, with a 70% decrease in mortality rates. Additionally, research finds that people with IBD-related CRC have similar prognoses as the general population, while a self-propelling colonoscope shows promise in efficient and safe detection.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: March 1, 2006

Researchers block C5a receptor to prevent or induce asthma-like symptoms in mice, identifying mechanism by which C5aR signaling prevents response. C5aR blockade also reduces severity of asthma-like symptoms after allergen exposure.

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

Computer simulation and lab synthesis sift through vast universe of possible molecules for the best

A team of researchers at Duke University has developed a computer-assisted method to find novel and superior materials by simulating and lab synthesizing vast universes of possible molecules. The technique, called LCAP, uses a universal property applicable to all molecules to identify optimal candidates for various applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 1, 2006

Update on tuberculosis -- 2005

The worldwide state of tuberculosis epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment is examined through research results published in 2005. TB remains a top cause of HIV-related mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, with high incidence rates among gold miners and those with recent M. tuberculosis infection.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2006

Stealth sharks to patrol the seas

Researchers have created a neural implant that can remotely control shark movements and decode their emotions. The technology has potential applications in understanding animal behavior, boosting research into paralysis, and even using sharks as stealth spies.

Depressive symptoms in adolescents associated with parental domestic violence

A study found that adolescent girls experienced the most depressive symptoms when recalling their parent needing medical attention due to domestic violence, while boys experienced increased symptoms when witnessing mutual violence between parents. The research highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and its impact on ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 1, 2006

Antibody therapy reduces asthma in mice

Researchers have found that C5aR blockade promotes Th2 sensitization upon first exposure to inhaled allergen, while during established inflammation suppresses the cardinal features of asthma. This study provides new insights into the role of the anaphylatoxin C5a receptor in type 2 immunity and asthma.

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

Procedure for irregular heartbeat gives long-lasting relief & improves quality of life

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly improved heart rhythm and quality of life for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. The procedure was effective in returning 74% of patients to normal rhythm, even in those with difficult-to-treat cases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 1, 2006