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Science News Archive May 2006 - Page 14


Page 14 of 15

Sentinel lymph node biopsy associated with better quality of life in breast cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that sentinel lymph node biopsy resulted in better arm function, improved quality of life, and faster recovery times compared to standard axillary lymph node dissection. Women who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy had a low recurrence rate and equivalent surviva...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 2, 2006

Why mice don't get cancer of the retina

Researchers found that in mice, proteins Rb and p107 compensate for each other in retinal progenitor cells, preventing deregulated proliferation that leads to retinoblastoma. In contrast, humans lack these compensatory mechanisms due to the main protein RB1, leading to retinoblastoma.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateMay 2, 2006

Incarcerated women more likely to use birth control when given in jail

A study found that incarcerated women are 14 times more likely to start using birth control when it's offered in prison. This suggests that easy access to contraceptives can empower women and prevent high-risk pregnancies. Despite this, barriers remain, including lack of insurance and housing after release.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 2, 2006

Americans less healthy than English

A study comparing health outcomes in US and English citizens reveals that Americans are much sicker than their English counterparts. The SES-health gradient appears equally strong in both self-reports and biological measures of health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 2, 2006

White House honors America's best

The US National Science Foundation recognized 100 exceptional middle and high school teachers with the 2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. These educators are praised for their focus on student learning, creative approaches to teaching, and ability to make complex concepts relevant to everyday life.

Nanotubes act as 'thermal velcro' to reduce computer-chip heating

Researchers at Purdue University have developed thermal interface materials with carbon nanotubes that conduct heat more efficiently than conventional materials. The nanotube-based interfaces can reduce the temperature rise of computer chips by up to 5 degrees Celsius, improving overall performance and reducing the risk of damage.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateMay 2, 2006

Fear of 'cooties' keeps shoppers from the till — study

A study found that consumers are less likely to buy a product if they believe it has been touched by someone else, with the value of the product being perceived as diminished. The researchers determined that disgust is the underlying reason for this phenomenon, and that its level increases with the perception of touch or use.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 2, 2006

Learning the language of DNA

The study reveals that genes use a broad distribution of start sites, allowing for subtle differences in species control. This knowledge could help explain why complex organisms like humans have more genes than simple ones despite similar numbers.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 2, 2006

Study results offer guidance in treatment

The largest clinical trial on pharmacologic and behavioral treatments for alcohol dependence shows that medication treatment significantly improves outcomes compared to placebo. The study also provides new safety data on prescription drugs naltrexone and acamprosate, suggesting a high degree of comfort for prescribing physicians.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateMay 2, 2006

Other highlights in the May 3 JNCI

Researchers found that only 75% of studies met basic criteria for evaluation, highlighting the need for improved reporting in clinical trials. Meanwhile, a lung cancer risk model was found to underestimate actual rates over a 10-year period, while an enzyme-based approach shows promise in killing glioma cells.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 2, 2006

Vaccine combined with short-term postexposure antibiotics protects monkeys from inhalational anthrax

Researchers found that a vaccine combined with short-term antibiotic treatment can protect nonhuman primates from inhalational anthrax. The study suggests that this combination may be crucial for successful defense against large-scale anthrax attacks, minimizing the risk of adverse events and improving public health management.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

Stem cell expansion

Researchers used HOXB4 to expand hematopoietic stem cells in monkeys, greatly improving their engraftment after radiation damage. The treatment could accelerate the recovery of patients with failed hematopoietic systems by expanding limited numbers of stem cells, such as those found in cord blood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 1, 2006

Biotech cotton provides same yield with fewer pesticides

A study by University of Arizona researchers found that biotech cotton produces similar yields to traditional cotton with fewer pesticides used. The study, which examined 81 commercial cotton fields in Arizona, revealed that growers using Bt cotton needed fewer applications of broad-spectrum insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

Air travel and pandemic flu

Researchers used mathematical modeling to simulate worldwide outbreaks and concluded that restrictions on air travel would achieve very little in controlling the spread of a new flu virus. Local measures such as vaccines and antiviral drugs could be more effective in controlling the spread of the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 1, 2006

Survey suggests parents' perceptions about children's access to household guns are often inaccurate

A survey of 314 pairs of parents and children aged 5-14 years found that many mothers are misinformed about the extent of their children's potential access to household guns. Despite discussing gun safety with their children, some parents reported that their children knew where the guns were stored or had handled firearms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 1, 2006