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Science News Archive May 2006 - Page 15


Page 15 of 15

Immune systems in breast cancer survivors who suffer from fatigue fail to shut off after therapy

Researchers at UCLA discovered that breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins in their blood. Behavioral interventions like tai chi and yoga may help alleviate the fatigue, which affects about a third of breast cancer survivors for years after treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 1, 2006

Medical journals should ban drug adverts, say researchers

Researchers argue that medical journals' reliance on pharmaceutical advertising compromises their credibility, as advertisements often prioritize profitable drugs over others. They propose that journals consider alternative revenue sources to maintain objectivity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 1, 2006

More careful 'aiming' of CT cuts down on radiation without compromising image quality

A recent study found that extending localizer radiographs and extra axial images beyond defined levels increases radiation exposure. Limiting these areas can significantly reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality. The researchers discovered that a total of 562 extra images were acquired in the studied examinations.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 1, 2006

National survey estimates prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adolescents

A national survey found that approximately 134,071 US adolescents have type 2 diabetes, with 39,005 having the condition and 2,769,736 having impaired fasting glucose levels. The study suggests a significant public health concern among this age group due to the high conversion rate from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes.

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

Image-guided biopsy can help patients avoid unnecessary kidney removal

The study found that more than 60% of patients experienced a change in their treatment plan due to biopsy results, while as many as 75 unnecessary kidney removals were potentially avoided. The image-guided biopsy technique showed higher success rates compared to old techniques, allowing for better tissue sampling and accurate diagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: May 1, 2006

Researchers identify EP1R as a key player in failed asthma treatments, revealing its interaction with beta2-adrenergic receptors. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing selective drugs to treat severe asthma in individuals who don't respond to current therapies.

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

Perfectionist fathers can reinforce tendencies

A Penn State study found that perfectionist fathers can reinforce negative eating habits in their sons and daughters, which can lead to anorexia and other clinical illnesses. The researchers suggest that treating maladaptive eating disorders requires a focus on the patient's relational network, including communication with parents.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Communication·DateMay 1, 2006

UCSB researchers discover new biotechnology to identify and engineer substrates for proteases

UCSB researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding proteases by developing a general combinatorial approach to identify optimal substrates. This technology has the potential to regulate protein function, enabling the development of pharmaceuticals that control protease activity. With nearly all protease targets expec...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

MRI accurate and safe for diagnosing ureteral reflux

A new study finds that MRI cystography is an accurate and safe alternative to conventional X-ray cystography for diagnosing ureteral reflux. The researchers discovered that MRI can detect scarring of the kidneys and loss of kidney tissue, related to the extent of kidney damage from VUR, better than conventional X-ray cystography.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 1, 2006

The greenbeards have blue throats in a breakthrough study of the evolution of altruistic behavior

A new study finds that blue-throated male lizards exhibit true altruism through cooperative partnerships to protect territories. Genetic analysis reveals the complex interaction of multiple genes controlling this behavior, offering insights into the evolution of altruistic cooperation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

Deviant peer groups and street gangs

A Université de Montréal study found that boys identified as hyperactive, fearless, and not prosocial at age six are 6 times more likely to join a deviant peer group. Family adversity also increases the risk of early gang affiliation.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2006

Onset of psychosis may be delayed by medication

Researchers found that medication may delay the onset of psychosis in schizophrenia patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes and reduced symptoms. The study suggests that early recognition and treatment can help prevent or delay the development of full-blown psychosis in individuals with prodromal symptoms.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2006

Higher strength MRI can help patients avoid arthroscopy for shoulder injuries

A recent study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that higher strength MRI can detect shoulder cartilage tears with high accuracy, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat the condition without surgery. This non-invasive approach has significant benefits for patients, especially athletes who are prone to such injuries.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 1, 2006

Melatonin improves mood in winter depression

A study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that low-dose melatonin taken in the afternoon can help most people with winter depression whose bodily rhythms are out of sync. The treatment was found to be effective for those who were naturally 'night owls', while morning larks responded better to taking melatonin in the morning.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

T cell 'brakes' lost during human evolution

Research reveals that human T cells lack expression of certain 'Siglec' molecules, which regulate T cell activation in nonhuman primates. This absence may contribute to the disparity in disease susceptibility between humans and great apes. The study highlights the potential for Siglecs to act as a 'brake' on T cell activation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006

Combined contrast enhanced MRI shows promise

A new study reveals that combined contrast enhanced MRI (CCE-MRI) closely matches the staging of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using conventional pathology. CCE-MRI offers a safer alternative to invasive liver biopsy, directly visualizing fibrosis and detecting liver cancers simultaneously.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 1, 2006

Liver transplants can be successful in HIV patients with Hepatitis B

A study found that patients with HIV-HBV coinfection can successfully undergo liver transplantation without progression of viral disease, even in the setting of lamivudine resistance. Controlling HBV is crucial for survival, and ongoing monitoring will be essential to minimize liver-related complications.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMay 1, 2006

Co-workers hoard their best ideas

A McMaster University study found that employees are more willing to share knowledge with trusted colleagues who treat them fairly. The reluctance to share knowledge leads to a contagious tendency to hide important information, causing productivity to suffer.

Scientists solve 30-year-old mystery of mutant mouse's kidney woes

Researchers discovered a single base pair change in the aquaporin-2 protein gene, leading to improper distribution and resulting in up to 30 times more urine being produced. This study provides new insights into congenital progressive hydronephrosis, a condition that can lead to kidney failure and death if left untreated.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006