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Science News for October 17, 2006


MIT designs portable 'lab on a chip'

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel micropump that enables the creation of fully portable 'lab on a chip' devices. This innovation promises to revolutionize biology and chemistry by allowing for rapid and efficient testing in any setting, with potential applications in military use, medical diagnoses, and first responders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 17, 2006

How much influence do medical publications have on your doctor? A great deal, says new SLU research

A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that heart failure drug use plummeted after two negative articles were published in prominent medical journals. The study showed that doctors quickly changed their treatment practices when confronted with potential safety risks, highlighting the significant influence of medical public...

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJAMA·DateOct 17, 2006

USC groups present at Neuroscience 2006

Researchers at USC have made significant discoveries in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. A study found that hormone replacement therapy may lower Alzheimer's risk by as much as 50 percent in younger women. Additionally, a new treatment approach for ALS and Parkinson's disease has shown promising results, with exercise interventio...

New MUHC study adds more evidence to clear measles mumps rubella vaccine as a risk factor for autism

A new MUHC study provides conclusive evidence that the MMR vaccine is not associated with autism spectrum disorders. The study's findings contradict previous molecular studies that falsely linked the vaccine to autism. The research team uncovered fundamental errors in these earlier studies, clearing the MMR vaccine of its link to autism.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 17, 2006

PNAS study reveals why organs fail following massive trauma

A nationwide team of researchers has discovered several new biochemical pathways that play a central role in post-trauma immune system and organ failure. The study identified the genetic and protein changes in specific immune cells that determine whether trauma is fatal, providing potential insights into many diseases involving human i...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2006

Hospital Clínic starts a home-care program for bone marrow transplanted patients

The Hospital Clínic's at-home bone marrow transplant program has shown promising results in reducing febrile episodes and hospital readmissions. By treating patients in their homes, the program improves quality of life and reduces hospitalization expenses by half. The program is now a routine service for one out of three cancer patients.

Researchers give name to ancient mystery creature

Researchers at the University of Alberta have named an ancient mammal found in Alberta, Canada, which lived about 60 million years ago. The creature, Horolodectes sunae, had powerful jaws and a unique tooth shape that resembles those of primitive relatives of ungulates, but was likely carnivorous.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateOct 17, 2006