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Science News for April 27, 2007


Anti-fungal drug stops blood vessel growth

Researchers have discovered that the anti-fungal medication itraconazole can stop the growth of new blood vessels, which is commonly seen in cancers. In mice models, treatment with itraconazole reduced blood vessel growth by 67%, providing a promising lead for cancer treatment

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateApr 27, 2007

Extended family ties influenced evacuation decisions during Hurricane Katrina

The study found that strong extended family ties facilitated evacuation decisions, providing access to transportation and shelter, but also hindered it by creating conflicting opinions about evacuation messages. This highlights the importance of considering social networks in disaster planning for vulnerable communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 27, 2007

Placing single nanowires: NIST makes the connection

Researchers at NIST have devised a system for manipulating and positioning individual nanowires using optical microscopy and conventional photolithographic processing. They can fabricate sophisticated test structures to explore the properties of nanowires with high control, enabling the creation of elaborate structures for testing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology·DateApr 27, 2007

Anti-dandruff compound may help fight epilepsy

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that zinc pyrithione, an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos, can calm overexcited nerve cells, potentially treating seizures. The compound works by allowing more potassium flow through defective channels, restoring normal nerve cell activity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 27, 2007

Fish growth changes enhanced by climate change

New research by CSIRO Australia suggests that climate change is enhancing the growth of shallow-water fish species, but decreasing their growth rates at greater depths. This finding has implications for the long-term viability of deep-water stocks.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2007

Arming the fight against resistant bacteria

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have devised a method to tackle antibiotic resistance, identifying four promising new compounds with preliminary antibacterial activity. The compounds show promise against MRSA and other Gram-positive bacteria, but further research is needed to understand their mechanism of action.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateApr 27, 2007

Plants do not emit methane

A recent study in Nature suggested plants emit methane, but a new study in New Phytologist found methane emissions from plants are negligible and do not contribute to global climate change. The researchers used a novel experiment with heavy carbon isotopes to detect any methane emission, which was undetectable.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 27, 2007

The economic impact of arthritis on the United States

The study found a significant increase in arthritis prevalence from 36.8 million to 46.1 million adults between 1997 and 2003. Medical expenditures for prescription drugs almost doubled during this period, while inpatient expenditures declined, resulting in stable total medical care spending for individuals with arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 27, 2007

Help comes in the mail for drinkers

A new study led by the University of Alberta found that mailing brief self-help materials to interested drinkers in the general population reduced binge drinking by 10%. The study provided self-help materials to 877 male and female drinkers, aged 43, who were recruited from the general population.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAddiction·DateApr 27, 2007