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Science News for April 3, 2007


Heart failure: Intervention possibilities from imaging programmed cell loss

A new nuclear medicine technique using annexin A5 imaging may help identify individuals at risk of developing heart failure by detecting programmed cell loss in the heart muscle. This could lead to earlier intervention and improved treatment options, as cell death is a key factor in worsening left ventricular events.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 3, 2007

Working up potential living liver donors

A 4-step process can be completed quickly and efficiently to assess potential living liver donors. Despite challenges, the process results in a significant proportion of donors undergoing successful transplantation, emphasizing the importance of careful workup and informed consent.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateApr 3, 2007

Study suggests some drug resistance to influenza B medications

A recent study in Japan found partial resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors among influenza B viruses, which may have implications for treatment and prevention strategies. The emergence of these resistant variants poses a significant concern, as they can cause infections with no difference in duration or clinical outcome.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 3, 2007

Flies don't buzz about aimlessly!

Researchers found that fruit flies' flight patterns are optimal for searching, using scale-free movement with intermittent turns. This behavior is also observed in other animals, including humans and crickets, suggesting a unified theory for finding food.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2007

Other highlights in the April 4 JNCI

Testicular cancer survivors have a higher risk of dying from noncancer causes, including infections and circulatory diseases. Chemotherapy treatment in the 1970s also increases this risk. Researchers highlight the need for additional long-term follow-up studies to better understand secondary complications.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 3, 2007

Fighting for their attention

In a population of bottlenose dolphins in Fiordland, New Zealand, males form complex alliances and coalitions to compete for female choice, rather than coercing females into mating. This phenomenon challenges traditional views on male-female relationships in dolphins, offering insights into the evolution of social behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2007

Newly discovered 'platform' for processing dietary fat

Researchers have identified a protein on the inner surfaces of capillaries that delivers dietary fat to enzymes for entry into cells, revolutionizing our understanding of lipid processing. The discovery has implications for patients with chylomicronemia, a condition in which the body's ability to process dietary fat is impaired.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 3, 2007

Cure for cancer one step closer

The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank has collected its first batches of cancer tissue, providing a valuable resource for researchers to study the cause, progression, and potential treatment of cancer. This step forward in cancer research is expected to lead to significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

Media bias distorts details of past earthquakes

A recent study found that media accounts of past earthquakes, such as the M7.6 Bhuj, India earthquake of 2001, can be misleading due to a natural bias towards dramatic effects. The research compared written accounts with ground-based surveys and concluded that the media bias can be significant, particularly at stronger shaking levels.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 3, 2007