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Science News Archive April 2007 - Page 15


Page 15 of 17

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

Mammograms for women in their 40s should be based on individual

The American College of Physicians recommends that mammography screening decisions be made on a case-by-case basis, considering each woman's individual cancer risk and preference. The new guidelines acknowledge the benefits and harms of screening, recommending periodic assessment of breast cancer risk to inform decision-making.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 2, 2007

Biofeedback treats one type of chronic constipation

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that biofeedback treatment can correct bowel function in nearly 80% of patients with dyssynergic defecation. The study compared biofeedback to standard treatment of laxatives, diet, and exercise, and found that biofeedback was significantly more effective in improving muscle function.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateApr 2, 2007

Joslin study indicates insulin receptors play a critical role in promoting islet growth

A Joslin-led study identified insulin receptors as crucial for promoting beta cell growth, a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes. The research found that mice lacking insulin receptors failed to grow more islet cells, highlighting the importance of insulin receptors in overcoming insulin resistance.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2007

New placenta screening for high-risk pregnancies

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto have developed a non-invasive screening test to detect placental damage in high-risk pregnancies. The test, which combines ultrasound and blood tests, can identify abnormal placental function at 16-23 weeks gestation, allowing for early intervention and improved pregnancy outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 2, 2007

New homes rise from rubbish

Researchers have created a building block made almost entirely of recycled glass, metal slag, and other waste products, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry. The 'Bitublock' is estimated to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and use an estimated 400,000 tonnes of crushed glass annually.

Is there such a thing as too much sugar?

A study published in JCI Journals found that glucose reperfusion triggers more extensive neuronal death in hypoglycemic mice than prolonged hypoglycemia itself. Gradual increase of blood glucose levels may be a better approach to treat individuals in hypoglycemic coma, but the findings are subject to further clarification.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2007

Laser goes tubing for faster body-fluid tests

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created a laser-based technique that measures multiple chemicals in body fluids in under 60 seconds, offering non-destructive and fast testing capabilities. The technique uses Raman spectroscopy and low-refractive-index tubes to improve signal strength and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 2, 2007

Flexible electronics could find applications as sensors, artificial muscles

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed flexible electronic structures that can bend, expand, and manipulate devices, paving the way for applications in sensors and artificial muscles. These structures were created by forming single-crystalline semiconductor nanoribbons in stretchable geometrical configurations.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateApr 2, 2007

JCI table of contents: April 2, 2007

Researchers found that hypoglycemic neuronal death is triggered by glucose reperfusion and activation of NADPH oxidase. Treatment with CD40Ig allows rats to accept heart grafts from non-genetically identical donors by enhancing regulatory immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2007