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Science News for December 21, 2007


Most breast cancer surgeons don't talk to patients about reconstruction options, U-M study finds

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that only a third of breast cancer patients discussed reconstruction options with their surgeon. Women who did discuss reconstruction were four times more likely to choose a mastectomy, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making in surgical choices.

Light powered platinum more targeted and 80 times more powerful than similar cancer treatments

Researchers have discovered a new platinum-based compound that is up to 80 times more powerful than current anti-cancer drugs and can target cancer cells with high accuracy using light activation. The compound's stability and non-toxicity in the dark make it an attractive alternative for treating surface cancers.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2007

A helping hand from the grandparents

A team of scientists has discovered that older adults in the Seychelles warbler population help raise their children's grandchildren, providing an alternative route for co-operative breeding. This behavior is thought to be an effective strategy for birds prevented from breeding due to habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEvolution·DateDec 21, 2007

Cornell researchers prove how plants transport sugars

Cornell researchers have proven the polymer trap model theory of sugar transport in plants, which could lead to increased photosynthetic rates and carbon dioxide intake. The study uses genetic engineering to silence genes involved in sucrose polymerization, resulting in a buildup of sugars in leaves.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2007

Scoring system identifies MDS patients who have low-risk disease but a poor prognosis

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a new scoring system that identifies Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) patients with low-risk disease but poor prospects of survival. The system, applied to 856 patients treated between 1976 and 2005, found that older age, low platelet counts, anemia, and p...