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Science News for December 28, 2007


New ingredients in drug-like anti-aging products improve skin

A study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that topical application of niacin, engineered peptides, retinoids, and photoprotective ingredients can visibly improve maturing skin. Combining these ingredients in a moisturizer magnifies benefits.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology·DateDec 28, 2007

2 genes are important key to regulating immune response

A research team at Weill Cornell Medical College identified two genes, Pbx-1 and Prep-1, that play a critical role in regulating interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. This discovery could lead to new avenues for understanding and treating diseases such as lupus, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalImmunity·DateDec 28, 2007
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Pilot error declines as factor in airline mishaps

Researchers found a 40% decrease in pilot error-related mishaps between 1983-2002, attributed to enhanced training and technology. However, the study also revealed an increase in ground-related mishaps, highlighting areas for further improvement.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateDec 28, 2007

Handling pesticides associated with greater asthma risk in farm women

Research on farm women reveals an increased risk of allergic asthma associated with pesticide use. The study found a significant increase in asthma prevalence among women who applied or mixed pesticides, with some compounds like parathion linked to nearly tripled risk.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 28, 2007

Cost of glaucoma medications may impact treatment

The management of glaucoma costs the US healthcare system approximately $2.5 billion per year, with glaucoma medications accounting for 38-52% of direct costs. Non-selective ß-blockers remain the most inexpensive class of glaucoma medications, while brand-name ß-blockers are consistently more expensive than their generic counterparts.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateDec 28, 2007

Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Researchers developed a mutated anthrax toxin that targets melanoma cells, with 100% of mice tolerated lethal doses. The toxin was more specific and effective than natural toxin, inhibiting angiogenesis and killing other tumors like colon and lung.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 28, 2007

Men need more Botox than women

A review published in Dermatologic Therapy reveals that men need higher doses of Botox due to greater muscle mass, leading to inadequate results from under-dosing. The study suggests that larger, stronger men require more units per treatment area than slender, small-boned men.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Therapy·DateDec 28, 2007
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New therapy reduces mortality in patients with severe COPD

A recent study found that patients with severe COPD who received salmeterol-fluticasone (SFC) therapy had lower mortality rates compared to those treated with tiotropium. Additionally, SFC treatment was associated with better health status and fewer patient withdrawals.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 28, 2007

Public policy fails to address the effects of media violence on children

Research shows that exposure to violent media increases aggressive behavior in children, with over 14 scientifically documented effects on physiological and psychological well-being. Despite this, few people take action, and public policy has failed to address the issue.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalSocial Issues and Policy Review·DateDec 28, 2007
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Allergic reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents are rare, study finds

A recent study found that acute allergic-like reactions to gadolinium-containing contrast injections are rare, with 74% of cases being mild. The study included over 78,000 administrations and reported no fatal reactions, supporting the safe use of these agents in patients with normal or mildly impaired renal function.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 28, 2007

Fortune 1000 IT investments are riskier than capital investments, says management insights

A recent study by Sanjeev Dewan, Charles Shi, and Vijay Gurbaxani found that information technology (IT) investments are substantially riskier than ordinary capital investments. This increased risk is associated with a substantial risk premium, driven in part by the lost option value of making irreversible capital investment decisions.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 28, 2007