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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 7


Page 7 of 16

Early treatment stops epilepsy in its tracks

Researchers at Yale University have shown that early treatment of epilepsy-prone rats with ethosuximide can suppress seizures and reduce their frequency even after treatment is stopped. This breakthrough could lead to preventing epilepsy in genetically susceptible people.

SourceYale University·JournalEpilepsia·DateDec 13, 2007

Green tea may protect brain cells against Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that green tea polyphenols protect dopamine neurons and inhibit the ROS-NO pathway, which contributes to cell death in Parkinson's disease. The study suggests green tea polyphenols may be developed into a safe and easily administrable drug for Parkinson's disease treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2007

Molecular 'trip switch' shuts down inflammatory response

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a molecular pathway that regulates immune inflammation, known as the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase. The study found that activating this pathway can help control chronic autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting an out-of-control inflammatory response.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 2007

Biocapture surfaces produced for study of brain chemistry

The team created a method for attaching small molecules to surfaces, capturing large biomolecules and identifying specific interactions. The technique is suitable for studying neurotransmission in the living brain and has potential applications in understanding neurological diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 13, 2007

Putting risk in perspective: Do people make better decisions when they understand average risk?

A new survey from Michigan Medicine suggests that when women are told their risk of breast cancer is above average, they're more likely to take a hypothetical pill and overestimate its benefits. The study highlights the importance of considering individual risk information when making medical decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateDec 13, 2007

Effective new treatment for schizophrenia

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that paliperidone extended-release tablets were effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms, with improvements seen in social functioning. The treatment's long half life and extended release formulation offer practical advantages over existing treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2007

JCI table of contents: Dec. 13, 2007

A new study reveals secretoneurin's neuroprotective role in a rat model of stroke. SN treatment improved survival of primary brain cell cultures and reduced cerebral tissue death in rats with ischemia-induced stroke.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 13, 2007

Immediate action needed to save corals from climate change

Coral reefs are facing extinction due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification, threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. Scientists call for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions and local pressures such as overfishing and pollution to save these vital ecosystems.

SourceSeaWeb·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2007

Walking tall to protect the species

Researchers propose that carrying heavy infants safely on two legs may have driven the emergence of bipedalism. The study found a relationship between infant weight, hair friction and body angle that prevents safe carrying.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateDec 12, 2007

Immune compound blocks virus' ability to hijack antibodies

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a blood-borne immune system compound that suppresses antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, a phenomenon linked to some viral disease outbreaks. C1q, a key immune compound, blocks ADE by blocking the virus' ability to hijack antibodies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 12, 2007

Chronic knee pain: Is surgery the only solution?

A new study published in BMC Medicine suggests that patients with chronic patellofemoral syndrome may not benefit from arthroscopic surgery, instead finding relief through therapeutic exercise. The randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of arthroscopy and exercise in reducing knee pain and improving mobility.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateDec 12, 2007

How size matters

Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes discover that cells at the margins of leaves and petals secrete a mobile growth signal controlling size. This signal is distinct from classical plant hormones, influencing leaf division until a certain threshold is reached.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 12, 2007

Why the switch stays on

Researchers found that a specific protein-protein interaction, involving the rogue Ras protein and its binding partner Raf, blocks the switch from being turned off, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The study resolves a paradox in the behavior of Ras mutants in cells versus solution.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalStructure·DateDec 12, 2007