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Science News Archive February 2007 - Page 11


Page 11 of 16

Mice cloned from skin cells

Researchers at Rockefeller University have cloned healthy mice from adult stem cells, a breakthrough that could lead to new therapies and treatments. The successful cloning rate was 1.6% when using female skin stem cells, but higher when using male stem cells, opening up potential for future human applications.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2007

American culture in conflict with traditional values of Hispanic male immigrants

A recent study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that Hispanic male immigrants prioritize traditional family values and 'familismo' when making decisions about family planning. The research recommends using this cultural concept to encourage open communication and safe-sex practices among couples.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateFeb 12, 2007

Bank supervision may actually drive corruption, says economist

New research by Brown University Professor Ross Levine finds that powerful supervisory agencies actually lower bank lending integrity. Instead, strategies focusing on accurate information disclosure enhance efficiency and reduce corruption. The study suggests 90% of countries implementing Basel II regulations may face bad outcomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Monetary Economics·DateFeb 12, 2007

Smithsonian receives $8M HSBC grant

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute will expand its research capability with a new Global Earth Observatory system, increasing the quality of scientific data across 20 large-scale research plots in 17 countries. The grant will enable the Center for Tropical Forest Science to compare climate change and forest carbon data.

Early switch to an aromatase inhibitor increases survival

A new study reveals that breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen who switch to an aromatase inhibitor within three years experience significant improvements in survival rates. The treatment demonstrates a clear survival benefit without an increased risk of death from other causes.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 12, 2007

Modeling lung cancer

A new mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer validates MEK inhibitors as a potential treatment option. The model, developed by Dr. Martin McMahon and colleagues, shows that MEK inhibition can halt tumor progression in early-stage lung tumors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 12, 2007

High rates of latent TB infection found in Russian health workers

A study by Queen Mary College researchers found nearly 40% of doctors in one Russian city had latent TB infection, with rates higher among those working in TB clinics. The study highlights the need for regular occupational health screening to control TB spread and address drug resistance issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2007

Long-term marijuana smoking leads to respiratory complaints

A new study by Yale University researchers found a link between long-term marijuana smoking and respiratory complications, including obstructive lung disease. The study's findings suggest that patients should be advised of the potential negative impact on overall lung health despite methodological limitations.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2007

What recognizes what in plant disease resistance?

Researchers discover novel mechanism of gene-for-gene resistance in plant immune system, providing insights into enhancing crop yield and combating agricultural losses. The study reveals that the N resistance protein recognizes pathogen Avr proteins through a different region on its Toll-interleukin-1 receptor homology domain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 12, 2007

Simple 2-gene test sorts out similar gastrointestinal cancers

Researchers developed a simple and accurate two-gene test that distinguishes between gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) with near perfect accuracy. The Top Scoring Pair analysis approach has potential for wider application in individualized diagnosis and treatment of other types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2007

Glaciers not on simple, upward trend of melting

Two of Greenland's largest glaciers experienced dramatic fluctuations in melting, dumping twice as much ice into the sea in less than a year before returning to near-normal rates. The sudden changes highlight the need for more accurate computer models to understand glacial behavior and predict future sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2007

Harvard team creates spray drying technique for TB vaccine

A novel spray drying method has been developed to preserve and deliver the most common tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, promising greater stability at room temperature and use in needle-free delivery. This technique could provide a better approach for vaccination against TB and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2007

Ambivalent about who to vote for? You're more likely to be persuaded by a disreputable source

Researchers discovered that people with ambivalent opinions are more susceptible to persuasion from untrustworthy sources. In contrast, individuals with strong views tend to evaluate the credibility of messages before making a decision. The study's findings highlight the influence of others on consumer attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 12, 2007

Grape expectations for healthier wine

A new technique using ozone preserves grapes while boosting healthy compounds, potentially leading to hypoallergenic wines. The method shows promise for reducing sulphite use in winemaking, which can cause allergic reactions and affect the flavor of wine.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateFeb 11, 2007

It's not easy being green

Researchers found that green consumers face difficulties deciding which product to buy due to conflicting values and lack of information. The study identifies three types of green consumers: selectors, translators, and exceptors, highlighting the need for practical help and incentives to promote sustainable practices.

Cleft palate in fetal mice prevented by treating

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique to prevent cleft palates in fetal mice by injecting pregnant mothers with a small molecule. This breakthrough raises hopes that similar vaccination-type techniques may one day be used to prevent many types of human birth defects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2007

First-degree fetal heart block may be reversible

Researchers at Yale University discovered a potential reversible cause of first-degree fetal heart block, which impairs the heart's electrical signaling. The PRIDE study found that early treatment with dexamethasone can reverse the condition, but it can progress rapidly to irreversible third-degree block.

Folate and B12 may influence cognition in seniors

A new study from Tufts University found that high folate status and adequate vitamin B12 levels are associated with better cognitive function in seniors. Low vitamin B12 status was linked to increased cognitive impairment, while high serum folate was more detrimental when combined with low vitamin B12.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 9, 2007

Update on Tufts vitamin K research

Researchers at Tufts University have found that while older adults consume more vitamin K than younger adults, many still do not meet the recommended intake. High phylloquinone intake may be associated with better dietary habits and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but further research is needed.

SourceTufts University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care·DateFeb 9, 2007