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Science News Archive February 2007 - Page 14


Page 14 of 16

2 new studies back vitamin D for cancer prevention

New studies using meta-analysis found a significant link between high vitamin D levels and reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancers. Individuals with the highest blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D had the lowest risk of these cancers, with potential protective effects achievable through diet, supplements, or sunlight exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateFeb 6, 2007

Selectivity is ultimate aphrodisiac

A new study found that those who desire all potential partners equally are less likely to be desired in return, while those who have a special connection with one person are more likely to receive romantic interest. Researchers used speed-dating methodology to observe initial attraction and discovered that being too selective can be a ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2007

Immigration slows rate of racial and ethnic intermarriages

A new study finds that immigration has contributed to declines in interracial marriages in the US, particularly among Hispanic and Asian Americans. Education plays a key role in defining who participates in interracial marriages, with highly educated individuals more likely to cross racial lines to marry. African American intermarriage...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 6, 2007

No reliable risk factors found for CA-MRSA

Studies by LA BioMed researchers found that close contacts of patients with CA-MRSA infection may be at higher risk of acquiring an infection. The findings suggest that CA-MRSA strains are more transmissible than traditional S. aureus strains, emphasizing the need for cautious treatment and contact isolation.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2007

Prevalence of overactive bladder is overestimated

A recent study suggests that overactive bladder is less common in Finland than previously thought. The condition was identified in 6.5% of men and 9.3% of women, with urinary frequency and nocturia being more prevalent among those with the condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2007

Vitamins: Science doesn't always match policy

Renowned nutrition expert Dr. Irwin Rosenberg emphasizes the need for more research on vitamins and minerals, highlighting the limitations of current evidence. He advocates for standardized regulations on multivitamin products to ensure customer safety and informed marketing.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 6, 2007

Growth factors given with chemotherapy associated with increased risk of blood diseases

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women with breast cancer who received growth factors during chemotherapy had a higher risk of developing leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. The absolute risk is small, but it should be considered when making treatment decisions.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 6, 2007

Other highlights in the February 7 JNCI

A new study found that hairy cell leukemia survivors have an increased risk of developing certain cancers, including Hodgkin lymphoma and thyroid cancer. Meanwhile, a new test may be able to identify patients with a specific type of gene mutation that indicates an inherited form of colorectal cancer or potential response to certain drugs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 6, 2007

Navigable nanotransport

Researchers have developed a novel approach for the direct synthesis of polymeric nanocapsules with surface elements that can recognize specific target cells. The method uses disk-shaped monomers with polymerizable groups, which link together to form hollow spheres with uniform sizes and tailored surfaces.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 6, 2007

Action video games sharpen vision 20 percent

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that playing action video games for 30 hours per week improved spatial resolution and visual acuity. The study showed significant improvements in identifying letters presented in clutter, even beyond the part of the visual field where players typically engage with the game.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2007

Taking heart failure to the MAT1

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that the MAT1 gene plays a crucial role in regulating energy production in heart cells. Researchers found that infant mice lacking MAT1 developed catastrophic heart failure, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining cardiac function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2007

Do cigarette warning labels work -- results from 4 countries

A multi-country study found that more prominent text messages and graphic pictures on cigarette packages are effective in affecting smokers' behaviors. The study analyzed data from four countries and found that recent changes in health warnings were associated with increased effectiveness, while US warnings had the least impact.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2007

Evolutionary influences on proteins

Researchers found that splice-enhancer domains, which code for specific amino acids, influence protein evolution and are subject to selective pressure. Smaller exons near intron-exon boundaries also evolve more slowly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007

Contraceptives and the poor; plus new findings on cryptococcosis

Researchers found that the poorest people in developing countries are least likely to use contraception, with significant regional variations. The authors emphasize the need for governments and international health organizations to focus on providing contraceptive services to those with very low incomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2007

Bioengineering efficient antibiotic biosynthesis in E. coli

Researchers used bioassay-guided evolution to identify more efficient antibiotic-producing mutants in Escherichia coli, reconstituting the biosynthetic pathways of sugars to yield a new antibiotic. This approach opens doors for harnessing genetics to investigate polyketide synthases and biosynthetic engineering.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2007