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Science News Archive January 2007 - Page 7


Page 7 of 13

A new generation of medicinal products

Researchers have created a new generation of medicinal products using biodegradable materials, allowing for controlled release and reduced side effects. The novel synthetic process enables the production of diverse polymers, increasing the chances of finding an appropriate excipient for various active substances.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2007

Studies yield insight into the numerical brain

Two studies in Neuron shed significant light on how the brain processes numerical information and how it develops in children. The research found that the parietal cortex activates during perception of both abstract quantities and numerical symbols, suggesting an important role for this region in processing quantitative information.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 17, 2007

Parasite infection may benefit MS patients

A recent study suggests that parasite infection may alter the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) by affecting the immune response. MS patients with a parasite infection showed fewer clinical relapses and less disability compared to uninfected controls.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 17, 2007

Toward more effective paleolgenetic analysis

Paleogenetic research requires well-preserved archeological material, but treatment and storage conditions can deteriorate DNA. A new study shows that treating fossils like biological samples during excavation and after improves DNA amplification rates.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2007

Prussian Blue for information storage

Researchers created a compound that can switch between magnetic states upon light exposure, enabling binary information storage on an atomic scale. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-small data storage devices for future computers.

SourceCNRS·DateJan 17, 2007

High rate of overweight and obesity found in children having surgery

A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that nearly one-third of children having surgery are overweight or obese, with more than half qualifying as obese. This increases their risk of experiencing problems during and after surgery, as well as future health issues such as type II diabetes and breathing problems.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJan 16, 2007

Small molecule offers big hope against cancer

Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that dichloroacetate (DCA) can normalize mitochondrial function in various cancers, leading to a significant decrease in tumor growth. DCA's unique mechanism may allow it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 16, 2007

No benefit to increasing dose intensity of chemotherapy in osteosarcoma, study finds

A randomized trial found that increasing chemotherapy dose intensity did not improve survival rates in patients with osteosarcoma. However, the dose-intensive regimen showed better tumor cell death and lower risks of certain side effects. The study challenges the use of histologic response as a key predictor factor for treatment outcomes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 16, 2007

New fat, same old problem with an added twist?

A new study conducted at Brandeis University and Malaysia found that a modified fat replacing trans fat causes an increase in blood glucose levels and depresses insulin in humans. The researchers discovered that this interesterified fat had a similar impact on cholesterol levels as trans fat, but with weaker effects.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2007

World Health Organization's plan to monitor HIV drug resistance in Botswana likely to fail

A new UCLA study warns that the World Health Organization's (WHO) plan to track transmitted HIV drug resistance in Botswana may not be effective due to a high detection threshold. The researchers suggest revising the threshold to around 3 percent to detect resistance earlier and provide more accurate information on the situation in Bot...

Lead with a poisonous electron shield

French researchers applied quantum chemistry to enzyme models and found that lead's electron shield causes toxic effects in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, brain, and blood. The complexation agents used as antidotes may not be lead-specific, removing other important metal cations from the body.

SourceWiley·DateJan 16, 2007

Napoleon's mysterious death unmasked, UT Southwestern researcher says

A new investigation into Napoleon's cause of death reveals that he died of a very advanced case of gastric cancer stemming from an ulcer-causing bacterial infection. The analysis suggests that gastrointestinal bleeding was the likely immediate cause of death and points to a poor prognosis for patients with such advanced cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology &#38 Hepatology·DateJan 16, 2007