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Science News for July 10, 2007


Is milk thistle effective in cancer treatment?

A new special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies Journal presents research on milk thistle's liver-protective effects and its potential as an anticancer agent. The studies suggest that silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, can preserve liver function and provide clinical benefits for cancer patients.

SourceSAGE·JournalIntegrative Cancer Therapies·DateJul 10, 2007

Other highlights from the July 10 JNCI

Researchers developed a new drug delivery method using ultrasound to target cancer tumors, releasing chemotherapy drugs from nanobubbles. They found this approach was more effective at blocking tumor growth than other nanoparticle delivery methods. Vitamin D levels were also associated with reduced colon cancer risk in a separate study.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 2007

More women authors and collaboration now the norm for communication faculty, MU study finds

A study by University of Missouri-Columbia researchers reveals a shift in the communication discipline towards more women authors and collaborative research. The study found that articles by female authors outnumbered those by men around 2000 and that single-authored articles have decreased significantly since the 1960s.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalReview of Communication·DateJul 10, 2007

A first-principles model of early evolution

A new model of early evolution directly connects population fitness to protein properties, resolving a key molecular evolution mystery. The study finds that survival depends on the stability of the least stable proteins, leading to an uneven distribution of fold and gene family sizes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 10, 2007

FDA finds no strong link between tomatoes and reduced cancer risk

The FDA review found no strong association between eating tomatoes and decreased cancer risk, but some limited evidence for associations with prostate, ovarian, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. The agency allowed qualified health claims for these four cancers, citing very limited and preliminary scientific research.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 2007

Late nights may impact preteen behavior

A study by Elizabeth J. Susman found that kids who prefer evenings are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior, rule-breaking, and attention problems. Earlier puberty is linked to more antisocial behavior in boys and relational aggression in girls.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJul 10, 2007

Scientists find brown fat master switch

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a gene and protein known as PRDM16 that controls the production of brown fat, a type of adipose tissue that generates heat and counters obesity. The study suggests that turning up this switch in humans could be a new strategy for treating overweight and obesity.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 10, 2007