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Science News Archive June 2007 - Page 17


Page 17 of 17

Nursing home placement associated with accelerated cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

A new study finds that people with Alzheimer's disease experience accelerated cognitive decline after being placed in a nursing home. However, those with prior adult day care experience fare better during the transition. The research suggests that experience in day care programs may help prepare individuals for institutional living.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2007

JCI table of contents -- June 1, 2007

Researchers found that pregnant women's exposure to the flu vaccine stimulates the development of immune cells in their babies. The study used a new technique to detect antigen-specific T cells and showed that B and T cell responses occur in utero following maternal vaccination against influenza.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2007

An apple peel a day might keep cancer at bay

Cornell researchers identified a dozen triterpenoids in apple peel with potent anti-proliferative activities against human liver, colon, and breast cancer cells. The compounds may be responsible for the anti-cancer properties of whole apples.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 1, 2007

Brain inflammation may be friend, not foe, for Alzheimer's patients

A recent study found that a key inflammatory regulator in the brain acts as a protector against Alzheimer's disease, helping to remove toxic clumps called plaques. The research used genetically engineered mice with pinpoint control over inflammation levels, revealing that higher IL-1beta activity actually reduced plaque buildup.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2007

Systems characterization of cell surface receptors

Researchers employ a module-based systems theory approach to explore the design principles of signal transduction and transport receptors. The study reveals that endocytosis and other receptor/ligand properties can be described by just a few control parameters, including avidity and consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 1, 2007

Adding medication improves recovery for elderly with depression, says Pitt School of Medicine study

A Pitt School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adding a medication to a standard treatment regimen for major depressive disorder in the elderly improves chances of recovery. The study showed that recovery rates increased from 40% to 60% when adding a second drug to the treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2007

Highlights from the June 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Researchers found that nearly 7% of children who didn't drink sugar-sweetened beverages between meals were overweight at 4½ years old, compared to 15.4% of those who consumed them frequently. The American Dietetic Association also issues updated guidelines encouraging environmentally responsible nutrition practices.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJun 1, 2007

Agent slows aging in mice

A study published in Aging Cell found that male mice fed a normal diet and NDGA showed significantly longer survival than control mice. However, no significant difference was observed in female mice. The researchers are now conducting further studies to confirm the results and determine the potential of NDGA as an anti-aging agent.

How to rip and tear a fluid

A team of researchers from Penn State created a viscoelastic mixture that exhibits fluid-like behavior at slow speeds, solid-like behavior at intermediate speeds, and heals itself after tearing. The study provides new insights into how materials switch between these states.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2007

Lilly studies try to shed light on impact of race

Two Lilly studies analyzed data from African-American and Hispanic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), suggesting race may not significantly impact treatment efficacy. The studies provided insight into the safety profiles of ALIMTA and GEMZAR in diverse populations, paving the way for further research.

When HIV and liver disease co-exist

The co-infection of HIV and viral hepatitis is a growing concern, with recent studies showing increasing rates of liver disease and related deaths among those with HIV. Hepatologists are discussing the best approaches to treating these patients, including the use of new agents and consideration of liver transplantation.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJun 1, 2007