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Science News for March 20, 2007


Will the plague pathogen become resistant to antibiotics?

Researchers have found the same plasmids responsible for antibiotic resistance in common bacteria also present in the plague bacillus Yersinia pestis, raising concerns about its potential spread. This discovery highlights a significant public health risk as MDR Y. pestis could rapidly evolve and affect human health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2007

Unsafe sex: Do feelings matter?

A new study by Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University found that adolescents with psychiatric disorders were less likely to use condoms consistently if they felt stressed or anxious about it. Helping teens manage their emotions may be crucial in preventing HIV and other STIs.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community·DateMar 20, 2007

Triplex assay used to assay duplex genomic DNA

A new triplex assay developed by Ingeneus Research enables direct detection of base sequences in human genomic DNA, eliminating the need for PCR. The assay uses YOYO-1 to de-condense duplex targets, allowing specific oligo probes to bind and detect sequence variations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2007

Dental insurance, caregivers' preventive dental visits determinants of underserved

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that African-American children with private dental insurance and caregivers who have had preventive dental visits are more likely to see a dentist. The researchers also identified other determinants of dental care utilization among young, low-income children.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateMar 20, 2007

New technique developed for tracking cells in the body

Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a new technique for noninvasively tracking cells in the body using genetically encoded cells producing natural contrast visible via MRI. The method appears more effective than existing methods for detecting injected biomaterials, and offers high-resolution imaging without tissue removal.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 20, 2007

Study: Online information may improve cancer patients' opinions about doctors

A new study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research found that accessing high-quality health information online can improve breast cancer patients' opinions about their doctors. The study also discovered a positive correlation between using online services and patient satisfaction...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateMar 20, 2007

Radiation preferred over surgery for patients with some stages of lung cancer

According to a randomized controlled trial, radiation therapy is the preferred treatment option for patients with locally advanced stage IIIA-N2 non-small-cell lung cancer who have responded to chemotherapy. This finding suggests that surgery may not improve survival rates compared to radiation after chemotherapy treatment.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 20, 2007