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Science News for May 29, 2007


Extra-aggressive form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis identified

A subset of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been found to have a short duration of symptoms before diagnosis and an accelerated clinical course to end-stage disease. This 'rapid progressor' group is characterized by distinct gene expression patterns, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2007

Help for pediatricians in treating behavioral health problems only partially successful

A follow-up study found that pediatricians' behavioral health treatment methods showed only partial success, despite receiving structured interventions, FDA warnings, and mental health reforms. The interventions, including newsletters and resource guides, aimed to increase education on anxiety and depression recognition, collaboration ...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMay 29, 2007

Researchers create new nanotechnology field

A University of Alberta research team has created a novel way to control the quantum state of an electron's spin using plasmonics principles in spintronics technology. This new technology, called spinplasmonics, may lead to revolutionary advances in computer electronics and other areas.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 2007

Access to alcohol among middle school children

A study of over 3,700 middle school students found that most obtain alcohol from their parents' homes, with one-third of users getting it from family members. The research highlights the importance of parental involvement in preventing underage drinking.

SourceElsevier·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMay 29, 2007

A new zest for life

Research shows that treating subclinical hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone improves symptoms, cholesterol levels, and reduces heart disease risk. Patients experience increased energy, weight loss, and improved quality of life.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 29, 2007

New study suggests potential for a broadly-protective HIV vaccine

Researchers at USU have developed a new HIV vaccine that induces broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies, capable of neutralizing all 48 tested strains. The study provides encouraging results for vaccine development, showing the feasibility of eliciting cross-reactive antibodies against multiple viral strains.

SourceHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2007

Decapitation and rebirth

A newly excavated headless skeleton from Nasca, Peru provides important new data on ancient decapitation practices. The analysis suggests that decapitation was part of powerful rituals aimed at ensuring fertility and the continuation of life and rebirth of the community.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 29, 2007

Innovative device to treat brain cancer shows promise in early studies

The Novo-TTF device has been shown to disrupt tumor growth by interfering with cell division of cancerous cells, causing them to stop proliferating and die off. In a pilot trial, 10 patients with recurring GBM experienced improved survival rates, with median overall survival doubling compared to historical data.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2007