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Science News for November 30, 2007


Ibuprofen associated with slower lung function decline in children with cystic fibrosis

A new study found that treatment with ibuprofen is associated with a significantly slower rate of decline in lung function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The study showed a 29 percent reduction in loss of lung function compared to those who did not use the anti-inflammatory drug.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007

Between water and rock -- a new science

Scientists are discovering that aquatic nanoparticles influence natural and engineered water chemistry differently than similar materials of a larger size. The review considers nanoparticles formed by natural processes in water and as unintended consequences of human activity, such as mining or water treatment.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateNov 30, 2007

Aging improves parent, child relationships, research shows

Research by Purdue University associate professor Karen Fingerman found that a majority of parents and children reported positive changes in their relationship as parents transitioned to old age. Despite declining health, many parents felt appreciated and nurtured, while children expressed gratitude for increased help from their parents.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateNov 30, 2007

More on HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment

A recent study reveals that CMV retinitis is causing blindness in young people with HIV in the developing world, often leading to fatal outcomes. Successful management of the disease requires decentralizing diagnostic capacity and making valganciclovir medication affordable.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007

String of fullerene pearls

Researchers have produced molecular chimeras by binding fullerene receptors to a fullerene molecule, forming short chains of linked nanopearls. These aggregates exhibit special binding interactions between electrons, making them promising for efficient optoelectronic components.

SourceWiley·DateNov 30, 2007

Levels of prion protein in brain may not be reliable marker for disease

Researchers found that abnormally folded prion protein in brain tissue does not reliably predict disease infectivity; some highly infectious samples had nearly undetectable levels of abnormal PrP. This suggests alternative mechanisms or specific conformation of abnormal PrP may be responsible for prion diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 30, 2007

Women with AIDS face cervical cancer threat

A study by Dr. Groesbeck Parham found that 90% of HIV-infected women presenting for antiretroviral therapy harbor cervical cell abnormalities, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Access to screening and treatment is crucial to prevent this life-threatening condition in women living with AIDS.

SourceCIDRZ Foundation·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateNov 30, 2007

Alcohol may amplify chronic rejection in lung transplants

A recent study found that chronic alcohol consumption by lung donors promotes scarring and airway injury after transplantation. The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, raises questions about human lung donors with a history of alcohol abuse.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2007