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Science News Archive November 2007 - Page 17


Page 17 of 19

Scientists question folic acid fortification

Scientists question mandatory folic acid fortification in flour, citing risks of unmetabolised folic acid entering the bloodstream and causing problems for people with certain medical conditions. The study suggests that even low doses of folic acid could lead to overconsumption and health issues.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2007

Adolescence and autism: a difficult, but not hopeless, combination according to a new MUHC study

A new study by Dr. Eric Fombonne found that social skills training groups for autistic adolescents can lead to significant improvements in social and interpersonal skills. The groups, which involve role-playing and peer validation, have been shown to be efficient and effective in reducing problems with irritability and sensitivity.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 2, 2007

24-week course of interferon-alpha therapy prolongs survival in patients hepatitis C virus

A 24-week course of interferon-alpha therapy after curative treatment for HCV-associated HCC significantly reduces tumor recurrence rates and improves patient survival compared to those without interferon therapy. Patients who achieved a sustained virological response also exhibit improved liver function and prolonged overall survival.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 2, 2007

How does the antitumor drug get to the cell nucleus?

Italian researchers propose that copper transport protein Ctr1 binds platinum ion from cisplatin, stabilizing the trimeric channel structure and enabling endocytosis. This process allows cisplatin to accumulate in organelles, including the nucleus, where it exerts its antitumor effects.

SourceWiley·DateNov 2, 2007

Elderly with high blood pressure less likely to get lifestyle modification advice from doctors

A study by UNC researchers concludes that people over 60 with high blood pressure are less likely to receive lifestyle modification advice from their doctors compared to younger groups. Despite this, most patients remember receiving some type of advice on making healthier choices to lower their blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Clinical Hypertension·DateNov 2, 2007

Study: Fountain of youth for your heart?

A study by Jason Dyck at the University of Alberta found that a protein responsible for transporting fat into heart cells may be a key to preventing age-related decline in heart function. Genetically modified mice with this protein deficiency showed no accumulated fat in their hearts and outperformed normal aged mice on a treadmill test.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCirculation·DateNov 2, 2007

A hairpin to fight HIV

Researchers developed a hairpin-shaped molecule that imitates the spatial structure of an important viral protein, preventing the discharge of viral RNA from the cell nucleus. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new class of HIV treatment drugs.

SourceWiley·DateNov 2, 2007

Sweet potato promise shines for small enterprise and hunger relief in developing countries

The study highlights key constraints affecting sweetpotato productivity in developing countries, including control of viruses, improvement of planting material, and development of high-yield cultivars. Small-scale farmers are expected to benefit from emerging technologies based on research, with potential impact within 5-10 years.

Endosonography-guided biliary drainage is useful in cases with failed endoscopic biliary stenting

A case report published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology presents a new technique for biliary drainage using endosonography (ES) guidance. The study shows that ESBD is a safe and effective method without pain or restriction, potentially replacing percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD).

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 2, 2007

US faces burning emissions issue

Severe US wildfires can release as much CO2 as the entire transportation sector of a state, posing challenges for emissions tracking. The study found that fires in Western and Southeastern states account for a disproportionate share of carbon emissions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateNov 1, 2007

New government, new hope for indigenous Australians?

The Lancet report highlights Australia's poor indigenous health statistics, including a 17-year gap in life expectancy between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Improving access to quality care, prevention strategies, and increasing the number of indigenous health workers are key recommendations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 1, 2007

Substance abuse practitioners ask 'what is recovery?'

A panel of experts proposes a definition of recovery as a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship. The proposed definition includes classification of duration of sobriety and recognition of the importance of personal health and citizenship in achieving true recovery.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateNov 1, 2007