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Science News for October 2, 2007


Patients over age 60 do well after liver transplantation

A study of over 400 patients found that those over 60 years old had similar 1-year and 5-year survival rates as younger patients, with fewer rejection episodes. The researchers attribute this to the older patients' softer immune systems, which may also increase their risk of infection and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateOct 2, 2007

Tamiflu survives sewage treatment

A study found that Tamiflu is not removed or degraded during normal sewage treatment, leading to high levels of the drug in surrounding waters. This increases the risk of influenza viruses developing resistance to the medication, posing a threat to public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

The 'MIP-MAP' game: Indian bug is the ancestor of Crohn's disease pathogen

Researchers found that Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) is the earliest ancestor of generalist mycobacterial pathogens, including Crohn's disease pathogen M. avium paratuberculosis (MAP). The study suggests that MIP and MAP descended from a common ancestor and infected marine organisms before arriving on soil through bird-droppings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

Major gender gap in use of life-saving heart device

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed Medicare records of over 236,000 patients between 1999 and 2005, finding that men were two to three times more likely than women to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The study also revealed racial disparities in ICD use, with white men receiving the most devices.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 2, 2007

First significant genetic finding in severe PMS, or PMDD

A study has identified genetic variants associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS. Women with specific variants in the estrogen receptor alpha gene were more likely to experience PMDD, suggesting hormonal factors play a key role in its development.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2007

New clinical guideline for low-back pain

The new guideline recommends clinicians rely on evidence-based therapies, limit X-rays, and consider non-pharmacologic options like exercise therapy, chiropractic care, and massage. The guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and improve patient outcomes for low-back pain treatment.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 2, 2007

On-screen smoking in movies linked to young adult smoking behavior

A new study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that exposure to on-screen smoking in movies is strongly correlated with beginning or becoming established smokers among young adults aged 18-25. The research team also identified positive expectations about smoking and exposure to friends and relatives who smoke as key ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 2, 2007

Titan's icy climate mimics Earth's tropics

Scientists at the University of Chicago have found that Titan's climate is analogous to Earth's tropics, with methane clouds and a tropical weather system. The moon's slow rotation rate and atmosphere produce an updraft that lifts evaporated methane into clouds, similar to Earth's ITCZ.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2007

Avoiding sweets may spell a longer life, study in worms suggests

A new study suggests that avoiding sweets may spell a longer life. Researchers found that worms lived up to 20% longer when unable to process glucose, increasing mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. This finding raises questions about the effects of sugar on human lifespan and treatment for type 2 diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 2, 2007

Carbon dioxide triggers inborn distress

A study found that carbon dioxide inhalation triggers emotional distress and a panic response in healthy volunteers. The reaction is dose-dependent, with higher CO2 concentrations causing stronger negative emotions. Older subjects exhibited a weaker reaction, suggesting an underlying protective brain alarm may be blunted in the elderly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007

How basil gets its zing

Researchers at the Salk Institute have solved part of the molecular puzzle behind basil's characteristic warm and sweet aroma, providing a three-dimensional snapshot of the enzyme Eugenol Synthase. The study reveals how this enzyme produces eugenol, a fragrant molecule responsible for basil's spicy overtones.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2007