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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 23


Page 23 of 240

Making the ultimate family sacrifice

Researchers found that genetically similar strains of Dictyostelium discoideum mix and cooperate during colony formation, contradicting earlier assumptions. The study's findings suggest specific genes produce sticky adhesives to secure partner connections.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 25, 2008

Also in the Nov. 25 JNCI

Researchers analyzed data from 13 prospective studies involving over half a million participants and found no link between fat, protein, or meat intake and kidney cancer. The study's findings suggest that the cause of increasing kidney cancer incidence worldwide remains unclear.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 2008

Tracking and feedback registry may reduce racial disparities in breast cancer care

A tracking and feedback system reduced racial disparities in adjuvant therapy among women with early-stage breast cancer, increasing consultations with medical oncologists by 14 percentage points. The study found a decrease in underuse of adjuvant treatment, particularly among black and Hispanic women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 2008

UH Manoa researchers release results of statewide survey of snail, slug invasions in Hawai'i

A statewide survey of snail and slug invasions in Hawai'i has found 29 alien species, including five previously unreported, with most introduced to Oahu before spreading to other islands. The study highlights the need for greater awareness among nurseries and quarantine officials to prevent further environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalInternational Journal of Pest Management·DateNov 25, 2008

Tiny protein provokes healthy bonding between cells

A team of researchers found that a tiny protein called alpha-catenin is essential for forming strong bonds between cells. Cancer cells with dysfunctional alpha-catenin can break free and spread the disease, but scientists may be able to develop therapies to repair or replace this protein and prevent cancer's progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Researchers recreate SARS virus, open door for potential defenses against future strains

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University Medical Center successfully recreated the bat variant of the SARS coronavirus, a major step forward in developing effective vaccines and treatments. The research could help prevent future outbreaks by identifying key pathways in virus emergence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Drink brewed tea to avoid tooth erosion

A study published in the Academy of General Dentistry journal found that brewed tea has a lower erosive effect on teeth compared to soft drinks and acidic juices. The study suggests that drinking brewed tea can help prevent tooth erosion, which can wear away the enamel and lead to irreversible damage.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateNov 25, 2008

NIST 'stress tests' probe nanoscale strains in materials

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a way to measure low levels of stress in semiconductor devices as small as 10 nanometers across. By combining two techniques - electron back scattered diffraction and confocal Raman microscopy - they resolved the long-standing disagreement between two widely used methods of stress measurement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 25, 2008

Synthetic virus supports a bat origin for SARS

Researchers have generated a synthetic SARS-like bat coronavirus that is infectious in cultured cells and mice, identifying pathways by which a bat coronavirus may have adapted to infect humans. The findings provide a model approach for rapid identification, analysis, and public health responses to future natural or intentional virus e...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Do you know you're having a stroke?

A Mayo Clinic study found that most stroke patients do not identify their symptoms correctly, leading to delayed medical attention. The delay can result in further damage and reduced recovery outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateNov 25, 2008