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Science News Archive August 2008 - Page 17


Page 17 of 17

JCI online early table of contents: Aug. 1, 2008

Researchers have discovered a mechanism to overcome the resistance of human glioblastoma multiforme cells to growth factor inhibitors by blocking inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. Combining drugs targeting IAPs with RTK inhibitors showed enhanced efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth. Additionally, targeting liver CB1 receptors may provid...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2008

Strategies to control TB outdated, inadequate

Current TB treatment regimens are insufficient in countries with high MDR-TB prevalence, leading to significantly higher failure and relapse rates. Studies reveal that for every 1% increase in MDR-TB, there's a corresponding 0.3% rise in new case treatment failure and a 1.1% increase in retreatment failure rate.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 1, 2008

Immune system protein accurate predictor of survival in pediatric septic shock

Researchers discovered an immune system protein called interleukin-8 (IL-8) as a powerful predictor of survival in children with septic shock. Measuring IL-8 levels can predict with 95% accuracy which children can survive through conventional antibiotics and therapies for at least 28 days following admission.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 1, 2008

Combating secondary infections in clinics

A new antimicrobial surface coating, developed by a team of scientists, has shown promising results in reducing implant-related infections. The hybrid molecule combines two natural products with different modes of action, effectively hindering bacterial growth and attachment.

SourceWiley·DateAug 1, 2008

A mechanism for the development of obesity-associated conditions

A new study found that targeting liver CB1 receptor may treat obesity-related conditions without brain-side effects, reversing severe insulin resistance and fatty liver in mice fed high-fat diets. The research indicates liver-specific CB1 is necessary for high-fat diet-induced fatty liver and related hormonal changes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2008

Tracking down abrupt climate changes

Researchers discovered an extreme cooling event 12,700 years ago in Western Europe, with sediments revealing a short-term shift in atmospheric circulation. The findings suggest the climate system is not fully understood, with many puzzles remaining to be solved.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 1, 2008

No substitute for hard work: Creatine supplementation does not improve exercise outcomes in COPD

A randomized, placebo-controlled study found that creatine supplementation had negligible effects on exercise function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite increased muscle creatine levels, the study's results suggest that physical training alone remains essential for improving outcomes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 1, 2008

The emerging scientific discipline of aeroecology

Aeroecology is an emerging field exploring how airborne organisms depend on the lower atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface. This research has significant implications for understanding behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary responses of organisms in complex meteorological conditions.

SourceBoston University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateAug 1, 2008

Nano sculptures in gold

Researchers have discovered unique structures of uncharged gold nano particles, which could lead to breakthroughs in catalysts for chemical reactions. The structures, formed by arranging seven gold atoms in a triangle with an additional vertex, were revealed through innovative combination of infrared spectrometry and mass spectrometry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2008

Size-specific cracking shakes

Scientists have found that certain nanostructures are more susceptible to failure by fracture at specific sizes. This is due to phonon confinement, which affects thermal transport and electronic processes. The study provides valuable information for designing stable nanostructures with reduced fracture energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 1, 2008

JDRF announces 2008 Scholar Award recipients

The JDRF Scholar Award is granted to individual scientists who exhibit a unique creative vision and approach to research. Dr. Jeffrey Bluestone and Dr. Mark Cooper are the recipients of this prestigious award, which provides them with $250,000 annually for up to five years to conduct specialized research.

SourceJDRF·DateAug 1, 2008