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Science News for December 10, 2008


One in three UK adults will be obese by 2012

According to the study, one in three UK adults (32.1% of men, 33.1% of women) will be obese by 2012, with a significant increase in obesity prevalence among low-income groups. The findings also highlight the economic burden of obesity, with an estimated £7.4 billion annual cost to the English economy.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateDec 10, 2008

Chemist tames longstanding electron computation problem

A chemist at the University of Chicago has developed a new method to predict many-electron chemistry using only two electrons, allowing for faster and more accurate chemical reaction predictions. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in fields such as atmospheric ozone depletion, greenhouse gas reduction, and drug design.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 10, 2008

Experiences of rape unique to Rwandan women survivors of genocide

A new study explores the lived experience of Rwandan women who were raped during the 1994 genocide, highlighting themes unique to these survivors. The research reveals a loss of dignity, identity, and hope for the future, as well as social isolation and stigma surrounding rape and its aftermath.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateDec 10, 2008

A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs

Researchers developed a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects than aspirin, targeting the later stage of arachidonic acid biosynthesis. These dual mPGES-1/5-LO-Inhibitors effectively target both prostaglandins and leukotrienes, promising more effective results for inflammatory reactions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 10, 2008

High phosphorus linked to coronary calcification in chronic kidney disease

A study published in JASN found that even mild increases in serum phosphorus levels are associated with cardiovascular events in people with moderate chronic kidney disease. Vascular calcification, detected by CT scans, was more common in patients with higher phosphorus levels, increasing the risk of coronary artery calcification.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 10, 2008

Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease linked

Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease share common genetic mechanisms, including autoimmunity-related tissue damage and intolerance to dietary antigens, the study found. Researchers identified seven chromosome regions shared between the two diseases, suggesting a potential link in environmental triggers as well.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2008

Popular class of diabetes drugs doubles risk of fractures in women

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that long-term use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) doubles the risk of fractures in women with type 2 diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from 10 previously completed trials, showed a consistent decline in bone mineral density in women exposed to TZD therapy.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 10, 2008

Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls

A Canada-US study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that insufficient vitamin D can cause higher body mass and shorter stature in girls during puberty. The researchers discovered a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased abdominal fat, but no link to bone strength.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 10, 2008

Death rates in hospital highest for infants, and children without insurance

A nationwide study found that most child deaths occur while in the hospital, with newborns being the most vulnerable group. Children without insurance had significantly higher mortality rates compared to those with insurance, with mortality rates ranging from 0.33% for children with private insurance to 0.58% for uninsured children.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateDec 10, 2008

Scans show immune cells intercepting parasites

Researchers identified a key role for dendritic cells in responding to Leishmania parasites, which cause illness in developing nations and have been detected in US soldiers. The study provides insights into the early stages of the immune response and has implications for vaccine development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 10, 2008

Novel technique for fluorescence tomography of tumors in living animals

Researchers developed a novel technique called Early Photon Tomography (EPT) to image lung tumors in living mice. EPT combines early arriving photons with tomographic principles, resulting in sharper and more accurate images compared to conventional methods.

Government survey shows 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children use complementary and alternative medicine

A recent government survey reveals that 38 percent of U.S. adults and 12 percent of children use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for various health issues. CAM therapies commonly used by adults include herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic, and acupuncture, while children often rely on nonvitamin, nonmineral product...

Hot drinks help fight cold and flu

New research by Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre found that hot fruit cordial provides immediate relief from cold symptoms. The study of 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms showed a 'hot' version of the drink to be effective in reducing symptoms such as runny nose and cough.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Rhinology·DateDec 10, 2008

Our DNA may set AIDS time bomb ticking

A study of 1833 HIV patients found that specific mitochondrial DNA genotypes accelerate AIDS development, while others delay it. This suggests that genetic tests could provide accurate prognoses and guide early treatment initiation.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 10, 2008

Oral cancer patients could be diagnosed earlier

The majority of oral cancers are found late, causing high mortality rates, but early diagnosis improves survivability to 95% and reduces morbidity. Prosthodontists must change their practice paradigm by performing regular oral cancer screening examinations on all patients.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Prosthodontics·DateDec 10, 2008