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Science News Archive December 2008 - Page 12


Page 12 of 21

Researcher nabs 'doubly magic' tin isotope

Researchers have made groundbreaking measurements of rare tin, cadmium, and indium nuclei, refining theoretical models about element creation in the cosmos. The discovery of Tin-100, a 'holy grail' of experimental nuclear physics, marks a major breakthrough in understanding nuclear stability.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 11, 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