Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2008 - Page 14


Page 14 of 21

Pine bark reduces inflammatory marker CRP in osteoarthritis

A recent study published in Redox Report reveals that Pycnogenol significantly lowers plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in osteoarthritis patients. This finding suggests that Pycnogenol's anti-inflammatory potency may be potent enough to arrest the spread of inflammation from osteoarthritic joints to the whole organism.

SourceMWW Group·JournalRedox Report·DateDec 9, 2008

People in the US and the UK show strong similarities in their attitudes toward nanotechnologies

A new US-UK study reveals that people in both countries hold positive views of nanotechnologies, with a focus on energy applications. The research found that participants were more optimistic about the future contribution of new technologies to society and exhibited a high degree of comfort with energy applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 9, 2008

Honey adds health benefits, is natural preservative and sweetener in salad dressings

A University of Illinois study found that honey, rich in antioxidants, protects the quality of salad dressings for up to nine months while naturally sweetening them. The study substituted honey for chemical additives and high-fructose corn syrup, resulting in a healthier alternative.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2008

Also in the Dec. 9 JNCI

Researchers found that among women under 40, black women have a higher breast cancer incidence rate than white women. However, this trend reverses among women over 40, with white women having a higher incidence rate. The study confirms the age-related crossover effect in breast cancer incidence rates between black and white ethnic groups.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 9, 2008

SAGE to publish International Journal of Toxicology

The American College of Toxicology partnered with SAGE to publish the International Journal of Toxicology, a peer-reviewed bi-monthly journal covering current research in toxicology. The journal will increase visibility globally and provide access to full-text articles through SAGE Journals Online.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Toxicology·DateDec 9, 2008

Nonhormonal treatment regimens improve survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer

A meta-analysis of 128 clinical trials has found that nonhormonal treatment regimens, including anthracycline-based regimens and taxanes, have improved overall survival in women with advanced breast cancer. The use of these regimens led to a significant relative risk reduction in overall mortality.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 9, 2008

Breaking the silence after a study ends

Clinical trials involve millions of individuals, yet there's no formal requirement to inform them of study results, leaving participants confused. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center proposed a novel approach to disseminate study results, which showed high levels of satisfaction among participants.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateDec 8, 2008

Men are red, women are green, Brown researcher finds

A Brown University researcher has discovered that men tend to have more reddish skin and greenish skin is more common for women. The finding has important implications in cognitive science research and potential industry applications in facial recognition technology and advertising.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 8, 2008

News from the Journal of Clinical Oncology

A long-term study found that high insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) levels reduced overall death risk by over 50%, while high C-peptide levels doubled the risk of death. Lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity are associated with high insulin levels, which can fuel colon cancer growth.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 8, 2008

Harm-reduction cigarettes are more toxic than traditional cigarettes, UC Riverside study finds

A UC Riverside study reveals that harm-reduction cigarette smoke retains toxicity and can adversely affect reproductive development in mice and may pose risks to human pregnancies. The research found that both mainstream and sidestream smoke from traditional and harm-reduction brands are toxic to pre-implantation embryos.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateDec 8, 2008

Properties of unusual virus revealed in research

A team of researchers has discovered how the N4 phage injects its own RNA polymerase into E. coli bacterial cells, enabling it to create new proteins without host help. The unique property allows for potential therapeutic applications in killing E. coli bacteria.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 8, 2008

Cellular stress causes fatty liver disease in mice

A University of Iowa researcher and colleagues have discovered a direct link between cellular stress and fatty liver disease in mice. The study found that disrupted protein folding causes abnormal fat metabolism in the liver, which may lead to serious conditions like diabetes and cirrhosis.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 8, 2008

CT scans reveal that dinosaurs were airheads

Dinosaurs had more air cavities in their heads than expected, which may have helped lighten the load of their heads and enabled them to move their heads quickly. These sinus cavities also played a biomechanical role by making bones hollow, similar to hollow beams used in construction.

SourceOhio University·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateDec 8, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 8, 2008

Researchers have developed a mouse model of neonatal diabetes that replicates human disease, providing new insight into the condition. Additionally, studies have identified a link between endothelial dysfunction and altered metabolic responses, particularly in relation to high-fat diets and glucose regulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2008