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Science News Archive December 2008 - Page 20


Page 20 of 21

Fruit fly research may lead to better understanding of human heart disease

Researchers have identified a connection between fruit fly genetics and human heart disease, revealing that certain genes play a role in both embryonic and adult heart function. The study found TBX20 mutations in humans with structural congenital heart abnormalities and heart muscle dysfunction, suggesting its potential involvement in ...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008

Prostate cancer spurs new nerves

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that prostate cancer promotes the growth of new nerves and axons, a phenomenon associated with more aggressive tumors. This discovery could lead to new targets for treatment, as neurogenesis is present in more aggressive cancers.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 1, 2008

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

Researchers have developed a new approach to modulate gene expression using miRNA natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes, effectively treating cancer in mice. Additionally, the study has provided insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling epithelial fluid and HCO3– secretion, which may help understand cystic fibrosis.

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

Women with mitral valve prolapse are treated less aggressively than men and may be at high risk

A Mayo Clinic study reveals women with mitral valve prolapse and severe leakage often receive less aggressive treatment than men, with a higher risk of mortality. The underestimation of cardiac enlargement in women may be the primary reason for these disparities, highlighting the need for more precise evaluation and treatment strategies.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 1, 2008

Multidetector CT cystography accurately detects urine leaks after prostatectomy

Multidetector CT cystography successfully detects urinary leaks after prostatectomy with a detection rate of 80.4%, outperforming conventional cystography in accuracy. This non-invasive imaging technique helps clinicians create personalized treatment plans, potentially reducing long-term complications like urinary incontinence.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 1, 2008

Using challenging concepts to learn promotes understanding of new material

A study by University of California, Santa Barbara psychologists found that starting with difficult problems can improve understanding of new material. Participants who began with harder problems were able to think abstractly and perform well on the task, whereas those who started with easy problems struggled with more complicated issues.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 1, 2008

First trial in patients with a potential treatment of the incurable ALS muscle disease

Researchers at VIB and NeuroNova are conducting the first trial of a potential ALS treatment, which involves administering VEGF protein directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. This innovative approach has shown promising results in animal models, with treated rats manifesting the disease later and living longer than untreated animals.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateDec 1, 2008

Stanford blood scanner detects even faint indicators of cancer

A team of Stanford researchers has created a prototype blood scanner that can detect cancer biomarkers in the bloodstream at an early stage of the disease. The system uses magnetic nanotechnology to spot cancer proteins, which is tens to hundreds of times more sensitive than existing commercial devices. This technology holds promise fo...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008

Childhood social program leads to better-functioning young adults

A 15-year follow-up of a childhood social development intervention found improved mental health, sexual health, and educational and economic achievement among participants. The Seattle Social Development Project showed positive effects on behavior management, refusal, social skills training, and academic development in elementary schoo...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 1, 2008

New study on NYU primary care residency program indicates low burnout rates and career satisfaction

A new study on NYU's primary care residency program reveals remarkably low burnout rates and high career satisfaction among its graduates. The study, published in Academic Medicine, found that 87% of graduates practice as primary care physicians, with many also teaching, researching, and advocating for health issues.

Harnessing miRNA natural gene repressors for anticancer therapy

Scientists have developed a new approach to harness the power of microRNAs (miRNAs) as natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes. By engineering mouse bone marrow cells to express genes only when miR-181a is downregulated, they were able to create immune cells that could target and destroy cancer cells.

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

The freedom of power

New research reveals that power protects people from influence, enabling them to generate creative ideas and express their underlying attitudes. High-power individuals are more likely to resist conformity pressure and counter opposing views, suggesting that power can be a catalyst for change rather than corruption.

SourceManning Selvage & Lee·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 1, 2008

Test-tube babies profitable business for the state

A Swedish study suggests that test-tube babies can be a profitable investment for states due to increased population and tax revenue. In the long term, the state benefits from subsidizing IVF treatment for involuntarily childless couples, which could potentially help boost population growth.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateDec 1, 2008

New medication brings hope of jet lag cure

Researchers at Monash University found a new drug, tasimelteon, that can effectively shift melatonin levels to alleviate jet lag and sleep disorders. The drug has the potential to improve sleep quality for patients with transient insomnia caused by time zone changes.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 1, 2008

December Geosphere media highlights

The Geosphere journal features two studies: one on climate change in the southwestern US from 17-6 million years ago, and another on the evolution of the South Balkan extensional system. The climate study used sedimentation and erosion history to interpret changes in ocean circulation and North American monsoon activity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 1, 2008

Foretelling a major meltdown

A rare mineral called nahcolite has been found to form only under high atmospheric CO2 levels, suggesting a possible benchmark for future climate change. The discovery is rooted in the Eocene Epoch, when CO2 levels were three times higher than current levels, and may signal an impending 'hothouse' climate by the end of the century.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2008

Stroke supplement -- best practices and new recommendations to improve care

The Canadian Medical Association Journal has released a comprehensive stroke supplement featuring 27 best practice recommendations, including four new topics such as emergency medical services care of stroke patients before hospital arrival. The supplement is part of the Canadian Stroke Strategy and aims to improve stroke care in Canada.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 1, 2008

Self-powered devices possible, says Texas A&M researcher

A Texas A&M researcher has discovered a way to harness energy from sound waves using piezoelectric materials, which could enable the development of self-powered cell phones and other devices. The discovery is significant because it shows that energy can be converted at a 100% increase when materials are manufactured at a very small size.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 1, 2008