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Science News Archive February 2008 - Page 16


Page 16 of 19

Tropical soils impede landmine detection

Researchers found that over one-third of tropical soil samples can generate severe limitations for landmine detection using metal detectors. The study provides a classification scheme for predicting detector performance and highlights the importance of considering soil development in de-mining missions.

SourceSoil Science Society of America·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateFeb 6, 2008

Gene plays 'Jekyll and Hyde' in brain cancer

A new study has found that a gene called STAT3 can behave differently depending on genetic nuances between individuals, playing a tumor suppressor role in some glioblastoma cases. The discovery has laid the foundation for personalized medicine approaches to treat this devastating brain cancer.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 6, 2008

RNA-associated introns guide nerve-cell channel production

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified an important molecular mechanism guiding nerve-cell electrical channels. The discovery suggests that RNA-associated introns play a critical role in regulating gene expression and controlling the number of channel proteins produced.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2008

Supplementary approach to malaria

A vitamin A and zinc supplement reduced malaria incidence by 34% in young children, according to a randomized double-blind trial. The supplementation also increased time to onset of malarial symptoms and reduced episode frequency.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateFeb 5, 2008

New devices to boost nematode research on neurons and drugs

Researchers have developed two nanotech-driven tools using soft lithography to study brain-behavior connections and screen new pharmaceuticals for parasitic infections in humans. The devices provide a near-natural environment for nematode movement, enabling the monitoring of individual fluorescent-injected neurons in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateFeb 5, 2008

Whole grain diets lower risk of chronic disease

A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming whole grains can lead to significant weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study showed that the whole grain group experienced a lower body weight, lower blood pressure, and increased intake of fiber and magnesium compared to the refined grain group.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 5, 2008

DNA 'barcode' identified for plants

A unique DNA gene, matK, has been identified as a potential 'barcode' for plants, allowing for easy identification and cataloging of different species. This discovery could lead to new methods for identifying plant ingredients in traditional medicines and monitoring endangered species.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2008

Older women more susceptible to depression than older men

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that older women are more prone to depression and less likely to die from it compared to older men. The study, which evaluated 754 individuals aged 70+, found that women were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and remain depressed over time.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 2008

2008 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation awarded to Dr. Ussif Rashid Sumaila

Dr. Sumaila will create comprehensive databases on the cost and ecological impact of commercial fishing globally, providing evidence for smarter policymaking concerning fisheries management worldwide. He aims to gather extensive information on social and economic drivers of overfishing and its impact on marine conservation.

Don't blame the trees: Social factors, not forests, dictate disease patterns

A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that social marginalization is a stronger predictor of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) incidence than deforestation. The research showed that socially marginalized human populations are more vulnerable to infection, even in highly deforested counties.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 5, 2008

Heavy marijuana use linked to gum disease

A recent study has found that heavy marijuana use is associated with an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. The study, which tracked over 900 individuals, found that frequent cannabis use since age 18 was linked to more than one-third of new cases of gum disease between ages 26 and 32.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateFeb 5, 2008

Half of patients undergoing cerebrovascular stent placement respond poorly to clopidogrel

A study by Rush University Medical Center found that half of patients receiving cerebrovascular stents did not adequately respond to clopidogrel. The researchers identified a significant association between older age and diabetes with platelet activity, suggesting these patients may require alternative approaches.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateFeb 5, 2008

Drug fights cystic fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that PTC124 restored normal function in up to 29 percent of abnormal cystic-fibrosis protein cases. The drug works by rescuing faulty proteins that lead to illnesses, including cystic fibrosis and over 2,400 genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2008

Why do earthquakes stop?

Researchers understand that a smooth decrease in stress at the end of a primary fault reduces the likelihood of an earthquake jumping to another fault. This study highlights the importance of slip gradient and rupture front acceleration in determining fault jump probability.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 5, 2008

Obesity may be wired in the brain, rat study suggests

Researchers found that obese rats have abnormalities in brain regions critical for appetite control, including reduced responsiveness to the hunger-suppressing hormone leptin. This suggests that obesity may be wired into the brain from early life, making it challenging to reverse with exercise and diet alone.

Researchers find less invasive, highly accurate methods

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new technique using two small flexible tubes to stage lung cancer, achieving a 93% accuracy rate in finding malignant lymph nodes. This method is less invasive and more precise than traditional surgical methods, allowing patients to recover the same day.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 5, 2008

Chronic pain harms the brain

A study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that chronic pain disrupts the equilibrium of the brain's regions, leading to permanent damage. This constant firing of neurons can alter connections and even cause death.