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Science News for January 14, 2008


Fish oil -- helpful or harmful?

A new review of trials suggests fish oil supplements can help some cardiac patients by blocking cardiac ion channels and reducing fibrosis, while having a negative impact on others. However, high doses can increase the risk of bleeding.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 14, 2008

Sexually-active gay men vulnerable to new, highly infectious bacteria

A new strain of MRSA bacteria has been discovered in sexually active gay men, showing a high rate of transmission through intimate contact and skin-to-skin contact. The study found that these men are 13 times more likely to be infected than the general population, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention measures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2008

Minor leg injuries associated with risk of blood clots

A study of 2,471 patients with venous thrombosis found a three-fold greater relative risk associated with minor leg injuries that don't require surgery or extended bed rest. These injuries may increase blood clotting risk due to reduced activity and damage to blood vessel walls.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2008

AGU Journal highlights -- Jan. 10, 2008

Saturn's rings exhibit fine-scale structures with periodic radial variation in optical depth, while daily fluctuations in streamflow can be influenced by flow velocity. Internal waves in the Pacific Ocean are also studied for their impact on oceanic mixing and energy transport.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2008

Researchers find new way to block destructive rush of immune cells

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found a way to selectively block the ability of white blood cells to migrate toward sites of injury and infection, which drives disease. This discovery suggests a new approach for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 14, 2008

Expert commentary on origins of syphilis study

A new phylogenetic analysis published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases provides insight into the origins of venereal syphilis. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution and transmission of this disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 14, 2008

Plague remains a threat; and more

A study finds that Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is linked to persistent S. aureus infections, highlighting a potential target for non-antibiotic interventions. Plague remains a current threat globally, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia, primarily through contact with infected rodents and fleas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 14, 2008

Study examines decision-making deficits in older adults

Recent research by Natalie Denburg and colleagues found that 35-40% of healthy older adults exhibit poor decision-making abilities, which is associated with increased vulnerability to deceptive advertising. The study suggests that these individuals may experience disproportionate aging of the brain region critical for decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2008

T. rex had teen pregnancies

Researchers found medullary bone in T. rex specimens, indicating dinosaurs reached sexual maturity earlier than thought and had short lifespans of 3-4 years in adulthood. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of birds and reproductive strategies.

SourceOhio University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2008

Wildebeest or malaria parasite -- same rules determine number of offspring

New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that community ecology principles affect parasite species interacting within a single host, impacting treatment effectiveness. The study suggests using ecological thinking to understand and control multiple infections like malaria.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2008

Genetically modified carrots provide more calcium

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed genetically modified carrots that increase the transport of calcium across plant cell membranes. The modified carrots can provide up to 41% more bioavailable calcium than regular carrots, making them a promising source for improving bone mineral density and treating osteoporosis.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2008

Unique role of cell death protein TRADD in viral signaling

Researchers found that TRADD is essential for the transformation of B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus, and that it can be targeted for cancer treatment. The study reveals a unique interaction between the viral protein LMP1 and TRADD, which masks its apoptotic activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 14, 2008

Internal Medicine organization issues guidelines to improve care of 3 symptoms at end of life

The American College of Physicians has issued new guidelines to improve palliative care at the end of life, focusing on pain, shortness of breath, and depression. The guidelines recommend regular assessment and use of proven therapies to manage these symptoms, with a focus on improving quality of care for patients with serious illnesses.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2008

New study suggests Columbus brought syphilis to Europe from New World

A comprehensive genetic analysis supports the 'Columbian theory' of syphilis's origins, suggesting the pathogen was introduced to Europe by Columbus and his men. The study found that the venereal syphilis-causing strains originated most recently and were closest relatives to strains causing yaws in South America.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 14, 2008

Rapid growth, early maturity meant teen pregnancy for dinosaurs

A new study by UC Berkeley scientists reveals that dinosaurs experienced rapid growth spurs and reached sexual maturity near the end of this phase, well before reaching maximum body size. This finding suggests that dinosaurs were born precocious and suffered high adult mortality, making early sexual maturity necessary for survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2008