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Science News for July 29, 2008


Gaining advantages from childhood experience

Researchers found that rats exposed to novelty during infancy had better social competitiveness and reduced stress responses compared to those with no novel experiences. Consistency of maternal care was also linked to offspring's adaptability. These findings suggest early life experience plays a crucial role in shaping human development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2008

Frankincense provides relief to arthritis sufferers

A randomized, double-blinded trial of 70 patients found that taking an enriched extract of Indian Frankincense significantly improved osteoarthritis symptoms within seven days. The study suggests that AKBA, the most active ingredient in the plant, has anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective for treating knee osteoarthritis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJul 29, 2008

Evolution of skull and mandible shape in cats

Sabertoothed and modern cats evolved distinct adaptations to killing, with the former having radically different skulls due to selective pressures for a precise shearing action. Modern cats' skull shape varies depending on size, but their anatomy shows a gradual transition from smallest to largest species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2008

Improved estrogen reception may sharpen fuzzy memory

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to improve thought processes in female mice by recharging a naturally occurring estrogen receptor in the brain. This breakthrough suggests that drugs can be developed to offset cognitive decline related to low estrogen levels, protecting against neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJul 29, 2008

1/5 of British adult survivors of childhood cancer smoke despite hazards

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that nearly a third of British adult survivors of childhood cancer have been regular smokers at some point in their lives. Smoking is an additional source of risk for this population due to long-term effects of original cancer and treatment, as well as genet...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2008

The buzz of the chase

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have applied Geographic Profiling (GP) technique to bumblebees to analyze their foraging behavior. The study revealed that bees create a 'buffer zone' around their hive to reduce the risk of predators and parasites.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 29, 2008

Summer heat too hot for you? What is comfortable?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that fruit flies use TRPA1 to sense single degree changes in the comfortable range, adapting to different temperatures through a multistep process. This discovery raises the possibility that mammals may also be able to sense small changes in internal body temperature.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 2008

This old healthy house

Researchers found that living in a walkable neighborhood can reduce the risk of obesity by up to six pounds. The study used census data from Salt Lake County and found that neighborhoods built before 1950 were associated with lower BMI values.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 29, 2008

2 different breast cancer screening strategies are equally effective

A study comparing two breast cancer screening strategies in Norway and Vermont found that both approaches were equally sensitive for detecting cancer, with similar age-adjusted screening detection rates. However, the recall rate for abnormal mammograms was lower in Norway, while the rate of interval cancers was higher in Vermont.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2008

Also in the July 29 JNCI

A new study finds that patient age, predisposition to heart disease, and prior treatments are associated with an individual's risk of developing heart problems following epirubicin treatment. The researchers recommend lowering the cumulative dose recommended for most patients, with maximum doses ranging from 300 mg/m2 to 900 mg/m2.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 29, 2008

Cancer research highlights

Medical physicists are developing new imaging technologies to improve breast cancer detection and treatment. Researchers have also identified ways to predict treatment success using oxygen levels within tumors, and are exploring innovative techniques such as modulated electron therapy for shallow tumor treatment.

Nanoparticles + light = dead tumor cells

Researchers have developed a novel method to kill tumor cells using nanoparticles and light. The technique employs quantum dots that emit light when exposed to megavoltage x-rays, which triggers the cancer-killing activity of Photofrin. This approach could be more effective in treating deeply seated tumors than current methods.

Right place and right time can trigger drinking

Researchers found that physical surroundings where alcohol cues are experienced can greatly influence the ability of those cues to trigger relapse. The study suggests that presenting cues repeatedly in multiple distinct contexts without alcohol can diminish their triggering effect.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2008

European birds flock to warming Britain

Researchers found that warmer temperatures are favouring bird species with southern European ranges, such as the Cirl Bunting and Dartford Warbler, which are becoming more common across Britain. In contrast, northern species like the Fieldfare and Redwing are experiencing declining numbers

SourceDurham University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 29, 2008