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Science News for November 30, 2008


McGill researcher on a quest to cure disfiguring parasitic disease

Researchers at McGill University are targeting a small organelle called glycosome to develop new treatments for Leishmania parasite. The goal is to create less toxic drugs with fewer side effects. A potential breakthrough could help combat devastating diseases like African Sleeping Sickness and Chagas' Disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 30, 2008

New statistical model could help reduce breast-lesion biopsies

A new statistical model, developed by researchers at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, uses three key characteristics to predict malignancy in breast lesions. The model identifies patients and lesions that are highly likely to be benign, allowing for reduced unnecessary biopsies.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·DateNov 30, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Sex life of killer fungus finally revealed

Biologists have discovered a sexual cycle in the deadly fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, revealing its ability to adapt to new environments and evade antifungal drugs. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for patients infected with the fungus, which causes severe asthma and immune deficiency-related deaths.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2008

Combining targeted therapy drugs may treat previously resistant tumors

Researchers found that combining PI3K and MEK inhibitors led to significant tumor shrinkage in mice with lung cancer driven by K-Ras mutations. The combination treatment eradicated the tumors with minimal toxicity, providing a strong rationale for testing this therapy in human trials.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 30, 2008
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Prescription for patient safety

A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that NHS hospitals' risk management standards are linked to lower MRSA infection rates. Hospitals that meet certain targets receive discounts on their liability insurance premiums, leading to a reduction in infections.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateNov 30, 2008

New treatment hope for people with recurring depression

A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology shows that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is as effective as anti-depressant medication in preventing relapse and enhancing quality of life for people with long-term depression. The study found that MBCT provides a cost-effective alternative to prescript...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateNov 30, 2008

Antioxidants are unlikely to prevent aging, study suggests

Researchers question the long-held free radical theory of ageing, suggesting that oxidative stress is not a major cause of ageing. The study found no significant impact on lifespan when controlling superoxide levels in nematode worms.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2008

Cell movements totally modular, Stanford study shows

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that distinct groups of proteins each control one of four simple activities involved in the cells' collective migration. The study overturns an assumption common in genomics and provides a powerful tool for developing new therapeutics.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2008
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.