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Science News for October 6, 2008


Why current publication practices may distort science

A team of researchers argues that current publication practices create an extreme imbalance between the abundance of supply and limited venues for publication, leading to unrepresentative results. This distortion affects the broader scientific community, as only a small proportion of research findings are selected for publication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 6, 2008

Surface tension drives segregation within cell mixtures

Researchers have developed a new three-dimensional computer model that reveals surface tension plays a crucial role in cell sorting. The study found that when minority cells make up at least 25% of the mix, they are more likely to be in direct contact with other minority cells, enhancing the surface tension effect and allowing it to dr...

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 6, 2008

Metastatic movements in 3-D

Research reveals that blocking avb3 integrin leads to a5b1's increased trafficking and association with EGFR1, activating the Akt pathway and promoting random migration and invasive ability. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying metastatic movement in tumor cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 6, 2008

New blood test for Down syndrome

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have created a non-invasive blood test that accurately detects Down syndrome and two other serious chromosomal defects. The test is more accurate than previous methods and can provide results within a few days, reducing the wait time for anxious parents.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2008

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling for all sexually active individuals at increased risk for STIs. The new stool DNA test is twice as effective at detecting colon cancer and polyps than previous tests, showing promise for improved screening effectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 6, 2008

New prenatal test for down syndrome less risky than amniocentesis, Stanford/Packard scientists say

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prenatal test for Down syndrome that requires only a maternal blood sample, significantly reducing the risk of miscarriage. The test uses fragments of fetal DNA in the woman's blood to detect chromosomal disorders and could provide an earlier diagnosis than current methods.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2008

C. difficile and antibiotics not necessarily linked

A new study by Dr. Sandra Dial challenges the long-held assumption that antibiotic use is always a precursor to C. difficile infections. Researchers found that approximately 53% of community-acquired C. difficile infections were not related to antibiotic use, highlighting the need for further investigation into other risk factors.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 6, 2008

Study finds genetic variant plays role in cleft lip

Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with isolated cleft lip, which affects approximately one in five cases. The study found that the variant disrupts proper expression of the IRF6 gene, leading to disruptions in AP2 binding and contributing to the development of cleft lip.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 6, 2008

Fuzziness on the road to physics' grand unification theory

Theoretical physicists led by the University of Oregon's Stephen Hsu have found indications that grand unified theories may be merging into a single unified field. However, their research also suggests that this process could be slowed down or blocked by quantum fluctuations in space-time, making it more challenging to detect.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 6, 2008

JDRF funded study links 'hygiene hypothesis' to diabetes prevention

A JDRF-funded study suggests that exposure to certain bacteria may provide protection against developing type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that mice exposed to these harmless microbes had a lower risk of autoimmune disorders. The findings lend support to the 'hygiene hypothesis' and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for prevention.

SourceJDRF·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2008

Early-stage gene transcription creates access to DNA

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism in gene expression where non-coding RNAs create access to DNA, allowing transcriptional activation proteins to initiate gene expression. This process involves the transient synthesis of non-coding RNAs that unfurl tightly wound DNA, enabling gene expression.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2008

Flu vaccine not associated with reduced hospitalizations or outpatient visits among young children

A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that the flu vaccine was not associated with reduced hospitalizations or outpatient visits among children under 5. The mismatch between the strains of virus in the vaccine and circulating strains may have contributed to this outcome.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 6, 2008

Free drug samples carry risks for children

A study by Lifespan and Hasbro Children's Hospital found that nearly one in 10 American children received free drug samples in 2004. The top four most frequently distributed medications have significant new safety concerns, including schedule II controlled substances that carry high potential for abuse.

SourceLifespan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 6, 2008

Anti-cancer drug prevents, reverses cardiovascular damage in mouse model of premature aging disorder

Researchers have found that an experimental anti-cancer drug can prevent and reverse cardiovascular damage in a mouse model of progeria, a rare genetic disorder causing human premature aging. The study suggests that the drug may also have potential in treating other forms of coronary artery disease.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2008

Mayo Clinic study tackles labeling errors

A Mayo Clinic study implemented a radio-frequency identification system to track biopsy specimens and automate identification. The initiative resulted in a significant reduction of specimen-labeling errors, from 765 in 2007 to 47 in 2008. The new labeling system improved safety and quality efforts in specimen management.

Using a fan during sleep associated with lower risk of SIDS

A study found that using a fan during sleep significantly lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), particularly in rooms with inadequate ventilation. The use of fans was associated with a 72% decrease in SIDS risk, especially in infants who slept on their sides or shared beds.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateOct 6, 2008