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Science News for October 7, 2008


U of T creates fake proof personality test

Psychologists at U of T create a bias-resistant personality inventory that predicts real-world performance even when respondents are trying to fake their answers. The study shows that traditional personality questionnaires fail to predict outcomes when respondents have strong incentive to distort the results.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateOct 7, 2008

What is the influence of tumor removal on the serum level of carbohydrate's antibody?

Research found that surgical tumor removal significantly elevated serum levels of TF and Tn antibodies in gastrointestinal cancer patients, particularly those with G3 tumors. The postoperative follow-up showed a correlation between the level of anti-TF IgG and lymphocyte count, as well as between anti-Tn IgG and serum CA 19-9 levels.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 7, 2008

Climate change will affect public health -- a call to action

A special issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine examines the intersection of climate change and health, highlighting various impacts including heat-related illnesses, vectorborne diseases, and air quality issues. The issue emphasizes the need for a systems approach to address climate change and its effects on public health.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 7, 2008

Study provides insight on a common heart rhythm disorder

Researchers at the University of Iowa and France have discovered a gene variant that causes sinus node disease, a potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder. The study found that variants in the ANK2 gene result in dysfunction in the protein ankyrin-B, leading to variable heart rates and bradycardia.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2008

Study: Even occasional smoking can impair arteries

A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalUltrasound in Medicine & Biology·DateOct 7, 2008

New light on link between snoring and cognitive deficits in children

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) experience cognitive deficits, but the severity is difficult to correlate. Researchers measured regional cerebral oxygen concentration and blood pressure during sleep to understand the comple...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 7, 2008

Also in the Oct. 7 JNCI

Researchers propose a nested case-control study design called PRoBE to evaluate biomarker classification accuracy, minimizing bias. Regular NSAID use is associated with a 12% relative risk reduction in breast cancer risk, according to a meta-analysis of 38 studies involving 2,788,715 women.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 7, 2008

Older renal cancer patients appear to benefit from sorafenib treatment

A subset analysis of a randomized trial found that older patients with renal cell carcinoma derive similar clinical benefits from sorafenib therapy as younger patients, including improved progression-free survival and quality of life. The treatment was well-tolerated regardless of age, with manageable side effects.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 7, 2008

Study suggests LF elimination program is 'best buy in public health'

The study found that the LYF elimination programme has prevented 6.6 million children from acquiring LF and stopped another 9.5 million people already infected from progressing to more debilitating stages. The programme's success is attributed to its rapid scale-up, delivering what experts call a 'best buy' in public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 7, 2008

Stars stop forming when big galaxies collide

Astronomers have discovered evidence that high-speed collisions between large elliptical galaxies can prevent new stars from forming. The study found that gravitational interactions can heat up gas, making it difficult for stars to cool and form.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 7, 2008

Egg whites solve the 3-D problem

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found a solution to the high cost of commercial media for 3D cell cultures using chicken egg whites. The process enables normal and cancer cells to be grown in three dimensions, allowing scientists to study cell signaling and tumor microenvironments.

How are children choosing their food portions?

A study found that children serve themselves larger portions when super-sized meals are available, but portion sizes vary by gender, ethnicity, and parental feeding practices. The researchers aim to identify factors affecting children's eating habits and promote healthy choices from an early age.