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Science News Archive September 2008


Page 1 of 24

Treatment window expanded

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients can still benefit from dissolving blood clots in the brain up to 4.5 hours after a stroke. The study, known as ECASS 3, involved 826 patients who received either the thrombolytic drug alteplase or a placebo, with better response rates and no increased mort...

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2008

When cells go bad

Researchers found that when a single telomere is lost, it can cause many abnormalities in a cell's chromosomes, leading to cancer. A new treatment route for cancer may be possible by interfering with the process of adding new telomeres.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGenetics·DateSep 30, 2008

Captain Birdseye's robotic nose

Researchers from Matis-Icelandic Food Research developed a PCR-based technique to detect bacteria causing stinky fish smell in just five hours, four times faster than traditional methods. This innovation enables the fish industry to monitor contamination by spoilage bacteria more efficiently.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalJournal of Environmental Monitoring·DateSep 30, 2008

Walking forum report shows need to expand physical activity in schools

The University of Illinois report 'We Move the Kids' recommends integrating physical activity throughout the curriculum, beyond traditional P.E. classes, to promote healthy habits and combat obesity. Experts suggest innovative strategies like pedometer tracking, rewards, and goal-setting to encourage kids to be physically active.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 30, 2008

The green Sahara, a desert in bloom

Researchers discovered three periods of high vegetation cover in the Sahara Desert over the past 120,000 years, tied to changes in Earth's rotation axis and increased precipitation. Computer model simulations support these findings, suggesting a potential expansion of vegetation in the region under human-driven climate change.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 30, 2008

MRI spots DCIS in mice

Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect tiny breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in mice. The method has shown promising results in detecting small tumors less than 300 microns in diameter and distended milk ducts with cancer.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateSep 30, 2008

Don't ask, don't tell doesn't work in prenatal care

A new study found that obstetrical care providers are not comfortable discussing substance abuse with pregnant patients unless specifically asked. The researchers call for providers to learn about drug and alcohol cessation programs and ask questions to engage women in discussions about risks. This could lead to better health outcomes ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateSep 30, 2008

Study finds young children can develop full-blown OCD

A new study by Lifespan researchers found that young children as young as four can develop full-blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and exhibit similar characteristics to older kids. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, analyzed 58 children with OCD between the ages of four and eight.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment·DateSep 30, 2008

Algal biomonitor

A DNA test can detect harmful algal blooms across the globe, reducing economic impact on fisheries, recreational activities, and aquaculture sites. Factors such as climate change and pollution contribute to algal bloom occurrences.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateSep 30, 2008

A new 10-year vision for glaucoma

The article discusses a global summit of leading glaucoma specialists who gathered to discuss key needs and opportunities in advancing therapies for patients. The summit highlighted the need to advance beyond traditional IOP-lowering therapies and explore new approaches, including innovative drug delivery systems and novel biomarkers.

Ecologists allay fears for farmland birds from wind turbines

A new study found that wind turbines do not significantly affect the distribution of seed-eating birds and corvids. However, common pheasants were the only species whose distribution was impacted by the turbines. This research is crucial for reconciling EU energy targets with biodiversity conservation efforts.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 30, 2008

Immigrant children from poor countries academically outperform those from developed countries

Research by Mark Levels and colleagues reveals that economic development in an immigrant's home country positively impacts their child's academic success. Immigrant children from small communities or politically unstable countries face educational disadvantage, emphasizing the need for targeted programs to support their potential.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateSep 30, 2008

MIT paves way to 'artificial nose'

Researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of smell by mass-producing olfactory receptors. This advance could lead to the development of artificial noses for various settings, including medicine and industry. The innovation involves isolating and purifying protein structures using a novel method.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2008

Restless nights put older adults at risk for depression recurrence

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 29, 2008