Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2008 - Page 22


Page 22 of 24

Oxidative stress: Mechanism of cell death clarified

Scientists discover that glutathione peroxidase 4 senses and translates oxidative stress into a distinct signaling pathway leading to cell death, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for mitigating degenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and its role in cellular damage.

Exercise may help improve memory problems

A home-based physical activity program improved cognitive function in adults with memory problems, compared to those who did not participate. The study found that exercise delayed recall and reduced Clinical Dementia Rating scores in participants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 2, 2008

Networks for life

The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of networks in STEMI treatment, facilitating pre-hospital diagnosis, triage, and treatment with efficient transportation to appropriate hospitals. Clear protocols and cooperation among centers reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.

How to spot a heart attack soon after it occurs

Researchers developed a new method for early detection of heart attacks using metabolite profiling, detecting changes in blood samples 10 minutes after the event. The approach has potential to improve early treatment and survival rates.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 2, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 2, 2008

Researchers have found that farnesylated progerin, not just its non-farnesylated form, can cause symptoms of disease in individuals with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Meanwhile, a new study suggests that neural stem cell transplantation may offer hope for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by improving the survival a...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 2, 2008

New stem cell tools to aid drug development

Researchers at Durham University have developed two synthetic molecules that can direct stem cells to 'differentiate' into specific tissue types, improving the reliability of experiments and potentially reducing animal use. The new molecules, EC23 and EC19, are more stable than natural compounds currently used in laboratory research.

SourceDurham University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateSep 2, 2008

Study finds B-vitamin deficiency may cause vascular cognitive impairment

A new study published in PNAS found that a B-vitamin deficiency can cause vascular cognitive impairment in mice. The research, conducted by researchers at Tufts University, used an experimental model to examine the effects of dietary B-vitamin deficiency on metabolic, cognitive, and microvascular changes.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2008

Chandelier cells unveil human cognition

Researchers discover complex events initiated by individual spikes in the human cerebral cortex, triggered by specific chandelier cells. The study suggests that humans possess different types of cells contributing to higher cognition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 2, 2008

Scientists develop new method to investigate origin of life

Researchers at Penn State have developed a computational method to trace evolutionary histories of proteins back to cells or viruses, aiming to settle the debate on which came first. The new approach uses phylogenetic profiles and tree-like diagrams to provide clearer insights into retroelement evolution.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2008

PET scans lead to treatment changes in majority of colorectal cancer patients

A recent study found that positron emission tomography (PET) scans led to changes in treatment plans for more than half of patients with suspected recurrent colorectal cancer. The study, conducted at four sites in Australia, involved 191 patients and showed that PET scans identified additional disease sites in 48% of patients, allowing...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 2, 2008

New study by Kent State professor links early explanations of 9/11 to long-term adjustment

A new study by Kent State professor John Updegraff suggests that finding meaning in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events like 9/11 can help individuals adjust over time. The research found that those who were able to make sense of the attacks coped better, reducing their fears of future terrorism and distress.

SourceKent State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 2, 2008

Innate immune system targets asthma-linked fungus for destruction

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute discover that eosinophils exert a strong immune response against the environmental fungus Alternaria alternata. The innate immune system of humans is capable of killing the fungus, which is linked to airway inflammation, chronic rhinosinusitis, and bronchial asthma.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateSep 2, 2008