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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 173


Page 173 of 277

Genetic factors may predict depression in heart disease patients

A recent study found that genetic variations involving endothelial dysfunction and platelet aggregation contribute to depressive symptoms in individuals with heart disease. Researchers discovered a significant association between one marker within the vonWillebrand factor gene and depressive symptoms.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateMay 19, 2009

Capsules encapsulated

Scientists have created a microcontainer that can hold thousands of individual 'carrier units' - a 'capsosome'. These are polymer capsules with embedded liposomes, combining the advantages of both systems. The capsosomes were produced by several steps and demonstrated successful transport of an enzyme model cargo.

SourceWiley·DateMay 19, 2009

Exposure to 2 languages carries far-reaching benefits

A Northwestern University study found that bilingual participants mastered nearly twice the number of words as monolinguals when learning an invented language. The research suggests that early exposure to two languages carries far-reaching benefits, making bilingual individuals better language learners in general.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 19, 2009

UnMASCing diseases of the brain

Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have identified a set of brain proteins responsible for various neurological disorders. These proteins are found to be defective in molecular machines that control communication between nerve cells and learning processes.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMay 19, 2009

Low-income breast cancer patients skipping hormonal therapy, increasing their risks

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that only 64% of low-income women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer filled any prescriptions for hormonal therapy within 12 months after diagnosis. The researchers also discovered that 40% of the women stopped taking their medication regularly, and 20% stopped using it altogether.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 18, 2009

Risk of facial fractures in motor vehicle crashes decreasing

The study found a decrease in facial fracture incidence over the years, likely due to advancements in vehicle safety features. Individuals restrained with seat belts alone or with airbags were less likely to sustain facial fractures, highlighting the importance of restraint use in injury prevention.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMay 18, 2009

Web-based consultations may reduce referrals to dermatologists

A web-based system allowing general practitioners to confer with specialists about skin conditions has been shown to reduce referrals to dermatologists by approximately 20%. The study found that in-person consultations were preventable for 39% of patients who received teledermatologic consultations, compared to 18.3% in the control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMay 18, 2009

Disruption of immune-system pathway key step in cancer progression, Stanford study shows

A Stanford University study found that disrupting the interferon pathway, a critical immune signaling mechanism, can lead to cancer progression and impaired immune response. This defect was detected in patients with breast, melanoma, and gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting a possible explanation for treatment failures.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2009

New lead on malaria treatment

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered a natural compound that can stop malaria parasite growth, interacting with the parasite's MetAP2 protein. The compound, fumarranol, was found to be less toxic than existing medications and showed promise in treating malaria in mice.

Quick test for prostate cancer

Researchers have developed a new 3-minute test that measures the level of citrate in fluid samples from the prostate gland to detect prostate cancer. The technique uses light energy and can provide an accurate way to screen and diagnose the disease, particularly in its early stages.

SourceDurham University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2009

How glucocorticoid drugs protect the heart

Researchers found that glucocorticoids induce production of PGD2, which protects rodent hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Synthetic glucocorticoids may be more beneficial for humans following a heart attack than traditional ones.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2009

Double trouble for water life

Excess phosphorus and nitrogen from human activities harm aquatic life and ecosystems; a dual nutrient strategy is needed to tackle both issues. The study highlights the need to consider the entire freshwater-marine continuum for effective nutrient control.

SourceSpringer·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateMay 18, 2009

Lettuce gets a healthy suntan

Plant physiologists use UV LEDs to create darker, redder lettuce rich in antioxidants, potentially improving human health. The effect is most noticeable at specific wavelengths and increases with light intensity.

SourceOptica·DateMay 18, 2009

Cohesin jigsaw begins to fit

New research on cohesin binding patterns in fission yeast reveals that features thought to differentiate cohesin behaviour between organisms collectively define its overall behaviour. This suggests that cohesin's mechanisms of action might be more similar between organisms than previously thought.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 18, 2009

Summer haze cools southeastern US

Researchers discovered that sweltering summers in the southeastern US can lead to a cooling haze due to the mixing of manmade pollutants with natural compounds from forests and vegetation. This effect was found to be significant enough to outpace carbon dioxide emissions' warming effects by 2-to-1.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2009

Why does eczema often lead to asthma?

Scientists discovered that a substance secreted by damaged skin can trigger asthmatic symptoms in mice exposed to eczema-causing agents. Early treatment of skin rash and inhibition of the trigger substance may block asthma development in young patients with eczema.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 18, 2009

Frail elderly disaster

Researchers suggest 'age-responsive' actions should be integrated into risk assessments and disaster response plans to minimize harm to frail elderly people. The team proposes strategies to address the unique needs of this vulnerable group, including evacuation plans and shelter locations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateMay 18, 2009

New tool isolates RNA within specific cells

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to isolate RNA from specific cells using a chemically modified gene from Toxoplasma gondii. This approach allows for precise study of gene expression and cellular differences, opening up new avenues for research in development, neurobiology, and disease studies.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 18, 2009

Patients reveal willingness to trade hands-on medical care for computer consultations

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients want full access to their medical records, are willing to make some privacy concessions, and expect computers to play a major role in their care. Patients prioritize transparency and online access over traditional face-to-face doctor visits.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 18, 2009