Sleep may be factor in weight control
Researchers found that short sleepers had higher BMI and lower sleep efficiency compared to long sleepers. Overweight individuals also tended to be more active, but this did not lead to reduced weight gain.
Science News Archive 2009
Browse by Month - 2009
Page 175 of 277
The future of personalized cancer treatment: An entirely new direction for RNAi delivery
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed an efficient system for delivering siRNA into primary cells, overcoming a major hurdle in RNAi-based cancer therapy. The PTD-DRBD fusion protein enables targeted gene silencing in various cell types without toxicity or immune responses.
Study sees transient heart dysfunction in some long-distance runners
A new study using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging found that marathon runners experience transient heart dysfunction after competition. The study showed that these fluctuations do not result in true damage to the heart muscle and recover within one week.
Novel vaccine approach offers hope in fight against HIV
A novel vaccine approach may have broken the impasse in developing an effective HIV vaccine by bypassing the usual path followed by vaccine developers. The technique, which uses gene transfer technology, protected monkeys from SIV infection and produced long-lived neutralizing activity.
Increasing ICS compliance: The voice may be recorded, but the results are real
A study presented at the American Thoracic Society found that automated phone calls increased medication adherence for patients with asthma by 2%, particularly among seniors. The system used a combination of voice messages and branching logic to address barriers to compliance, resulting in significant public health benefits.
Self-treatment results in lower overall health care costs for COPD sufferers
Researchers found that a self-treatment program for COPD patients led to fewer exacerbation days and increased medication use. This resulted in cost savings due to reduced hospitalizations and healthcare contacts. The study suggested that implementing such programs could help manage COPD effectively.
2 studies examine medical consequences of police use of force during restraint
Two studies found that injuries inflicted by police officers are relatively rare, with less than one percent requiring hospital admission for related incidents. However, high rates of drug and alcohol use, psychiatric history, and deaths due to firearms were observed among those being restrained.
Genes that influence start of menstruation identified for first time
Two genes have been identified as key regulators of female sexual maturation, with their variants associated with earlier onset of menstruation. The study's findings suggest a genetic basis for the links between early menstruation and body mass index and height.
Study tests the effect of ending ambulance diversion
A study found that eliminating ambulance diversion did not cause significant problems, but rather decreased wait times for admitted patients. The state of Massachusetts has since ended the practice statewide due to the study's results.
Automobile restraints do not increase chance of fetal complications following accidents
A study of over two million injured patients found pregnant women with seat belts had significantly fewer pregnancy-related complications than those without. Women wearing both a seat belt and air bag had the lowest rate of complications.
ChloroFilms announces video contest winners
The American Society of Plant Biologists supports ChloroFilms' video contest, promoting plant life awareness through innovative videos. The first competition awarded grand and first prize winners for their creative and informative content.
AIDS patients with serious complications benefit from early retroviral use, Stanford study shows
A new Stanford University study finds that early antiretroviral treatment can reduce the risk of death or complications in HIV-positive patients with serious AIDS-related conditions. The treatment was shown to improve immune system function and increase survival rates by 50 percent.
Identification of a key molecular pathway required for brain neural circuit formation
Researchers have identified a crucial molecular pathway required for the formation of brain neural circuits. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding how axons reach their targets, paving the way for new therapies to treat spinal cord injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
AIBS recognizes diversity in the biological sciences
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Danielle N. Lee as a Diversity Scholar for her research on individual differences and behavioral syndromes in prairie voles. Lee plans to pursue an academic career emphasizing science outreach and participation of under-served audiences.
World's observatories watching 'cool' star
Scientists are synchronizing lenses of the Whole Earth Telescope network to monitor a white dwarf, shedding light on its composition and applying knowledge to Earth's weather. The star, WDJ1524-0030, is losing brightness as it cools, with astronomers studying its pulses to understand internal movements.
2 new studies on circadian rhythms
Researchers have made new inroads into understanding the regulatory circuitry of the biological clock that synchronizes daily activities. Two studies published in Cell and Molecular Cell provide a complete view of the regulation of circadian clocks across a day, revealing the role of phosphorylation and temperature compensation.
Genetic marker may predict early onset of prostate cancer
Researchers have identified a genetic marker associated with an earlier onset of prostate cancer in high-risk men. The Met160Val SNP is linked to a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing prostate cancer, and carriers are more likely to develop the disease earlier.
Researchers closer to the ultimate green 'fridge magnet'
Scientists have made a breakthrough in developing environmentally-friendly 'magnetic' refrigeration technology, which could provide a greener alternative to traditional gas-compression fridges and air conditioners. The new materials exhibit dramatic heating and cooling when a magnetic field is applied and removed.
Long-term study shows low oxygen levels in prostate tumors can predict recurrence
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that low-oxygen regions in prostate tumors are associated with increased PSA levels, a marker of tumor recurrence. The study used a custom-built probe to monitor oxygen levels in tumors and non-cancerous muscle tissue before localized radiation therapy.
BUSM researchers find Gram-negative rods in 2 Philippine neonatal intensive care units
Infection control methods could reduce hospital-acquired neonatal infections, which account for one-third of global child deaths. Multidrug-resistant GNRs were found in over 1,900 colonizing and infecting neonates, with high-risk factors including mechanical ventilation and prematurity.
Special journal issues released on global health promotion and health education
Two special peer-reviewed journals feature articles from a transatlantic meeting on strengthening global health promotion practice, including eight domains of core competency. The journals promote international collaboration in health education and health promotion.
Preschoolers' language development is partly tied to their classmates' language skills
A new longitudinal study found that preschoolers' language skills develop faster when they are with classmates who have better language abilities. The study also suggests that teachers can promote children's language development by effectively managing classroom behavior.
Women with chest pain less likely then men to get proper treatment from paramedics
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that women with chest pain are less likely to receive recommended treatments, such as aspirin and nitroglycerin, from paramedics. This disparity in care may be due to differences in symptom interpretation or patient communication, emphasizing the importance of direc...
The importance of being helpful -- Cooperative cichlids boost their own reproductive success
Subordinate female cichlids receive reciprocal benefits for helping dominant pairs raise offspring, increasing their reproductive potential. This finding suggests a 'pay-to-reproduce' hypothesis, where subordinates adjust their care to gain access to breeding substrate and enhance their own reproduction.
Prevention program helps teens override a gene linked to risky behavior
A family-based prevention program was found to be especially effective in reducing substance use and risk behaviors among young teens with a genetic risk factor. The study showed that the program helped adolescents with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR overcome their predisposition to engage in risky behaviors.
Study compares formulations of 3 aspirin types
A new study comparing three different types of aspirin has found that chewable aspirin consistently shows greater and more rapid absorption, potentially leading to improvements in heart attack care. Researchers measured blood levels of aspirin after administering regular and chewed aspirin to volunteers.
QUIET team to deploy new gravity-wave probe in June
The QUIET team will deploy a new gravity-wave probe in June to test the existence of cosmic inflation. The probe aims to detect remnants of the universe's earliest moments, when space expanded faster than light.
Thomas Rossing awarded Gold Medal of the Acoustical Society of America
Acoustics expert and Springer editor Thomas Rossing received the prestigious Gold Medal from the Acoustical Society of America. His research focuses on musical acoustics, psychoacoustics, and physics education, with over 350 publications in these fields.
Vitamin D expert receives Linus Pauling Prize for Health Research
Dr. Michael Holick, a leading vitamin D expert, has been awarded the $50,000 Linus Pauling Institute Prize for his pioneering work in disease prevention and public health. His research has shown a significant link between vitamin D deficiency and various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease.
Program focused on body, mind and spirit helps women with breast cancer cope
The Pathfinder program, which focuses on body, mind, and spirit, has been found to improve distress and despair in women with metastatic breast cancer. The program provides patient navigation, counseling, and coping skills training, resulting in a higher quality of life for participants.
Study makes first connection between heart disorder and Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center discovered a strong relationship between atrial fibrillation and the development of Alzheimer's disease in a study of over 37,000 patients. Patients with atrial fibrillation were 44% more likely to develop dementia than those without, with younger patients facing higher risks.
Veterinarians at high risk for viral, bacterial infections from animals
Veterinarians are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with various pathogens, including swine influenza and avian influenza viruses. A review of medical literature found that veterinarians often fail to use recommended personal protective equipment due to discomfort or lack of availability.
Center-based care and insensitive parenting may have lasting effects
A large longitudinal study found that early child care and insensitive parenting may have independent and lasting effects on children's development. Children who experienced high levels of stress during early childhood had lower cortisol levels at age 15.
Transplant patients have worse cancer outcomes, analysis shows
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati analyzed lung, colon, breast, prostate, bladder, kidney and skin cancer data in transplant recipients compared to the general population, finding worse disease-specific survival rates for each type of cancer. Immunosuppressive therapies may play a role in the poorer outcomes.
3-D kidney atlas created for researchers and physicians
A 3D kidney atlas has been created to help diagnose and treat renal diseases more effectively. The atlas, part of the European Renal Genome Project, will aid in understanding genes that play a key role in renal diseases and other data on anatomy.
Glutamine supplements show promise in treating stomach ulcers
Researchers found that glutamine supplementation can lower inflammation in stomach tissue infected with H. pylori bacteria, a primary cause of stomach cancer. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for stomach ulcers and gastric cancers.
Children who are depressed, anxious or aggressive in first grade risk being victimized later on
A new study found that children with depression, anxiety or aggression in first grade are at risk of being chronically victimized by their classmates by third grade. Children who displayed these symptoms had a higher likelihood of being bullied and were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior.
Fathers respond to teens' risky sexual behavior with increased supervision
A new longitudinal study reveals that fathers respond to their children's risky sexual behavior by increasing supervision and monitoring. Teens who engage in risky sexual activity are more likely to have involved fathers, who show a greater interest in their children's lives.
Using high-precision laser tweezers to juggle cells
Scientists create microfluidic system using laser tweezers to test individual cell responses to stress, providing insights into cellular behavior and survival strategies.
AIBS honors outstanding contributions to biology
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) recognizes Joseph Felsenstein, Robert T. Pennock, Bruce Alberts, Michael Pollan, Rita Colwell, and Chip Rowe for their significant positive contributions to the field of biology. The awards are presented to individuals who have made substantial scientific or educational impact.
Europium discovery
Researchers discovered europium becomes superconducting under high pressure, expanding the list of elemental superconductors. This breakthrough adds data to theoretical models of superconductivity, potentially leading to room-temperature superconductors.
Early childhood health interventions could save billions in health costs later in life
Research by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that early childhood health interventions can significantly reduce future healthcare costs, estimated at $50,000 per child. Interventions targeting tobacco exposure, unintentional injury, obesity, and mental health can lead to cost savings of up to $65 billion.
Long-term study results validate efficacy of CT scans for chest pain diagnosis
A long-term study confirms the efficacy of CT scans in ruling out serious cardiovascular disease in patients with chest pain, with no cases of heart attacks or cardiac stents needed within a year after negative scans. The test streamlines the process, providing faster and less expensive evaluation options.
Family-based program helps youth avoid risky behavior -- even those who may be genetically prone to it
A new study demonstrates that a family-based prevention program can protect youth from engaging in risky behaviors, even if they have a genetic risk factor. The program, called 'Strong African American Families', taught parents and children skills to promote positive goals, emotional support, and racial pride.
Inexpensive plastic used in CDs could improve aircraft, computer electronics
University of Houston researchers have developed highly conductive nanocomposites using polycarbonate and carbon nanotubes, improving the integrity of electronics in aircraft, computers, and iPhones. The findings could lead to antistatic coatings and electromagnetic interference shields, increasing device lifespan and efficiency.
Old diabetes drug teaches experts new tricks
Research reveals metformin, a commonly used diabetes drug, works on a basic level to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating glucose production in the liver. The study found that metformin bypasses the communication block between liver and pancreas, mimicking the action of CBP protein.
ERK1 and ERK2 activities are key to ovarian functions and fertility
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) are essential for ovulation, oocyte maturation, and other key activities in ovarian function. Disrupting the activity of both enzymes was necessary to block fertility in female mammals.
UTSA announces funding for new faculty research
The University of Texas at San Antonio has awarded funding to nine new faculty research projects, valued at approximately $242,000. These initiatives focus on diverse areas such as health, energy, and sustainability.
Parental guidelilnes, consequences may be why fewer black teens smoke than whites
A University of Washington study found that black teens are less likely to start smoking as adolescents due to parental guidelines and consequences. Teens who associate with deviant peers are more likely to smoke, regardless of race. Parents can reduce their teen's likelihood of smoking by setting clear guidelines and maintaining a str...
Stem cell transplant in mouse embryo yields heart protection in adulthood
Researchers successfully transplanted embryonic stem cells into mouse embryos, demonstrating a capacity to recover from cardiac injury in adulthood. The study provides evidence for preventive regenerative medicine to treat myocardial infarction through prophylactic intervention.
Study finds link between individual stress and adolescent obesity
Researchers found that increased stress levels in adolescents are associated with a greater likelihood of being overweight or obese. The study also highlights the importance of reducing stress and food insecurity in households to prevent childhood obesity.
Immunotherapy effective against neuroblastoma in children
A phase III study found that adding an antibody-based therapy improved the survival rate of children with high-risk neuroblastoma by 66%, increasing their chances of living disease-free for at least two years. The therapy targets a specific glycan on cancer cells, enabling immune cells to attack and kill them.
Infant sleep patterns and parenting focus of study
The SIESTA II project aims to understand the role of parenting in infant sleep development, exploring how parents' emotional availability affects their child's sleep quality. The study will investigate how consistent bedtime rituals, parental support, and stress levels impact infant sleep habits.
Study examines reliability of clinical and pathological diagnoses of Barrett's esophagus
Researchers found that only 61.9% of patients assigned a billing diagnosis code for Barrett's esophagus actually had the condition after manual record review. A pathologic diagnosis was highly likely to be reproduced by separate reviews, but electronic coding confirmed only 61.9% of cases.
Psychology research shows even in hostile working environments, employees reluctant to leave jobs
Research by Kansas State University psychologists found that 45% of workers reporting hostility had no definite plans to leave their current job, while 59% indicated they either liked or disliked it. This contradicts the common assumption that hostile work environments lead to employee turnover.
For adolescent crime victims, genetic factors play lead role
Research by Florida State University criminologist Kevin M. Beaver found that genetic factors contribute to adolescent victimization, accounting for 40-45% of variance in male and female adolescents. Genetic factors also play a significant role in repeated victimization among adolescents.
Good fences make good neighbors
The study reveals how a single event can trigger the collapse of molecular fences, leading to the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the initiation of tumorigenesis. The researchers discovered that the loss of PARlation marks on CTCF protein allows it to fail to regulate critical genes, including p16 and RASSF1A.
Focus on the formation of bones, teeth and shells
Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery in biomineralization, the process that forms bones, teeth, and shells. They were able to capture three-dimensional images of nanoparticles using the world's most modern electron microscope, revealing the earliest stages of this complex process.
Gene hunters target child kidney failure
Researchers have identified a potential genetic link to vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), a common cause of urinary tract infections and kidney failure in children. The study found that the VUR susceptibility gene is located on chromosome 12 and may be inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.
Students win challenge to bring clean water to slums of Mumbai, India
A team of University of Minnesota students, ReachOut Water Solutions, has won the Acara Challenge to provide clean water to thousands of residents in Mumbai's slums. Their plan combines source water storage, ultraviolet treatment, and a novel distribution system to supply 50 liters of clean water per day.