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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 244


Page 244 of 277

Extensive publication bias for Phase I drug trials

A recent study found that Phase I drug trials are underreported, with only 17% published in scientific journals. The lack of transparency can compromise the safety and efficacy of new drugs, highlighting the need for increased mechanisms to ensure complete availability of trial results.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2009

Cracking the species code for plants

Scientists have identified six gene regions suitable for automated plant species identification, promising to aid in biodiversity protection and pharmaceutical discovery. A large-scale test is underway to validate these regions against a vast number of plants.

SourceWiley·JournalBotanical Journal of the Linnean Society·DateFeb 17, 2009

In flurry of studies, researcher details role of apples in inhibiting breast cancer

Recent studies by Cornell researcher Rui Hai Liu found that fresh apple extracts significantly inhibited the size of mammary tumors in rats, with greater inhibition seen at higher doses. The findings highlight the potential health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables, including apples, to reduce breast cancer risk.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 17, 2009

Can exercising your brain prevent memory loss?

A study of 197 people with mild cognitive impairment found that engaging in mental activities like reading, crafting, and playing games reduced the risk of memory loss by 30-50% compared to those who didn't participate. Participants who watched TV for less than 7 hours a day were also 50% less likely to develop memory loss.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 17, 2009

Persons who survive cancer more likely to be unemployed

A meta-analysis of 36 studies found that cancer survivors are 1.37 times more likely to be unemployed than healthy control participants, with higher risks for breast and gastrointestinal cancers. Long-term medical and psychological effects may cause social functioning impairments, including employment difficulties.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 17, 2009

Cells with double vision

Researchers found that fly nerve cells can respond to movement in a wider field of vision due to connections with neighboring cells, allowing for more efficient processing of visual information. This challenges the traditional view of single-cell functionality and suggests a more complex network-based approach.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 17, 2009

College-level documents for 8th grade readers

A study analyzing 240 hospital documents found they have an average readability level of a college junior, exceeding the reading capacity of most patients. The use of complex language in Patients' Bill of Rights laws may be obstructing progress towards patient autonomy.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2009

Enzyme weakens the heart

Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital found that CaMKII delta enzyme activates stress response and hypertrophy of the heart. Genetic suppression of this enzyme protects mice from chronic cardiac insufficiency, offering a promising approach for systematic prevention.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2009

If you're aggressive, your dog will be too, says veterinary study at University of Pennsylvania

A new University of Pennsylvania survey found that most dogs will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified. Non-aversive training methods, such as exercise and rewards, elicited few aggressive responses. The study highlights the risk of dominance-based training, which can lead to owner-directed aggression.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateFeb 17, 2009

Anti-social behavior in girls predicts adolescent depression seven years later

Researchers tracked first- and second-graders for seven years and found that anti-social behavior among girls and anxiety among both sexes predicted depression in early adolescence. Early signs of depression were not predictive of adolescent depression, highlighting the need to recognize mental health issues in younger children.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateFeb 17, 2009

Grape shapes

A team of researchers has developed a new method to analyze grape shapes using digital technology, which enables faster and more accurate breeding of elongated grapes. The study, led by Dr. John R. Clark, uses a special application of the SigmaScan technology to measure the area of each grape and calculate its shape.

Scientists develop resource to study animal aging

A database detailing life history traits of over 4,000 animal species has been developed for studying ageing, evolution, and conservation. The AnAge resource provides insights into the mechanisms of ageing and how environmental adaptations influence lifespan, with potential applications in conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAging Cell·DateFeb 17, 2009

CSHL researchers identify gene that helps plant cells keep communication channels open

Plant cells use microscopic channels called plasmodesmata to communicate and transport nutrients; the GAT1 gene encodes an enzyme that acts as an antioxidant, relieving cellular stress and maintaining flow through these channels. Turning on this gene helps plants prevent excessive callose accumulation and keeps channels open.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2009