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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 272


Page 272 of 277

A case of mistaken dino-identity

A Texas state dinosaur is facing a name change after research revealed it was misidentified as Pleurocoelus. The new species, Paluxysaurus jonesi, was discovered by Southern Methodist University scientist Peter Rose, who studied sauropod bones in central Texas.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateJan 13, 2009

Also in the Jan. 13 JNCI

Researchers found that lapatinib delayed tumor development and reduced the number of tumors in a mouse model of hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. Lapatinib is a small-molecule inhibitor that blocks tyrosine kinase activities associated with tumor formation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 13, 2009

Study examines burden of diabetes on US hospitals

A new study published in Value in Health estimates that Americans with diabetes had nearly 22% of hospital charges in 2005, totaling $171 billion. The study also found that individuals with type 1 diabetes were more likely to be hospitalized than those with type 2 diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalValue in Health·DateJan 13, 2009

Evolution of new brain area enables complex movements

A new area of the cerebral cortex has evolved to enable complex movements, such as picking up small objects and using tools, in humans and higher primates. This new area is home to cortico-motoneuronal cells that directly control spinal cord motor neurons, bypassing limitations imposed by spinal cord circuitry.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2009

Getting less sleep associated with lower resistance to colds

A study of 153 healthy individuals found that those who slept less than seven hours per night were three times more likely to develop a respiratory illness after exposure to a cold virus. Sleep efficiency was also associated with developing a cold, with lower sleep efficiency increasing the risk by five and a half times.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Elderly may have higher blood pressure in cold weather

A study found that elderly individuals have a higher risk of hypertension during colder months, with average systolic blood pressure 5 millimeters of mercury higher in winter than summer. Blood pressure decreases over time are also strongly correlated with outdoor temperature, particularly in participants aged 80 and older.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Hair of Tasmanian tiger yields genes of extinct species

A team of scientists has successfully sequenced the genes of the Tasmanian Tiger from its hair, revealing insights into mammal extinction and potential ways to prevent it. The study also opens up new possibilities for analyzing museum specimens and could potentially lead to the revival of extinct species.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 12, 2009

Of Mice and Peanuts: A new mouse model for peanut allergy

A new mouse model for peanut allergy has been developed by Chicago researchers, mimicking symptoms of a human allergic reaction to peanuts. The model uses a mixture of whole peanut extract and staphylococcal enterotoxin B to stimulate an immune response, producing severe symptoms similar to those found in human anaphylaxis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 12, 2009

Antibodies produced within joints in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that tiny structures in the joint lining mimic antibody-producing lymph nodes and support specific antibody production, potentially leading to joint destruction. The processes can occur independently of the body's lymph nodes, suggesting a new treatment modality for rheumatoid arthritis targeting lymphoid structures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Opioids provide relief from neuropathic pain

A mouse model of neuropathic pain showed that immune cells producing opioids reduced symptoms, suggesting a novel approach for pain relief. Selectively targeting opioid-containing immune cells may provide natural pain relief and offer a new treatment option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2009

Research yields new clues to how we locate objects in space

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a novel ultrasound display that allows doctors to view images within the object being scanned, reducing the need for visualization. This innovation improves accuracy in surgeries guided by ultrasound technology, which relies on combining direct perception and visualization.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 12, 2009

Tiny capsules deliver

Researchers at Penn State have developed tiny particle syringes that can deliver specific drugs to diseased cells, reducing toxins in the body. The microcapsules are flexible and can be filled with a variety of substances, making them a potential solution for targeted treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalSoft Matter·DateJan 12, 2009

A new mechanism regulates type I interferon production in white blood cells

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that regulates the production of type I interferon, an important protein for clearing viral infections. This mechanism involves a protein-protein interaction between surface receptors on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and class I major histocompatibility complex molecules.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Most heart attack patients' cholesterol levels did not indicate cardiac risk

A new national study shows that nearly 75 percent of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels within recommended targets, but still at high risk. The study suggests that lowering guideline targets for LDL cholesterol and developing better treatments to raise HDL cholesterol may help reduce the number of patients ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateJan 12, 2009

From poison to prevention

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed two new vaccine strains using Salmonella typhimurium as an antigen delivery system. These recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccines (RASVs) trigger a powerful systemic immune response, offering a promising solution to infant bacterial pneumonia. The safety and efficacy of these no...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2009

Outdoor alcohol advertising and problem drinking among African-American women in NYC

A study of 139 African-American women in Central Harlem found a significant link between exposure to alcohol advertisements and problem drinking behavior. The researchers also discovered that family history of alcoholism played a role in problem drinking, with advertising continuing to have an impact even after controlling for this fac...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 12, 2009

Cross-border health programs could reduce maternal and child deaths

A policy promoting cross-border health programs could contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality by leveraging existing resources and addressing interplay of elements within different health systems. Reducing maternal and child mortality requires focus on political, economic, social, and cultural factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Lamin B locks up Oct-1

Perturbation of lamin B1-Oct-1 interactions can affect the expression of genes regulated by Oct-1, leading to increased reactive oxygen species production. This could be a key mechanism underlying the aging process.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 12, 2009