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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 77


Page 77 of 277

Smart memory foam made smarter

Researchers at Northwestern University and Boise State University have developed a less expensive shape-shifting memory foam using a nickel-manganese-gallium alloy. The new material exhibits 'magnetic shape-memory' properties, allowing it to retain its new shape when exposed to a magnetic field.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 23, 2009

Rising above the din

Studies at the Salk Institute found that attention reduces background activity, increasing neural signal fidelity by a factor of up to four times. This reduction in noise accounts for approximately 80% of the improvement in perceptual discrimination when focusing on sensory stimuli.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateSep 23, 2009

Multiple strokes rather than underlying vascular risk factors increase risk of post-stroke dementia

A systematic review found that post-stroke dementia rates varied greatly, but were closely related to stroke characteristics and complications. The authors suggest that optimum acute stroke care and secondary prevention measures could reduce the burden of dementia. Further studies are needed to identify independent predictive factors.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 23, 2009

SAGE partners with ICRS to launch Cartilage

The new journal will publish full-length original manuscripts on all types of cartilage, including articular, tracheal/bronchial, and intervertebral disc fibrocartilage. It aims to bridge a gap in the literature by focusing on both clinical and basic science perspectives of cartilage research and repair.

SourceSAGE·JournalCartilage·DateSep 23, 2009

Study looks at using the immune system to reduce prostate cancer risk

A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that genetic risk of prostate cancer can be reduced by rescuing critical immune system cells. In mice with a gene called lymphotoxin alpha, these cells come back and delay tumor formation, potentially slowing cancer growth and spread.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2009

Novel 'on-off switch' mechanism stops cancer in its tracks

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel mechanism that stops cancer cells from growing and dividing. The 'on-off switch' mechanism involves a tiny bit of genetic material that regulates the function of tumor-suppressor proteins, preventing cancer cells from proliferating.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2009

Canada's G8 leadership must address catastrophic failure in progress towards Millennium Development Goals

Canada faces a pressing challenge to address the deteriorating progress towards Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Lancet urges Canada to make significant contributions in five key areas: health system strengthening, climate change, peace through health, Indigenous Health, and establishing a Canadian Health Action Network for Glo...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 23, 2009

Mount Sinai leads large multicenter study finding evidence that a drug might slow Parkinson's

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine report a promising result from the ADAGIO trial, finding that rasagiline may slow Parkinson's disease progression. The study used a novel design to examine the effect of early treatment on disease progression, and found benefits for patients starting therapy with rasagiline.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 23, 2009

Pancreatic fat levels may help predict diabetes, UT Southwestern researchers say

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure pancreatic fat in humans, finding a significant correlation between fat content and diabetes risk. The study suggests that measuring pancreatic fat could be an effective clinical tool for identifying high-risk individuals.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 22, 2009

Synthetic Biology Project receives 2 National Science Foundation grants

The Wilson Center's Synthetic Biology project has received two National Science Foundation grants to support research on the implications of synthetic biology for sustainability science and policy. The projects will explore emerging issues in synthetic biology, including its potential contribution to sustainable development.

UAB research finds childbearing increases chance of developing the metabolic syndrome

A new study from UAB researchers found that childbearing is associated with a higher incidence of the metabolic syndrome in women. Women who had gestational diabetes were nearly twice as likely to develop the syndrome as those without it. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and healthy eating, may help prevent disease later in life.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 22, 2009

Release of the Stem Cell Charter

The Canadian Stem Cell Foundation has released a charter that unifies supporters of stem cell research, outlining five principles for advancing the field. The charter aims to promote responsible science, protect citizens, and empower the public to speak out on behalf of stem cell research.