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Science News Archive April 2009


Page 1 of 24

Researcher: Lasers used to detect melamine in baby formula

Lisa Mauer, a Purdue University researcher, has developed an inexpensive and rapid method for detecting melamine in infant formula using infrared lasers and light spectroscopy. The technique can identify trace amounts of melamine at one part per million, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 30, 2009

Gene test determines risk of heart surgery complications

Researchers discovered a genetic variant that can predict patients' risk of developing shock and kidney failure after heart surgery. Patients with the 'LL' gene variant are more likely to experience these complications and may not respond well to standard treatments, highlighting the potential benefits of personalized medicine.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 30, 2009

Women with arthritis more likely than men to stop working

A new study found that women with arthritis are more likely to leave the workforce, while men may be more likely to remain working and report negative experiences. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 individuals aged 25-64 and found that greater education was associated with being in the labor force for both men and women.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 30, 2009

Research finds photos more useful than words

Patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease can rely on implicit memory processes to support successful recognition of pictures, but struggle with word-based recall. Researchers hope to develop strategies that leverage implicit memory to improve learning and independence in patients with AD.

SourceBoston University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateApr 30, 2009

Decrease in sense of smell seen in lupus patients

A study found that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have significant olfactory deficits compared to healthy controls. Patients with more active disease and past neuropsychiatric SLE manifestations had lower total TDI scores, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 30, 2009

Synthesis with a template

Scientists have successfully synthesized a soccer-ball-shaped molecule made of 60 carbon atoms, dubbed the C80 fullerene. The researchers used pentaphosphaferrocene and copper chloride as building blocks and a carborane template to form the spherical supermolecule.

SourceWiley·DateApr 30, 2009

Report shows US wildlife trade poorly regulated

A recent study by Brown University and the Wildlife Trust found that US wildlife imports are fragmented and insufficiently coordinated, failing to accurately list over four in five species entering the country. This lack of regulation poses significant risks to human health, food supply chains, and ecosystems.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2009

Brain protein central to both Parkinson's, drug addiction identified

Researchers discover organic cation transporter 3 (oct3) plays a critical role in both Parkinson's disease and drug addiction by transporting toxic chemicals into brain cells that die in patients with the condition. Oct3 helps astrocytes remove excess dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria but also potential brain damage.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2009

Ancestor of HIV in primates may be surprisingly young

Researchers estimated virus evolution using genetic sequences and found that SIV lineages giving rise to HIV-1 and HIV-2 date back to the 18th century. This finding challenges previous estimates of millions of years of coevolution between SIVs and their primate hosts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 30, 2009

Research finds perceived warmth, 'babyfaceness' positive characteristics for black CEOs

A study by Kellogg School researchers examines how physical characteristics, particularly 'babyfaced' traits, influence perception and achievement among black CEOs. They found that those with more babyface features were perceived as warmer, more competent, and earned higher salaries and led more prestigious companies.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 30, 2009

Simultaneous transplant gives best results in diabetics with kidney disease

A study of nearly 6,900 patients found that simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation resulted in a 89% long-term survival rate compared to 80% for kidney-only transplants and 65% for deceased donor transplants. SPK recipients were also more likely to die during the first year after transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 30, 2009

Low vitamin D causes problems for acutely ill patients

A study of ICU patients found that 45% were deficient in vitamin D, with lower levels associated with greater disease severity. Researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to disease complications and suggest that raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial for critically ill patients.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 30, 2009

Just in time for spring: Scientists find the cellular on and off switch for allergies and asthma

Researchers identified a previously unknown cellular switch that regulates both allergic and asthmatic responses in the body. This discovery suggests that at least some people with asthma and allergies have genes that prevent this switch from working properly, leading to medication development targets.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 30, 2009

First 10-year follow-up shows that treatment with AVONEX leads to long-term benefits in early multiple sclerosis patients

A ten-year follow-up study of the CHAMPIONS trial shows that early treatment with AVONEX significantly reduces MS relapse rates and improves patient outcomes. Patients treated immediately after their first episode had a lower chance of experiencing a second attack, with 80% having an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score less t...