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Science News Archive April 2009 - Page 16


Page 16 of 24

Where you live may affect your state of mind

A new study found that Frequent Mental Distress (FMD) prevalence varies significantly across the US, with high rates in Appalachian and Mississippi Valley regions and low rates in the upper Midwest. FMD prevalence increased by at least 1 percentage point in 27 states over two periods.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 14, 2009

Creating ideal neural cells for clinical use

Researchers at the Burnham Institute developed a protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into committed neural precursor cells, which can be used for transplantation. The C-NPCs were transplanted into mice and became active neurons without generating tumor outgrowth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateApr 13, 2009

Nobler instincts take time

A new study led by USC neuroscientists found that admiring others' virtues or feeling compassion for physical or social pain takes time to fully respond to, unlike faster reactions to fear and pain. The research suggests a need to allow for reflective moments in digital media culture.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2009

UQ research reclaims the power of speech

Researchers at UQ have found a new treatment approach for dysarthria patients who have suffered a stroke or brain injury. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program has shown positive effects on voice clarity and communication confidence, improving quality of life for those affected by the disorder.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·DateApr 13, 2009

Guam rhino beetles got rhythm

Researchers used acoustic equipment to analyze the spectral patterns of stridulations produced by Guam's coconut rhinoceros beetle, revealing distinct temporal patterns that aid in communication among beetles. The method allows for early detection of feeding grubs, saving money and lives of coconut trees.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalFlorida Entomologist·DateApr 13, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: April 13, 2009

A team of researchers has identified a class of drugs that may enhance the therapeutic effects of imatinib mesylate in treating chronic myeloid leukemia. They also developed a zebrafish model for screening potential therapies for Alzheimer's disease and identified a molecular mechanism underlying aggressive prostate cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 13, 2009

Tracing resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine across Africa

Resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine has emerged independently in multiple sites across Africa over the past decade. The study suggests that coordinated control campaigns may be more effective in reducing the African malaria burden by addressing regional differences in parasite strains and levels of resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 13, 2009

SIRT1 takes down tumors

Researchers found SIRT1 curbs cell division by speeding up the destruction of the tumor promoter c-Myc, a key finding that may aid cancer treatment. This study supports previous research suggesting SIRT1's anti-cancer effects while also identifying its role in regulating c-Myc levels.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2009

When cancer cells can't let go

FAK coordinates movement of migrating cancer cells by balancing the number of invadopodia that create a path for migration and the number of focal adhesions that hold the cell back. In its absence, breast cancer cells sprout extra invadopodia and form large, sticky focal adhesions.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2009

Live demos of Methodspace planned at AERA

Methodspace, a Facebook-like social networking site, will offer live demos at the American Educational Research Association annual meeting. The platform supports researchers in methodology discussions and resource sharing.

SourceSAGE·DateApr 13, 2009

Review identifies dietary factors associated with heart disease risk

A review of 146 prospective cohort studies and 43 randomized controlled trials found strong evidence for a causal relationship between protective dietary factors such as vegetable, nut, and monounsaturated fatty acid intake and lower heart disease risk. The Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with coronary heart disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 13, 2009

The new 'epigenetics:' Poor nutrition in the womb causes permanent genetic changes in the offspring

A new study published in The FASEB Journal reveals that poor nutrition during pregnancy can lead to permanent genetic changes in the offspring, causing health problems such as diabetes, growth retardation, and cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that rat fetuses receiving inadequate nutrition became genetically primed to be b...

K-State engineers create DNA sensors that could identify cancer using material only one atom thick

Researchers at Kansas State University have created a graphene-based DNA sensor that can detect cancer cells in blood, leveraging the unique properties of this single-atom thick carbon material. This technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering a new frontier in materials science and biology.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 13, 2009