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Science News Archive April 2009 - Page 4


Page 4 of 24

Cardiac patients trial home-based rehabilitation

Patients with cardiac health problems are trialing a new, home-based rehabilitation system that uses mobile phone and web technology to promote healthy lifestyles. The program aims to improve access and completion rates for cardiac rehabilitation, with personalized goals and support via text messages and video conferencing.

JNCI April 28 tip sheet

Researchers propose trial designs to investigate the impact of physical activity and weight control on breast cancer risk, with potential causal relationships. Clusterin is identified as a tumor suppressor gene in mouse models of neuroblastoma, where its expression affects tumor growth and metastasis.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 28, 2009

NIAID and Chinese officials sign agreement to foster TB research in China's Henan province

The NIAID and Chinese officials have signed an agreement to develop a collaborative TB research program at the Henan Provincial Chest Hospital. Researchers will focus on clinical trials of new drugs or drug combinations for MDR and XDR TB treatment. The goal is to improve diagnosis and treatment methods for this devastating disease.

A longer lasting tumor blocker

A study by Japanese researchers found that a molecule called M-CSF can be used to block the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, suppressing growth even after treatment is stopped. This approach differs from existing VEGF-based treatments, which have been shown to have limited long-term effects.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 28, 2009

May-June 2009 GSA Bulletin media highlights

Recent studies focus on North Sister volcano's glaciated history and the largest radial dike swarm in the Cascades. Sediment waves along submarine channels are also examined in the Espirito Santo Basin, Brazil, while a new study reveals highly explosive eruptions at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateApr 28, 2009

The Millennium Development Goals are failing the poorest children

The Millennium Development Goals are failing to address high under-five child mortality amongst the country's most vulnerable groups. The goal of reducing average under-5 mortality by two-thirds by 2015 may be achieved, but inequity will persist if resources are allocated solely based on averages

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 27, 2009

Mental health problems more common in kids who feel racial discrimination

A new study published in American Journal of Public Health found that 15% of fifth-grade students reported experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination, which may lead to symptoms of depression, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. The study highlights the need for parents, clinicians, and teachers to address this issue and provide...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 27, 2009

BSSA special issue on rotational seismology

The BSSA special issue on rotational seismology discusses research on rotational ground motions, including theory, instrumentation, observation, and interpretation. Rotational effects from earthquakes have been observed for centuries, but were ignored due to practical difficulties in measuring them.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 27, 2009

Large sponges may be reattached to coral reefs

A new study describes a method for reattaching large sponges to coral reefs, with 62.5% of sponges surviving at least 2.3-3 years. The technique uses sponge holders and can be applied to other large sponge species removed by human activities or storm events.

SourceWiley·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateApr 27, 2009

Smoking, high blood pressure and being overweight top 3 preventable causes of death in the US

A new study found that smoking, high blood pressure, and being overweight are the leading preventable causes of death in the US, responsible for 467,000, 395,000, and 216,000 premature deaths annually. The study's findings highlight the importance of modifiable risk factors and call for increased public health efforts to address these ...

A medical journal for the world's health priorities

The journal's new evidence-based approach prioritizes the impact of diseases and risk factors that cause significant years lost to healthy life worldwide. It also emphasizes the importance of considering social, environmental, and political determinants of health alongside biological causes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 27, 2009

Quantum ghosts are helpful

Physicists at University of Bristol and Imperial College London develop new method using 'spooky action' to identify quantum black boxes, overcoming fundamental limitations. This breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum computing and information science.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 27, 2009

The structure of a giant virus

Researchers have determined key structural features of the mimivirus, a giant virus large enough to be seen with a light microscope. The findings reveal a starfish-shaped structure that covers a special vertex where the genetic material leaves the virus to infect its host.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 27, 2009

A bright future with solar lanterns for India's poor

The study found that solar lanterns significantly reduced kerosene and electricity costs, with annual savings ranging from $150 to $250. Solar lanterns also improved household work efficiency for women and increased school hours for children, benefiting rural Indian communities.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateApr 27, 2009