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Science News Archive April 2009 - Page 5


Page 5 of 24

Uncooperative voltage sensors

A new JGP study advances conclusions about the essential features of the Shaker K+ channel. Researchers propose that if three of four voltage sensors are in an activated conformation, the fourth can open and close the channel by itself.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateApr 27, 2009

Understanding a target of quinoline drugs

Scientists discover that quinoline compounds inhibit S100A9's pro-inflammatory effects on white blood cells involved in immune regulation. This new mechanism may provide insights into the early stages of autoimmune disease development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 27, 2009

Cystic fibrosis testing -- next steps

Genetic screening for cystic fibrosis carrier mutations is universally recommended for the reproductive-age population. New reference materials have been developed to ensure accuracy in genetic testing, but some mutations may lead to false results due to large deletions or interference with laboratory methods.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateApr 27, 2009

People with higher IQs make wiser economic choices, U of Minnesota study finds

A new study by researchers from the University of Minnesota found that individuals with higher cognitive ability are more likely to make good economic decisions, including taking calculated risks and being cooperative. The study also found a positive correlation between cognitive skill and perseverance in job retention.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2009

Scientist warns over pandemic flu vaccine 6-month time lag

A new study published by the University of Leicester suggests that a six-month time lag may occur before effective vaccines can be manufactured during a pandemic flu outbreak. The study proposes a pre-pandemic vaccination approach to mitigate the worst effects of pandemic flu, which could potentially protect people years in advance.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2009

New doctors, teaching physicians disagree about essential medical procedures to learn

A survey of new doctors and teaching physicians found significant disagreement on essential medical procedures to learn, with new doctors prioritizing more invasive procedures. The results have led to a revised curriculum at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, enhancing student training and potentially improving patient care.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMedical Teacher·DateApr 27, 2009

Gains in access to antiretroviral treatment come with some costs

In Ethiopia, the scale-up of antiretroviral treatment has achieved remarkable success in expanding access to treatment and HIV counseling and testing. However, HIV prevention interventions and managing chronic care patients are lagging behind. Task shifting to health officers and workers is credited with these successes, but urgent att...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 27, 2009

Certain ecologic factors associated with greater risk of bladder cancer

A study published by the American Urological Association found that well water intake is directly associated with bladder cancer incidence in women and mortality rates in both sexes. In contrast, exposure to solar UV radiation is inversely associated with bladder cancer incidence and mortality rates in both men and women. Cigarette smo...

SourceAmerican Urological Association·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 26, 2009

MIT: Making waves in the brain

Researchers at MIT have discovered a way to induce gamma brain waves by shining laser light onto the brains of mice, using optogenetics to manipulate individual nerve cells. This breakthrough provides new insights into the role of gamma oscillations in regulating brain functions and may lead to new treatments for brain-related disorders.

Men treated for localized prostate cancer could benefit from pomegranate juice consumption

A long-term clinical trial found that men who consumed pomegranate juice daily after treatment for localized prostate cancer experienced a significant increase in PSA doubling time and a decline in median PSA slope. This suggests that pomegranate juice may effectively slow the progression of post-treatment prostate cancer recurrence.

SourceAmerican Urological Association·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 26, 2009