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Science News Archive August 2009 - Page 22


Page 22 of 22

Maternal immunity not all good for a fetus

Researchers found that fetal immune cells eliminate transplanted allogeneic blood cells, but only triggered by maternal breast milk antibodies. This limits engraftment following in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 3, 2009

Epilepsy halted in mice

Researchers at the University of Leeds have successfully prevented epilepsy in mice by identifying a faulty gene as the cause. The study, published in PNAS, offers irrefutable proof that a defective version of the Atp1a3 gene is responsible for causing epileptic seizures in mice.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2009

Heavy drinkers face significantly increased cancer risk

A Montreal study links heavy consumption of beer and spirits to an increased risk of six different cancers, including oesophageal, colon, lung, pancreatic, liver, and prostate cancer. Heavy drinkers face a sevenfold increased risk of esophageal cancer and an 80% higher risk of colon cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCancer Detection and Prevention·DateAug 3, 2009

Study shows seed implants a suitable prostate cancer treatment option for men of all ages

A new study by Louis Potters and colleagues found that permanent prostate brachytherapy is an effective treatment option for younger patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, with success rates comparable to older patients. The study analyzed data from 2,119 patients and showed that age didn't impact the long-term therapeutic outcome of...

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateAug 3, 2009

Obesity is a poor gauge for detecting high cholesterol levels in children

A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 3, 2009

'SIRT'ain security: the protein SIRT3 protects the heart

A new study reveals that Sirt3 helps protect the mouse heart by blocking cardiac hypertrophic response through Foxo3a-dependent antioxidant defense mechanisms. Mice lacking Sirt3 developed enlarged hearts, while those overexpressing Sirt3 were protected from cardiac hypertrophy under similar conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 3, 2009

Pain relief only 1 motive for opioid use among high school seniors

A study of high school seniors found that most who took opioid medications without a prescription did so for reasons other than pain relief, including relaxation and getting high. Students who used the drugs only for pain relief were less likely to engage in heavy drinking or other substance use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 3, 2009

Neck surgery for cervical spine disorders found to alleviate associated headaches

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who undergo anterior cervical reconstructive surgery can experience significant improvement in headache symptoms. The study, which evaluated over 1000 patients, suggests that neck surgery can alleviate headaches associated with cervical spine disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 3, 2009

Use of a restraining device in the subacute phase after a stroke no better than rehabilitation alone

A pilot study published in Physical Therapy found that restraining patients' unaffected upper limbs during the subacute phase after a stroke did not improve motor impairment and capacity compared to standard rehabilitation. Researchers applied constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with a restraining device, but the results were no...

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalPhysical Therapy·DateAug 3, 2009

Daily temperature shifts may alter malaria patterns

Researchers found that daily temperature fluctuations significantly impact malaria parasite growth and transmission rates. In areas with cooler temperatures, a fluctuation of 45 degrees Fahrenheit reduces the parasites' incubation period, making them infectious nearly two weeks earlier.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2009

Structure of antibiotic ramoplanin reveals promising mechanism

Researchers at Duke University have solved the structure of Ramoplanin A2, a candidate antibiotic that can kill pathogenic bacteria by interrupting cell membrane formation. The molecule forms U-shaped structures that bind to Lipid II, preventing its participation in membrane synthesis and leading to bacterial death.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2009

Scientists report original source of malaria

Researchers believe a parasite found in chimpanzees in equatorial Africa is the original source of malignant malaria, transmitted to humans through a single mosquito around 5,000 years ago. This discovery could aid the development of a vaccine for malaria, which affects 500 million people annually.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2009

Stem cell 'daughters' lead to breast cancer

A study by Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists suggests that luminal progenitor cells, the 'daughters' of breast stem cells, are likely responsible for basal-like breast tumours in women with BRCA1 mutations. The research, published in Nature Medicine, represents a major shift in understanding how breast cancer develops.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 2, 2009

Yale scientists develop 'gas gauge' to prevent pregnancy loss

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed an equation to measure the volume of the placenta, providing a reliable way to monitor fetal growth and prevent pregnancy loss. The 'Estimated Placenta Volume' (EPV) test has shown accuracy of up to 89%, with potential to become routine for pregnant women.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology·DateAug 2, 2009

ADA releases position paper on food and water safety

The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on food and water safety, reviewing current issues and new tools to decrease illness. The paper highlights the need for collaboration among professionals, industry and government agencies to promote education, technological innovation and research.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 1, 2009

Fox Chase researchers identify differences in treatments and outcomes of patients with second primary lung cancers versus those with one primary lung cancer

Researchers found that patients with second primary lung cancers (SPLC) are more likely to receive surgical treatment and have localized disease at diagnosis compared to those with one primary lung cancer (OPLC). However, SPLC patients experience a 12% higher lung cancer-specific mortality rate.