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Science News Archive February 2009 - Page 4


Page 4 of 24

Yoga provides emotional benefits to women with breast cancer

A randomized study found yoga significantly improved mental health aspects in women with breast cancer, including reduced depression and increased feelings of peace, compared to the control group. The gentle practice provided a wide range of benefits, particularly for those with higher negative emotions and lower emotional well-being.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateFeb 24, 2009

Transcendental Meditation buffers students against college stress: Study

A new study found that Transcendental Meditation practice buffers college students against intense stresses, improving Brain Integration Scale scores, electrodermal habituation, and sleepiness. Students who practiced TM showed increased frontal coherence, reduced sympathetic reactivity, and improved emotional balance.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalInternational Journal of Psychophysiology·DateFeb 24, 2009

Biodefense news tips

Researchers have developed new techniques to quickly identify bacterial infections and determine the best antibiotic treatment. A nanoparticle-based method can detect bacterial strains in hours, while scientists also uncovered genetic basis of morphological differences in anthrax letter material.

New models question old assumptions about how many molecules it takes to control cell division

Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a mathematical model to explore the roles of noise in controlling DNA replication and cell division. The study reveals flaws in two accepted notions about information processing in single cells, suggesting that the average number of mRNA molecules must be much larger than previously thought.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2009

Goserelin improves long-term survival in premenopausal women with early breast cancer

A new study found that goserelin treatment reduced the risk of disease recurrence and deaths by 13.9% and 8.5% respectively in premenopausal women with early breast cancer. The benefits were comparable to those seen with tamoxifen treatment, suggesting goserelin may be a viable alternative for some patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 24, 2009

Smoking behavior partially explains socioeconomic inequities in lung cancer incidence

A recent study found that socioeconomic status is linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer, with Europeans having lower education levels experiencing a higher incidence. The research suggests that while smoking accounts for approximately half of this risk, diet and other factors also play a role in the disparity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 24, 2009

Researchers generate functional neurons from somatic cells

Scientists successfully generated functionally mature motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for new treatments of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury. This study offers a promising alternative to embryo-derived cells for regenerative medicine.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateFeb 24, 2009

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awards prestigious fellowships to 13 top young investigators

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded prestigious three-year fellowships to 13 outstanding postdoctoral scientists conducting basic and translational cancer research. The fellowships aim to encourage promising young investigators to pursue careers in cancer research, providing independent funding for innovative projects.

Living wills have an impact on pre-hospital lifesaving care

A study found significant confusion among pre-hospital healthcare providers regarding living wills and DNR orders, which can compromise lifesaving care. Implementing clearly defined code status designations within living wills can clarify this confusion and ensure patient safety.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2009

Widespread stress among vets

A study of 1060 vets in north Germany found that psychosocial stress increased with working hours, leading to demoralization and substance abuse. The research suggests a complex relationship between stress, tobacco consumption, problem drinking, and drug use.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology·DateFeb 24, 2009

Diabetes a risk factor for postpartum depression

A new study published in JAMA found that low-income women with diabetes have a more than 50% increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. The research suggests that healthcare facilities and clinicians should pay attention to managing mental health concerns in women with diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 24, 2009

Also in the Feb. 24 JNCI

Researchers found that gene expression profiles differed between tumor samples from patients who had taken vitamin E, selenium, or both supplements compared to those on placebo. The study provides insight into the effects of preoperative supplement use on prostate cancer gene expression, a potential area for future investigation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 24, 2009

Bizarre bird behavior predicted by game theory

Researchers used game theory to explain juvenile ravens' unusual foraging behavior, finding that it occurs when searching individually is less efficient. The study suggests that abundant food and social advancement drive the adoption of 'gang' foraging, potentially improving their social status.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2009

Jordan's fossil water source has high radiation levels

Researchers at Duke University discovered that ancient groundwater in Jordan's Disi aquifer contains up to 20 times the safe level of radiation, threatening long-term human consumption. To make it safe, experts recommend diluting or treating the water with technologies like ion exchange and desalination.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 24, 2009

Saving wheat crops worldwide

Researchers at CSIRO Australia have discovered a key to overcoming three major cereal diseases, providing long-lasting protection against multiple pathogens. The Lr34 gene sequence offers broad-spectrum control of leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew, with tests showing constant protection for over 80 years.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2009

Gestures lend a hand in learning mathematics

A study published in Psychological Science reveals that hand movements can aid in creating new math concepts and aid learning. Fourth-grade students who repeated a specific gesture during a lesson solved more problems correctly than those who only spoke the words or partially correct gestures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 24, 2009

Growing danger from post-birth bleeding

A recent study found that post-partum haemorrhage is a significant threat to new mothers in high-income countries, resulting in severe outcomes including infertility and death. The authors recommend increased access to active management of the third stage of labour to reduce PPH rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateFeb 24, 2009

Commercial yeasts upgraded with an enzyme for biofuel production

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered an enzyme that enables yeast cells to ferment xylose into ethanol, a waste sugar in the cellulosic ethanol production process. This single-step conversion technology has the potential to increase biofuel production efficiency and reduce competition with food and feed production.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 24, 2009

Treating drug-addicted doctors is good medicine

A national-level analysis confirms that Physician Health Programs, which couple referral to treatment with rapid responses to noncompliance, are successful in helping doctors stay drug-free. The study found that over three-quarters of enrolled doctors stayed sober for five years and were able to return to medical practice.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateFeb 24, 2009