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Science News Archive January 2009 - Page 14


Page 14 of 19

Getting less sleep associated with lower resistance to colds

A study of 153 healthy individuals found that those who slept less than seven hours per night were three times more likely to develop a respiratory illness after exposure to a cold virus. Sleep efficiency was also associated with developing a cold, with lower sleep efficiency increasing the risk by five and a half times.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Elderly may have higher blood pressure in cold weather

A study found that elderly individuals have a higher risk of hypertension during colder months, with average systolic blood pressure 5 millimeters of mercury higher in winter than summer. Blood pressure decreases over time are also strongly correlated with outdoor temperature, particularly in participants aged 80 and older.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Hair of Tasmanian tiger yields genes of extinct species

A team of scientists has successfully sequenced the genes of the Tasmanian Tiger from its hair, revealing insights into mammal extinction and potential ways to prevent it. The study also opens up new possibilities for analyzing museum specimens and could potentially lead to the revival of extinct species.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 12, 2009

Of Mice and Peanuts: A new mouse model for peanut allergy

A new mouse model for peanut allergy has been developed by Chicago researchers, mimicking symptoms of a human allergic reaction to peanuts. The model uses a mixture of whole peanut extract and staphylococcal enterotoxin B to stimulate an immune response, producing severe symptoms similar to those found in human anaphylaxis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 12, 2009

Antibodies produced within joints in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that tiny structures in the joint lining mimic antibody-producing lymph nodes and support specific antibody production, potentially leading to joint destruction. The processes can occur independently of the body's lymph nodes, suggesting a new treatment modality for rheumatoid arthritis targeting lymphoid structures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Opioids provide relief from neuropathic pain

A mouse model of neuropathic pain showed that immune cells producing opioids reduced symptoms, suggesting a novel approach for pain relief. Selectively targeting opioid-containing immune cells may provide natural pain relief and offer a new treatment option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2009

Research yields new clues to how we locate objects in space

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a novel ultrasound display that allows doctors to view images within the object being scanned, reducing the need for visualization. This innovation improves accuracy in surgeries guided by ultrasound technology, which relies on combining direct perception and visualization.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 12, 2009

Tiny capsules deliver

Researchers at Penn State have developed tiny particle syringes that can deliver specific drugs to diseased cells, reducing toxins in the body. The microcapsules are flexible and can be filled with a variety of substances, making them a potential solution for targeted treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalSoft Matter·DateJan 12, 2009

A new mechanism regulates type I interferon production in white blood cells

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that regulates the production of type I interferon, an important protein for clearing viral infections. This mechanism involves a protein-protein interaction between surface receptors on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and class I major histocompatibility complex molecules.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Most heart attack patients' cholesterol levels did not indicate cardiac risk

A new national study shows that nearly 75 percent of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels within recommended targets, but still at high risk. The study suggests that lowering guideline targets for LDL cholesterol and developing better treatments to raise HDL cholesterol may help reduce the number of patients ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateJan 12, 2009

From poison to prevention

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed two new vaccine strains using Salmonella typhimurium as an antigen delivery system. These recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccines (RASVs) trigger a powerful systemic immune response, offering a promising solution to infant bacterial pneumonia. The safety and efficacy of these no...

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2009

Outdoor alcohol advertising and problem drinking among African-American women in NYC

A study of 139 African-American women in Central Harlem found a significant link between exposure to alcohol advertisements and problem drinking behavior. The researchers also discovered that family history of alcoholism played a role in problem drinking, with advertising continuing to have an impact even after controlling for this fac...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 12, 2009

Cross-border health programs could reduce maternal and child deaths

A policy promoting cross-border health programs could contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality by leveraging existing resources and addressing interplay of elements within different health systems. Reducing maternal and child mortality requires focus on political, economic, social, and cultural factors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 12, 2009

Lamin B locks up Oct-1

Perturbation of lamin B1-Oct-1 interactions can affect the expression of genes regulated by Oct-1, leading to increased reactive oxygen species production. This could be a key mechanism underlying the aging process.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 12, 2009

Primate culture is just a stone's throw away from human evolution, study finds

Researchers studied stone-handling behavior in Japanese macaques, observing the transmission of traditions across generations. The study found that infant proximity to their mothers influenced development of stone-handling skills, with infants exposed to frequent maternal behavior acquiring the skill more quickly.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateJan 12, 2009

Preventing soil erosion in continuous corn

The study found that removing corn residue can lower N fertilizer requirements, but careful management is still necessary to balance erosion risks and retain adequate residue. Researchers suggest alternative tillage systems like strip-till continuous corn as a viable option in certain environments.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJan 12, 2009

Vitamin D is the 'it' nutrient of the moment

A recent review article found that adequate vitamin D intake may prevent or delay diabetes onset and reduce complications for those diagnosed. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in insulin sensitivity and secretion, and deficiency is common among Americans with diabetes.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Diabetes Educator·DateJan 12, 2009

Reverse evolution in real-time

Researchers recreated natural selection in real-time, demonstrating the first quantitative evidence for natural selection on standing genetic variation. The study found that only half of gene frequencies reverted to ancestral levels, highlighting the contingent nature of evolution.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 11, 2009