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Science News for July 20, 2009


1 gene that contributes to breast cancer's aggressive behavior identified

Researchers at Genome Institute of Singapore identify RCP as a novel breast cancer promoting gene that functionsally contributes to aggressive breast cancer behaviour. Over-expression of RCP is positively correlated with cancer recurrence in patients, and silencing the gene significantly diminishes tumour formation and metastasis.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

Professional lobbyists: Pragmatic operatives or just another partisan resource?

A new study by Gregory Koger and Jennifer Nicoll Victor found that professional lobbyists in Washington, DC are highly partisan, giving most of their campaign donations to one preferred political party. The research analyzed over 1,200 lobbyists and found that only 6.3% gave at least 40% of their donations to both parties.

SourceAmerican Political Science Association·JournalPS Political Science & Politics·DateJul 20, 2009

Studies needed on susceptibility of immunosuppressed people to flu and the effects of vaccination

Studies indicate that immunosuppressed populations, including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, transplant recipients, and those on haemodialysis, are at higher risk for flu infection. Vaccination has shown promise in reducing flu cases, but more research is needed to assess vaccine efficacy and timing for optimal protection.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJul 20, 2009

Pacific tsunami threat greater than expected

A new study suggests that future tsunamis could reach a scale far beyond the 1964 Alaskan earthquake, killing up to 35 people directly and causing extensive damage. The research indicates that rupture of an even larger area than previously thought could create an even bigger tsunami.

SourceDurham University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJul 20, 2009

Tension in axons is essential for synaptic signaling, researchers report

Tiny membrane-bound compartments called vesicles rely on axon tension to dump neurotransmitters into the synapse. The researchers found that axons need tension to keep vesicles clustered near the synapse, essential for neuronal signaling. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism behind this process.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

New breast cancer-promoting gene identified

A new gene, RCP, has been identified as a potential breast cancer-promoting gene, with overexpression causing tumor cell characteristics and metastasis. Targeting RCP may provide a way to inhibit the known tumor-promoting pathway through activation of the RAS signaling pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

Chasing tiny vehicles

A research team has used single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to follow magnetic nanoparticles as they transport genes or drugs into target cells in real-time. The study reveals bottlenecks in nanoferry transport and provides insights into optimizing existing systems, potentially leading to breakthroughs in gene therapy.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 20, 2009

Human movement plays critical role in understanding disease transmission

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and Emory University found that human movement is a crucial factor in understanding disease transmission for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. The study used satellite-based GPS and culturally-sensitive interviews to track individual human movement, revealing how fin...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 20, 2009

Protons in the war on cancer

Research on proton therapy, including proton CT, aims to improve effectiveness and reduce costs. Protons deposit more energy inside cancerous tissue than neighboring healthy tissue, making them a targeted treatment option. New technologies, such as laser-driven acceleration, are being explored to make proton therapy more accessible.

Reveal the enemy

Researchers have developed a novel biosensor using carbon nanotubes and aptamers to detect Salmonella typhi bacteria at concentrations as low as one bacterium in 5 mL. The technique enables fast, simple, and precise detection of micro-organisms.

SourceWiley·DateJul 20, 2009

Could science use the common cold to cure cystic fibrosis?

Researchers at University of North Carolina have discovered a new approach to delivering a corrected CF gene to lung cells using parainfluenza virus, which could potentially cure cystic fibrosis lung disease. The method has shown promise in laboratory models and may pave the way for future clinical trials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 20, 2009

Most women would choose surgical profession again

A report in Archives of Surgery found that most women surgeons (82.5%) would choose their career again, citing lifestyle implications such as high patient acuity and irregular work hours. Women were also more likely to value part-time work options and child care benefits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJul 20, 2009

Nature? Nurture? University of Iowa scientists say neither

Researchers argue that development involves a complex system in which genes and environmental factors constantly interact. They support evolution but reject simplistic notions of innate traits and behaviors. Instead, they propose a developmental systems theory that acknowledges the interplay between genes and environment.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2009

The right messenger for a healthy immune response

Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research found that Beta-Interferon facilitates faster immune reactions against microbial and viral threats by regulating antigen presentation. Low levels of Beta-Interferon before infection can lead to a stronger immune response, known as priming.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 20, 2009

Babies understand dogs

Researchers found that infants can match angry snarl sounds to photos of aggressive dogs, while matching friendly yap sounds to welcoming body language. This study contributes to our understanding of how babies learn rapidly, recognizing emotions in their social world.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJul 20, 2009

JCI table of contents: July 20, 2009

Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine and the University of California Davis have discovered a protein, PRCP, that regulates appetite suppression by breaking down alpha-MSH in mice. Administration of PRCP inhibitors reduced food intake in both normal and obese mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2009

University of Miami receives stimulus funds for study of hurricane impacts on structures, ecosystems

The University of Miami will create a high-tech seawater laboratory with $15 million in stimulus funds to study hurricane impacts on structures and ecosystems. The facility, set to be completed by summer 2012, will enable scientists to develop advanced sensor technology and models to improve construction standards and practices.

Slotted buses keep passengers cool

Researchers propose a simple redesign of public buses to enhance cooling airflow through wide vents and adjustable roof designs. This design improvement increases the comfort zone of the bus from 11% to over 50%, benefiting all passengers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems·DateJul 20, 2009

Transplanted neurons develop disease-like pathology in Huntington's patients

A recent study found that transplanted neurons develop disease-like pathology in Huntington's patients, raising concerns about the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation therapy. The research suggests new mechanisms involved in the development of the disease and offers a new direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2009

C. difficile spores spread superbug

Researchers have found that antibiotic treatment can induce the transmission of C. difficile by creating a 'supershedder state' in mice, where they shed high levels of spores even without symptoms. This suggests widening infection control measures to include all patients receiving antibiotics could be necessary.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateJul 20, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that HIV-positive patients who underwent susceptibility testing had lower mortality rates. Internet-based self-management programs improved asthma control and lung function in adult patients, but not quality of life or asthma attacks. Restricting artificial trans fat in restaurants led to healthier fatty acid profiles...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 20, 2009

Penn-Wistar team gains insight into HIV vaccine failure

A team of researchers refuted a popular hypothesis about the failure of the Merck STEP HIV vaccine study by finding no correlation between pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and increased susceptibility to infection. The study analyzed blood samples from participants with varying degrees of pre-existing immunity to Ad5 and found that...

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 20, 2009