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Science News for July 6, 2009


Battle of the sexes benefits offspring, says research

A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that parents who slack off compensate with increased effort from their partner, but this is not enough to fully offset parenting responsibilities. Researchers analyzed data on bird parenting behavior over three decades and found a common pattern among species.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 6, 2009

Clinical trial shows quadriplegics can operate powered wheelchair with tongue drive system

A clinical trial shows that quadriplegics can operate a powered wheelchair using a tongue drive system, which detects movement of a magnetic tracer attached to the tongue. The system allows for intuitive control with minimal prior training, enabling users to play computer games and navigate obstacles with ease.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 6, 2009

Laboring without the labor bed: It's a good thing

A University of Toronto pilot study found that removing the standard hospital bed during labor reduced infusions of artificial oxytocin by 28% and allowed women to move freely, promoting feelings of calm and confidence. The ambient room design also led to greater one-on-one attention and support from nurses.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBirth·DateJul 6, 2009

Internet-based intervention may improve insomnia

A nine-week online intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques significantly improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia severity in adults with chronic sleep difficulties. The study suggests that internet-based interventions could be a cost-effective and accessible treatment option for millions of people worldwide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2009

Stanford Alzheimer's research pinpoints antibodies that may prevent disease

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a wide range of antibodies in healthy people and Alzheimer's patients that target protein aggregates, including those found in plaques. These findings suggest that these antibodies may play a role in slowing or preventing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009

Hurricane Katrina: Phone home

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed a novel way to predict the intensity of the next big flood using cell phone signals. By analyzing fluctuations in atmospheric moisture around cell phone towers, they can provide accurate 'critical moisture distribution' levels for fine-tuning model predictions of big floods.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJul 6, 2009

Mice with skin condition help scientists understand tumor growth

Researchers engineered mice with a persistent wound-like skin condition to study tumor growth. The study found that chronic skin wounds promote skin tumors by secreting molecules that activate dermal cells and increase inflammation. Notch1 signaling plays a critical role in this process, suggesting potential complications for drug design.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 6, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: July 6, 2009

Researchers have identified a potential tumor suppressor gene, CST5, that mediates the anticancer effects of vitamin D3 in human colon cancer cells. The study found that cystatin D protein inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and was induced by vitamin D3, suggesting its role as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 6, 2009

Amino acid may help treat patients with hair-pulling condition

A 12-week study found that N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced hair-pulling symptoms in patients with trichotillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive hair-pulling and significant psychosocial problems. The treatment was well-tolerated and compared favorably to existing treatment options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2009

Microscopic 'beads' could help create 'designer' immune cells that ignore transplanted organs

Researchers have discovered a method to deliver a natural suppressor of the immune response, HLA-G, directly to dendritic cells using microscopic beads. This approach shows promise in creating 'designer' immune cells that can tolerate transplanted organs. The therapy could potentially replace current anti-rejection drugs and improve pa...

Sugar substitute appears to prevent early childhood cavities

A recent study found that xylitol syrup can effectively prevent tooth decay in primary teeth of toddlers. The study involved 94 children aged 9-15 months and showed a significant reduction in decayed teeth among those receiving xylitol syrup, with up to 70% prevention rate.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 6, 2009

Ancient fossils shed light on anatomical changes accompanying evolution of first land vertebrates

Researchers studied 35 ancient tetrapods to understand anatomical changes during the transition from fish to amphibians. They found that bones changed size at different rates, resulting in reshaping of body shape over time. This study supports the idea that modern amphibians evolved through paedomorphosis and miniaturization.

Carbohydrate acts as tumor suppressor

Researchers discovered that certain carbohydrates on normal cells and enzymes like β3GnT1 function as tumor suppressors. Upregulation of β3GnT1 reduced tumor activity and metastasis in breast and prostate cancers. The study provides new insights into the role of complex carbohydrates in cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009