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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 2


Page 2 of 23

Drug-proof zebrafish reveal secrets of addiction

Researchers discovered a set of genes that respond inappropriately to amphetamine in 'drug-proof' zebrafish mutants, which do not experience the drug's pleasurable effects. This finding suggests a link between adult neurogenesis and addiction, with potential implications for understanding susceptibility.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 30, 2009

Protein level may serve as predictor of severe osteoarthritis

A new study identifies vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) as a strong predictor of hip and knee joint replacement due to severe osteoarthritis. Elevated VCAM-1 levels were found in individuals who underwent joint replacement, mirroring active cartilage damage or an inflammatory component in OA.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 30, 2009

Evidence of liquid water in comets reveals possible origin of life

A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology claims that comets contained vast oceans of liquid water during their formation, providing ideal conditions for primitive bacteria to grow and multiply. The study's findings support the theory of cometary panspermia, which suggests that life was introduced to Earth by c...

SourceCardiff University·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateJul 30, 2009

Immune responses to flu vaccine are diminished in lupus patients

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibit diminished immune responses to the flu vaccine, including lower antibody and cell-mediated responses. The study found that vaccination did not induce disease activity, but may increase morbidity and mortality due to influenza infection in these patients.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 30, 2009

New test for safer biomedical research results

Researchers developed a 'Multiplex cell Contamination Test' to identify 37 different cell contaminations in a single run, detecting viruses and mycoplasmas with high sensitivity and specificity. The test has been tested in over 700 samples and found frequent contamination rates in some laboratories.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 30, 2009

Little lifesavers -- kids capable of CPR

A study published in Critical Care found that 86% of nine-year-old students performed CPR correctly four months after receiving basic life support training. The researchers concluded that children's performance would improve over time with periodic retraining, and that CPR education can be effectively implemented in primary schools.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJul 30, 2009

Too many ways to say 'it hurts'

A new project called PROMIS aims to establish a common scientific vocabulary for measuring pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and physical/social functioning. This will help researchers compare results and evaluate treatment benefits more effectively, enabling better care for patients with chronic diseases.

Nanotubes take flight

Rice University chemist Bob Hauge's team creates bundles of SWNTs using a novel printing process, yielding a high yield of nanotubes. The process could lead to large-scale production of meter-long strands of nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Research·DateJul 29, 2009

Is it possible to differentiate GISTs from leiomyomas by endoscopic ultrasonography?

The study evaluated EUS features to distinguish GISTs from leiomyomas and found that inhomogenicity, hyperechogenic spots, a marginal halo, and higher echogenicity were more frequent in GISTs. The presence of at least two of these four features had high sensitivity (89.1%) and specificity (85.7%) for predicting GISTs. A maximal diamete...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 29, 2009

College students who feel 'invincible' unlikely to accept vaccines, MU researcher finds

A new study found that college students with high danger invulnerability tend to decline HIV vaccines, while those with psychological invulnerability are more likely to accept them. The study suggests that efforts to promote vaccine acceptance should consider the role of invulnerability in students' health-protective behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJul 29, 2009

Bizarre walking bat has ancient heritage

A study reveals that the lesser short-tailed bat's walking ability evolved in an ancient Australian lineage, contradicting previous assumptions. The bat's unique adaptations, such as adhesive grooves and extra talons, have advantages only in specific circumstances, not due to competition from other mammals.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalConservation Biology·DateJul 29, 2009