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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 6


Page 6 of 23

Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, with or without surgery, are options for patients with stage IIIA (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer

A new trial shows that chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, either with or without surgery, are viable options for patients with stage IIIA (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment improved overall survival and progression-free survival rates compared to standard concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy alone.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 26, 2009

An 'eye catching' vision discovery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new type of light-sensitive cell in the retina of fish, which challenges current knowledge about retinal function and image vision. This discovery reveals that horizontal cells, previously thought to be only responsive to neighboring nerve cells, can also sense light.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2009

If you're happy, then we know it

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created a 'hedonometer' that measures global happiness by analyzing millions of online blog posts. The study found that Election Day 2008 was the happiest day in four years, while the death of Michael Jackson was one of the unhappiest. The method uses a standardized scale to assign happines...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 24, 2009

High-tech vehicle design boosts emergency rescue capacity

The EUREKA project has developed a high-tech polyvalent rescue vehicle that can carry up to four patients while providing easy and safe operation, as well as simple cleaning and disinfection. The new design surpasses current safety standards significantly, offering a weight reduction of up to 50% compared to previous products.

SourceEUREKA·DateJul 24, 2009

Ants more rational than humans

Researchers at Arizona State University and Princeton University found that ants can accomplish a task more rationally than humans due to their collective decision-making process. By minimizing individual mistakes, the 'wisdom of crowds' approach emerges, leading to more accurate outcomes.

UTMB study identifies women at risk of gaining excessive weight with injectable birth control

Researchers identified 'early gainers' who averaged 24 pounds of weight gain over three years, linked to increased abdominal fat and metabolic syndrome. The study recommends physicians tailor counseling based on women's risk factors and suggest alternative contraception methods for those who gain significant weight.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJul 24, 2009

In vitro antibody production enables HIV infection detection in window period -- key to safer blood

Researchers have developed an in-vitro antibody production technique to detect HIV infection earlier, reducing the diagnostic window period. This method promotes the synthesis and release of antibodies against HIV-1 prior to detection in plasma samples, leading to safer blood supply and improved diagnosis.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateJul 24, 2009

Looking different 'helps animals to survive'

Scientists have developed computer models explaining polymorphism in animal populations, where individuals can display multiple distinct forms. The research suggests that a modest level of predator dietary wariness is sufficient to maintain large numbers of prey forms within a single species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEvolution·DateJul 23, 2009

Synchronized swimming of algae

Researchers found individual algal cells can regulate flagellar beating in synchrony to control swimming trajectories, exhibiting two distinct modes: synchronous and unsynchronised. This study reveals hydrodynamic interactions as the driving force behind synchronization.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2009

Lung volume reduction surgery shown to prolong and improve life for some emphysema patients

Patients who underwent lung reduction surgery showed a significant survival benefit compared to medical treatment, with an average time until a 'composite event' of two years. The procedure also improved quality of life for at least five years post-operative period, especially in patients with upper-lobe-predominant emphysema.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 23, 2009

Short stressful events may improve working memory

Researchers found that acute stress enhances learning and memory by increasing glutamate transmission in the prefrontal cortex. The study suggests that moderate stress may be beneficial for cognitive function, contradicting the common perception of chronic stress as detrimental.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2009

Getting to the bottom of rice

A global research team analyzed the genomes of twenty genetically diverse rice types to identify favorable traits and their DNA variations. This breakthrough enables breeders to develop new and improved rice varieties more effectively, particularly in addressing climate change impacts.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2009

Genetically engineered bacteria compute the route

Researchers created 'bacterial computers' that can solve complex mathematical problems, such as the Hamiltonian Path Problem and Burnt Pancake Problem. The innovation uses synthetic biology techniques to enable living cells to perform calculations, opening up new applications for biology and mathematics.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biological Engineering·DateJul 23, 2009

Human-dog communication -- breed as important as species

Research found that gun dogs and sheep dogs excel in following a pointing finger, while hunting hounds and mongrels struggle. Breed characteristics with short noses and central eyes also improve comprehension. The study cautions against making generalizations about the effects of domestication on dog behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateJul 23, 2009

Lisbon researcher gets set-up grant

Lars Jansen, a young researcher from the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, has been awarded an EMBO Installation Grant to establish a new research group in Portugal. The grant provides funding and support to help him develop his research infrastructures and integrate into the European scientific community.

SourceEMBO·DateJul 23, 2009

Even healthy lungs labor at acceptable ozone levels

Researchers found that even at low ozone concentrations, healthy individuals can experience significant decreases in lung function after moderate exercise. The study suggests that healthier individuals may exhibit individual variability in their responses to ozone, with some showing strong sensitivity while others are less affected.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 23, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers at Keio University found that matrix metalloproteinases improve wound healing in mice, while a complement inhibitor FUT-175 delays autoimmune disease onset. Additionally, a new target for tumor angiogenesis inhibition and bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) have been identified as potential therapies for liver high blood pre...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 23, 2009

New lab test helps predict kidney damage

A new laboratory test called urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been found to help predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care patients. NGAL levels are also higher in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy, a complication of HIV affecting African Americans and black Africans.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 23, 2009

Parasites keep things sexy in 'hotspots'

Research finds freshwater snails reproduce more when infected with trematode parasites in shallows, supporting the Red Queen hypothesis and Geographic Mosaic Theory. Parasites enhance sexual reproduction by increasing selection on species interactions over small spatial scales.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2009

The 'see food' diet

A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids has been found to protect against a variety of diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests that a diet enriched in EPA and DHA can ameliorate the progression of retinal lesions in a mouse model of AMD.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 23, 2009

Reprogrammed mouse fibroblasts can make a whole mouse

Scientists have reprogrammed mouse fibroblasts to create whole mice using tetraploid complementation, a significant advancement in understanding induced pluripotent stem cells. This achievement offers hope for overcoming embryo destruction in pluripotent cell derivation and potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 23, 2009