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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 9


Page 9 of 23

When children have breathing problems

A study by UFZ researchers found that air pollution caused by industry has more severe effects on children's health than vehicle exhaust fumes. The research revealed that around a quarter to a third of children in industrial areas experience respiratory problems, compared to half as many in suburban and rural areas.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 21, 2009

Genetic marker linked to problem behaviors in adults with developmental disabilities

Researchers found a common genetic variation linked to aggression and destructive behavior in adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities. The study suggests that this variation may be associated with increased autism severity in individuals with the gene variant, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalAmerican Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateJul 21, 2009

Genetic tests advertised directly to the consumer

The American College of Clinical Pharmacology warns of the lack of supervision in direct-to-consumer genetic testing, emphasizing the need for clinical pharmacologists to educate patients on potential risks and limitations. Effective government regulation and professional guidance are crucial to ensure safe and informed decision-making.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 21, 2009

Ovary removal may increase lung cancer risk

A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who experienced non-natural menopause are at almost twice the risk of developing lung cancer compared to women who experienced natural menopause. The increased risk was particularly observed among women who had both their ovaries surgically removed.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 21, 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