Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 1, 2009


Many middle-aged and older Americans not getting adequate nutrition

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that many middle-aged and older Americans are not getting adequate nutrition. Supplement use was associated with meeting recommended dietary intakes for calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, but potassium intake remained low regardless of supplement use.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateMar 1, 2009

Alcohol types and socioeconomic status are associated with Barrett's esophagus risk

A new study suggests that drinking alcohol in early adulthood may increase the risk of reflux esophagitis (RE) and Barrett's esophagus (BE), while wine consumption may reduce this risk. Higher education levels are also inversely associated with BE risk, suggesting socioeconomic status plays a role in the development of these conditions.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 1, 2009
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Mount Sinai Hospital researcher makes stem cell breakthrough

Dr. Nagy's method uses a novel wrapping procedure to deliver specific genes, overcoming major hurdles for personalized stem cell therapies. The breakthrough accelerates stem cell technology and provides a road map for new clinical approaches to regenerative medicine.

SourceSamuel Lunenfeld Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2009

Vitamin A signals offer clues to treating autoimmunity

Scientists have discovered a compound called zymosan that can respond to two different receptors in dendritic cells, sending both stimulatory and calming messages. This finding could guide the development of vaccines against infectious agents and potentially boost the immune system's ability to fight chronic infections.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 1, 2009

Vegetable-based drug could inhibit melanoma

Researchers have developed a potent drug against melanoma by combining compounds from green vegetables with selenium. The new compound, isoselenocyanate, targets the Akt3 protein and reduces tumor growth by 50-60%, showing potential for low-toxicity treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 1, 2009

Patients with GI bleeding admitted on the weekend have higher death rate

Research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that patients with upper GI bleeding admitted on weekends had a 22% higher mortality rate and were less likely to undergo early endoscopy. Patients with peptic ulcer-related UGIB also faced increased mortality, hospital charges, and length of stay.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 1, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

What makes C-Diff superbug deadly?

Researchers have long focused on Toxin A, but a new study reveals Toxin B is the real culprit behind C-diff's deadly effects. The discovery has significant implications for treatment and prevention strategies.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2009

New origin found for a critical immune response

Duke researchers found that a blood-derived lymph node dendritic cell type plays a key role in developing acute T-cell responses. This discovery challenges traditional views on dendritic cell function and has implications for vaccine science and autoimmune disease therapy development.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 1, 2009