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Science News Archive May 2009 - Page 4


Page 4 of 22

Worldwide report shows increase in assisted reproduction: 250,000 babies (approximately) born in 1 year

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology reports an estimated 219,000 to 246,000 babies born through assisted reproductive technology (ART) globally each year. ART procedures have increased by over 25% in two years, with significant variations in availability and quality between countries.

What is the function of lymph nodes?

A new study found that lymph nodes are not necessary for the immune system to respond to infections. Instead, the liver can serve as a surrogate structure for T-cell activation. This discovery suggests an alternative role for the liver and may explain why patients receiving a liver transplant sometimes inherit the donor's allergies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 26, 2009

M. D. Anderson study finds dramatic increase in metastatic colon cancer survival

Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found a significant increase in median overall survival from 8 to 30 months for patients with advanced disease, and a projected five-year survival rate of over 30 percent. The study attributes the improvements to better surgical interventions and new chemotherapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 26, 2009

Shellfish face an uncertain future in a high CO2 world

Scientists have discovered that high CO2 levels are causing ocean acidification, leading to reduced shell growth and calcification in shellfish. Eastern oysters are particularly susceptible, with a 16% decrease in shell area and 42% reduction in calcium content.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 26, 2009

JAMA study: Effectively managing pain with depression

Researchers developed a strategy to improve both depression and pain management by closely monitoring antidepressant therapy and providing pain self-management training. The study found that this approach led to substantial improvements in both conditions, with benefits lasting six months after treatment was completed.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJAMA·DateMay 26, 2009

John P. Cogswell, Ph.D., receives 2009 Alzheimer Award

John P. Cogswell, PhD, has been awarded the 2009 Alzheimer Award for his work on identifying microRNA changes in Alzheimer's disease brain and CSF, which yields putative biomarkers and insights into disease pathways. His research highlights the potential of microRNAs to aid clinical diagnosis.

Toward cheap underwater sensor nets

Researchers at UC San Diego are building low-cost, low-power modems for short-range underwater networking, enabling higher sampling rates and more frequent data collection. The project aims to create a network of underwater sensors that can provide real-time environmental data, revolutionizing the way we understand our natural world.

Scientists find city rats are loyal to their 'hoods

A study found that rats in Baltimore form distinct neighborhoods, with each community spanning little more than an average alley. Rats rarely migrate, but neighborhood eradication efforts may backfire by encouraging rodents to repopulate other areas and spread disease.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 26, 2009

JCI table of contents: May 26, 2009

Researchers have identified the protein ILK as promoting growth of aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma cells and suppressing ERMS cell growth. A therapy targeting ILK may provide a tailored approach for treating the lethal form of RMS, ARMS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 26, 2009

BUSM researchers find no adjustment method fully resolves confounding by indication

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that conventional methods to adjust for confounding, such as restriction and multivariable regression, leave residual confounding because of unmeasured factors. Propensity scores and instrumental variable methods have limitations in resolving confounding by indication.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology·DateMay 26, 2009

NEJM study finds drug-eluting stents more effective than bare-metal stents in heart attack patients

A landmark study published in NEJM found that paclitaxel-eluting stents significantly reduce target lesion revascularization and binary angiographic restenosis rates compared to bare-metal stents. The study showed a lower rate of ischemia-driven target-lesion revascularization at 12 months with the use of paclitaxel-eluting stents.

SourceNew York- Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 26, 2009

JNCI May 26 issue tip sheet

Researchers discovered that CIP2A expression is associated with reduced overall survival in gastric cancer patients, as well as increased proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Meanwhile, a RasGAP-derived peptide has been shown to improve responses to chemotherapy in mouse models of colon cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 26, 2009

Viruses are sneakier than we thought

Researchers found that Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus uses polyadenylation to block normal gene expression in cells. The virus' SOX protein aberrantly lengthens mRNA poly(A) tails, sending a signal to the cell that its messages are wrong and holding them back.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 26, 2009

Lifelong cancer risk for patients treated for childhood cancer

A new study found that childhood cancer survivors have a significantly increased risk of developing second primary cancers throughout their lives. The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from 47,697 people diagnosed with cancer before age 20 and found a higher incidence rate of new primary...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 26, 2009