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Science News Archive May 2009 - Page 7


Page 7 of 22

First of its kind study identifies risk factors for LRTIs in Inuit children

Researchers found that Inuit infants are four times more likely to be admitted for LRTI than mixed or non-Inuit infants, with risk factors including smoking during pregnancy, overcrowded living conditions, and not being breastfed. Immunizing rural Inuit infants with the Palivisumab vaccine could save up to $8,000 per admission avoided.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateMay 21, 2009

Jungle yeast

Scientists have identified a new species of yeast, Candida carvajalis sp. nov, with potential applications in sustainable biofuel production and the food industry. The discovery was made in the Amazon jungle and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalFEMS Yeast Research·DateMay 21, 2009

Breast cancer etiology may vary by subtype

Research suggests different invasive breast cancer subtypes have distinct etiologic pathways and prognoses. Patients with specific subtypes exhibit varying demographics, lifestyle traits, and risk factors, highlighting the need for refined tumor subtyping to elucidate development patterns.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMay 21, 2009

Women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a substantial and persistently elevated risk of type 2 diabetes post birth

A recent study found that women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are seven-and-a-half times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes post-birth. This increased risk remains for several years, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and intervention. Early identification and treatment of related factors, such as lip...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 21, 2009

Thieving whale caught on video gives rare clues about hunting strategy, sound production

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography describe a direct comparison between sperm whale clicking sounds and its physical features, including size and internal organ structure. The study provides a glimpse into a possible new approach for investigating the biology behind marine mammal sounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 21, 2009

Viral epidemics poised to go mobile

Researchers analyzed calling and mobility data from over six million mobile phone users to understand the threat of mobile phone viruses. A highly fragmented market share has hindered outbreaks so far, but predicting that viruses will become a significant threat once a single operating system's market share grows sufficiently large.

New stem cell research unlocks unknown therapies

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are making rapid progress in stem cell therapy, with a first-in-human study initiated for Parkinson's disease. The study uses the drug product sNN0031, which has shown long-lasting recovery and new cell formation in animal models. Additionally, a treatment for ALS entered clinical trials last year.

Bacteria with a built-in thermometer

Bacteria of the Yersinia genus possess a protein thermometer called RovA, which measures temperature and metabolic activity to control infection. RovA activates genes for the infection process in suitable environments, while adapting to life within the host.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 20, 2009

Side discrepancy errors in radiology reports rare but often clinically significant

A study of over 1 million radiology reports found that side discrepancy errors, incorrectly noting the side of a lesion, were clinically important and occurred more frequently in female patients. Radiologists should verify these errors, while physicians and patients must also collaborate to ensure accurate clinical management.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 20, 2009

2 studies: The first finds twins born after fertility treatment have a higher risk of problems

Researchers found that twins conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) have a higher risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and death compared to spontaneously conceived twins. ART twins also require longer hospital stays and are more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care.

Old stain in a new combination

Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered that combining methylene blue with newer malaria medications is twice as effective in curbing the spread of malaria parasites than standard therapy. This new approach has significant implications for eradicating the disease, particularly among children under five who are m...

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2009

Seeing invisible resin

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop a measuring technique to monitor resin distribution during OSB production. The new method uses special optics to record the image of the shavings mat, allowing for continuous measurements during production.

Beneficial plant 'spillover' effect seen from landscape corridors

Research by NC State University biologist Dr. Nick Haddad and colleagues found that landscape corridors connecting isolated habitat patches increased plant species beyond the area itself. The study showed that corridors caused a significant spillover effect, especially among bird-dispersed plants, leading to broader conservation benefits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2009

Chlamydia that avoids diagnosis

Researchers identified a new strain of Chlamydia that spread rapidly across Sweden due to an evolutionary 'hiccup' in its genetic code, allowing it to evade most established diagnostic tests. The study provides valuable insights into the evolution of the bacterium and highlights the need for updated diagnostic tools.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalBMC Genomics·DateMay 20, 2009

Pregnant women with mildly abnormal blood sugar levels at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found that even mild abnormalities in glucose testing during pregnancy increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with these mild abnormalities are 2.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those with normal glucose testing.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateMay 20, 2009