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Science News for November 30, 2009


Patients say 'no thanks' to risky medical treatments

A recent study found that increasing patient responsibility for medical decisions decreases their willingness to accept risky treatments. Patients who were presented with choices reported higher worry about risks and lower uptake of treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 30, 2009

The therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond

Research documents the value of the human-animal bond in improving child development, elderly care, and rehabilitation outcomes. A growing body of evidence highlights the healing power of companion animals in reducing stress, providing affection, and fostering a sense of security.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Process·DateNov 30, 2009

Tuberculosis: On the path to prevention

Scientists at MUHC and international colleagues discovered a chromosomal site controlling natural resistance to TB infection, found in 20% of individuals from high-exposure areas. The findings hold promise for preventing TB infection in the general population by stimulating resistance mechanisms.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 30, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new self-assessment score has been developed to predict diabetes risk, showing promise as a simple and effective tool. Additionally, researchers are considering alternative bacteria, Fusobacterium necrophorum, for sore throat treatment due to its association with a rare but life-threatening complication, Lemierre syndrome. Furthermor...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 30, 2009

First Step To Success steps up in Albuquerque schools

The First Step To Success program has shown robust improvements among at-risk elementary students in the Albuquerque, N.M., school district. The four-year study found significant impact on behavioral symptoms and social functioning among participating students, with effect sizes ranging from .54 to .87.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders·DateNov 30, 2009

Directly observed antiretroviral therapy offers no benefit over self-administered treatment for HIV patients

A meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 1862 HIV patients found no statistically significant difference between directly observed and self-administered antiretroviral therapy in promoting virological suppression. This suggests that directly observed therapy may not be necessary to support adherence in the general patient population.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 30, 2009

Silver lining effect study, 'I have some good news and some bad news,' in INFORMS journal

A study published in Management Science found that presenting small gains alongside large losses can improve decision-making by reducing mental pain. The 'Silver Lining Effect' suggests that people prefer separating positive and negative information to mitigate the impact of loss, with more pronounced effects for larger losses.

A reductionist approach to HIV research

A team of researchers has created a mouse model with key features of HIV infection, shedding light on the disease's mechanisms. The mouse exhibits symptoms similar to those of immunodeficiency virus infection, but with notable differences that highlight its limitations as a model for human disease.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateNov 30, 2009

It takes 2 to infect

Structural biologists reveal how internalin B dimer activates human receptor Met, allowing Listeria to infect cells. The discovery may lead to therapeutics for improved wound healing and treatment of listeriosis.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateNov 30, 2009

Research sheds new light on epilepsy

Scientists have recorded spontaneous epileptic activity in human brain tissue for the first time, revealing that electrical connections between nerve cells cause the disease. This discovery offers real hope for finding new treatments for epilepsy, which affects 45 million people worldwide.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2009

Pancreatic tumors are marked for immunotherapy

A study at Washington University School of Medicine identified mesothelin as a marker for pancreatic tumors, suggesting its potential use in immune therapy against the disease. Mesothelin levels in the blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to healthy individuals.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 30, 2009

Chicken capsules good for aching joints

Researchers found that chicken type II collagen (CCII) capsules improved joint function in RA patients with fewer side effects compared to the established antirheumatic drug methotrexate. Oral tolerance induction via dietary exposure is believed to contribute to this finding.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 30, 2009

Parent mentors can improve the asthmatic care of minority children, UT Southwestern researchers find

A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that parent mentors can significantly reduce asthma-related complications in minority children. The intervention program, which provided specialized training to caregivers, resulted in fewer wheezing episodes, asthma attacks, and emergency room visits among participating families.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 30, 2009

Women researchers less likely to receive major career funding grants, U-M study shows

A University of Michigan study found that women researchers are less likely than men to secure major funding for their careers, with only 19% of women attaining an R01 grant within 10 years. The study suggests that family demands and pressures to contribute to clinical work may be hindering women's success in research careers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 30, 2009

Biology of emergent Salmonella exposed

Researchers have characterised a new multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium causing life-threatening disease in Africa. The new strain, ST313, is resistant to several antibiotics and may spread from person to person, predominantly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 30, 2009

Seeing family for the holidays? Scientists discover how the stress might kill you

Researchers found that the nervous system controls regulatory T cells, which help end an immune response, and that breaking this link can lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis. The study shows that stress from everyday events like seeing family around the holidays can negatively affect the immune system.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateNov 30, 2009

Study: Believers' inferences about God's beliefs are uniquely egocentric

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that religious individuals tend to rely on their own beliefs when inferring what God might believe, but are less constrained when reasoning about others' beliefs. This suggests a unique egocentric bias in believers' thinking about God's views.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2009