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Science News for October 19, 2009


Going out on a limb

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a biologically active scaffold made from soluble fibers that can help replace lost or missing bone. The technology, which has shown promise in animal models, could also be used to regenerate other types of human tissues, including muscle, arteries, and skin.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateOct 19, 2009

Is my robot happy to see me?

A study at Georgia Tech found that older adults have difficulty recognizing emotions on robots, particularly happiness and disgust. Despite this, they excel at reading sadness. The researchers suggest that the robot's facial features may not be exaggerated enough to overcome age-related recognition challenges.

Are humans still evolving? Absolutely, says a new analysis of a long-term survey of human health

A new analysis of a long-term survey of human health shows that humans are still evolving due to natural selection. The study found that the descendants of over 2000 women in the Framingham Heart Study will be slightly shorter and heavier, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reach menopause later in life.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2009

A master mechanism for regeneration?

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that genes involved in fin regeneration and heart repair are also required for rebuilding damaged light receptors in the eye. The study suggests that a common molecular mechanism guides the process, no matter what body part is damaged.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2009

Study examines treatment for olfactory loss after viral infection

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that glucocorticoid medication and Ginkgo biloba significantly improved the sense of smell in individuals with previous olfactory loss due to upper respiratory infections. The treatment was effective regardless of whether it was used alone or in combination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 19, 2009

JCI table of contents: Oct. 19, 2009

Researchers found that administration of APC protein slowed disease progression and extended survival in mice with inherited ALS. The study suggests activating APC might benefit patients with inherited and possibly sporadic ALS, but warns of potential risks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 19, 2009

Popping the cork on biofuel agriculture

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory identified an enzyme responsible for suberin production, which can help control water and nutrient transportation in plants. This discovery may lead to easier agricultural production of crops used for biofuels, enabling them to thrive in specific or harsh environments.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2009

'Superobesity,' chronic disease burden associated with risk of death following bariatric surgery

A recent study found that bariatric surgery is associated with a higher risk of death in superobese patients. The research, published in Archives of Surgery, analyzed data from 856 veterans who underwent bariatric surgery between 2000 and 2006. Patients classified as superobese had a significantly increased risk of dying within one yea...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateOct 19, 2009

Children's blood lead levels linked to lower test scores

Researchers at Duke University found a clear dose-response pattern between lead exposure and test performance, with the effects becoming more pronounced as lead levels increase. Early childhood exposure to lead accounts for 7-16% of decline in test scores, while family poverty status accounts for 25-28%, and parental education for 58-65%.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuroToxicology·DateOct 19, 2009

The protein APC slows Lou Gehrig's disease in mice

Researchers found that administering APC and its analogs slowed disease progression and extended survival in mutant SOD1-expressing mice. These compounds worked by decreasing SOD1 expression in brain cells, indicating a potential neuroprotective effect of APC in mouse models of inherited ALS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 19, 2009

Study finds mercury levels in children with autism and those developing typically are the same

Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute report that after adjusting for factors, typically developing children and those with autism have similar blood-mercury levels. The study, conducted as part of the CHARGE Study, looked at various sources of mercury in participants' environments, including fish consumption and vaccinations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 19, 2009

Teach your physicians well

A new Brandeis study found that faculty values at US academic medical centers align well with institutional missions, but in some cases, institutions fall short of practicing what they preach. Faculty prioritize caring for the underserved, teaching, intellectual rigor, and freedom of discovery.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2009

Clots traveling from lower veins may not be the cause of pulmonary embolism in trauma patients

A Massachusetts General Hospital study found no evidence of deep venous thrombosis in most trauma patients with pulmonary embolism, questioning the current understanding of the condition's origin. The researchers suggest that clots may form independently in the lungs, potentially revolutionizing the way PE is prevented and treated.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateOct 19, 2009

Ancient bison genetic treasure trove for farmers

Researchers analyzed ancient bison genetic mutations to identify important variations in domestic animals, potentially improving agricultural breeding programs and disease resistance. The study also revealed the evolutionary history of the ruminant family tree and provided insights into climate change adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued clinical practice guidelines for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), recommending the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and individualizing decisions on hormonal tests. For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, adding ACE inhibitors to standard care improves ou...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2009

Caltech scientists create robot surrogate for blind persons in testing visual prostheses

Researchers at Caltech have developed a robot called CYCLOPS that simulates the visual experience of blind individuals with implanted visual prostheses, refining design and enhancing its effectiveness. The robot's camera system processes images, allowing scientists to test various enhancements without relying on actual blind users.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalComputer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine·DateOct 19, 2009

EPA fellow studies effect of mercury in toads

Christine Bergeron, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, receives an EPA fellowship to study the impact of mercury on American toads' reproductive success. The research reveals that female toads transfer mercury to their eggs, affecting offspring viability and potentially long-term population health.

Herbal tonic for radiotherapy

A study published in International Journal of Low Radiation found that extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves can protect human white blood cells from gamma radiation-induced apoptosis. The results suggest that the antioxidant compounds in Ginkgo biloba extract can neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Low Radiation·DateOct 19, 2009