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Science News Archive October 2009 - Page 3


Page 3 of 27

ERC provides millions for biodiversity research

A team of researchers led by Dr Thorsten Wiegand and funded by the European Research Council (ERC) is investigating the composition and dynamics of species-rich communities. They will use advanced methods to understand the factors and processes governing biodiversity, utilizing extensive data sets from tropical forests.

Pumpkin skin may scare away germs

A new study reveals that pumpkin skin contains a powerful antifungal protein that can inhibit the growth of disease-causing microbes, including Candida albicans. The protein could be developed into a natural medicine to fight yeast infections in humans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2009

How do we fund plant breeding?

The symposium will explore various funding sources, including public-private partnerships, commercialization strategies, and foundations. Presenters will share their experiences with targeted support for cultivar development and national/global programs to build capacity and provide public support.

Adolescents think school bullying 'will keep on happening' and resign themselves to it

A recent study found that adolescents think school bullying is a natural part of life and will continue happening, leading to a negative and pessimistic attitude towards it. The researchers suggest that more comprehensive educational programs are needed to prove to children that bullying can be stopped.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalRevista Iberoamericana de Diagnóstico y Evaluación - e Avaliação Psicológica·DateOct 28, 2009

Travel of a mis-swallowed long spoon to the jejunum

A 33-year-old woman accidentally swallowed a 15 cm long spoon while attempting to remove a fish bone from her pharynx. The spoon was found in the lower mid-abdomen on an urgent plain abdominal radiograph and successfully removed during exploratory laparotomy, revealing it had passed into the jejunum after 200 cm of the ligament of Treitz.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 28, 2009

NIH-funded researchers transform embryonic stem cells into human germ cells

Researchers have successfully transformed human embryonic stem cells into germ cells, a breakthrough that could help identify causes of unexplained infertility and birth defects. The discovery opens new avenues for research and may lead to the development of diagnostic tools to pinpoint genetic changes underlying infertility.

Not a healthy state for all Latinos in the US

A recent study found that undocumented foreign-born Latinos have lower levels of usual source of care, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screenings compared to US-born Latinos. Perceived quality of care is also significantly impacted by immigration status.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2009

Multicultural education focus of new UOG publication

The article explores the importance of understanding cultural value systems in the classroom and how educators can adapt their teaching methods to accommodate diverse learners. By recognizing the unique features of multicultural groups, educators can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity in the learning process.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalActa Horticulturae·DateOct 28, 2009

A new explanation of 'Asian paradox'

Researchers investigated gastric mucosal changes prior to gastric cancer in Indonesian and Japanese patients with H. pylori infection. They found significant differences in the grade and activity of mucosal changes, suggesting a different host response between the two populations.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 28, 2009

Statins show dramatic drug and cell dependent effects in the brain

A recent study found that statins can have profoundly different effects on brain cells, including benefits in reducing cholesterol transporter expression but potential risks in increasing Alzheimer's disease-related proteins. The findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment approaches for individuals taking statin therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 28, 2009

Researchers find room design can enhance patient care

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that consultation room design can enhance patient care by improving collaboration between clinicians and patients. The study, which included 63 pairs of patients and doctors, showed that experimental rooms with side-by-side seating increased clinician-patient information sharing and patient satisfaction.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateOct 28, 2009

Is short-term Celecoxib intervention a effective method for preventing gastric carcinogenesis?

A new study found that short-term Celecoxib intervention can effectively prevent gastric carcinogenesis in Mongolian gerbils. The research team suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be used as chemoprevention for people older than 40 years old, especially those with refractory H. pylori infections at high risk of gastric cancer.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 28, 2009

Toward bold new anti-cancer medicines

Researchers are developing innovative treatments to starve cancer cells of glucose, a strategy that has shown promising results in breast and colon cancer cases. RNA interference is also being explored as a gene therapy approach to block genes involved in cancer growth, with significant progress made in administering these medicines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 28, 2009

Maize research reduces poverty in West and Central Africa

A three-and-a-half-decade analysis of maize research in African farming communities reveals significant benefits, including the adoption of new maize varieties that increase productivity and reduce poverty. The study found that over 1 million people per year have escaped poverty through the adoption of modern maize varieties.

SourceWiley·JournalAgricultural Economics·DateOct 28, 2009

Knocking nanoparticles off the socks

A Swiss study found most silver nanoparticles released during washing come out of fabrics in the first wash, posing a risk to aquatic life. The release varied from 1.3% to 35% of total nanosilver in fabric, highlighting the need for manufacturers and consumers to minimize nanoparticle distribution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 28, 2009

Mortality rates reduced among children whose mothers received iron-folic acid supplements

Researchers found that iron-folic acid supplementation significantly reduced childhood mortality and low birth weight, but other supplement combinations did not provide the same benefit. The study suggests that antenatal iron-folic acid supplementation is a critical intervention for maternal and child health in developing countries.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateOct 28, 2009

Greater use of in-patient diagnostic imaging improves patient outcomes without significantly impacting costs

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that hospitals using more in-patient diagnostic imaging exams had significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates without a corresponding increase in costs. The study analyzed data from over 100 hospitals and more than 1 million patient outcomes, suggesting...

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateOct 28, 2009

New tactics in Guam rhino beetle invasion

UOG scientists have employed new tactics to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) invasion, including the use of canine teams and a bio-control virus. The efforts aim to drive the population to zero, with the latest strategy targeting breeding sites using trained dogs and destroying debris.