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Science News for September 14, 2009


Zinc deficiences a global concern

Studies found significant DNA damage in humans with minor zinc deficiency, highlighting the health implications of inadequate intake. Experts recommend multivitamins for elderly individuals to ensure adequate levels, as zinc is essential for antioxidant defense and DNA repair.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateSep 14, 2009

The future of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome with substantial variation in symptomatology and life history. A paradigm shift in research focuses on identifying critical domains of pathology, such as positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and impaired cognition. This shift aims to improve treatment efficacy by targeting spec...

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 14, 2009

Researchers have found that T cells from individuals with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) are resistant to cell death triggered by repeated stimulation of a cell surface protein complex, leading to uncontrolled expansion upon infection. Additionally, a molecular regulatory network controlled by the protein SPDEF governs alle...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009

New 'adjuvant' could hold future of vaccine development

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new vaccine adjuvant using lecithin nanoparticles, which showed improved immune response and reduced toxicity compared to existing alum-based adjuvants. The new adjuvant could potentially become a universal carrier for vaccines and help tackle various diseases more effectively.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateSep 14, 2009

The making of mucus in common lung diseases

Research reveals that SPDEF regulates mucus hyperproduction in common lung diseases through goblet cell differentiation. The study found that this network is active in patients with chronic lung diseases, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009

Fake video dramatically alters eyewitness accounts

Researchers found that nearly 50% of people shown fake footage were prepared to believe the video version rather than what they actually saw. Fake video evidence was used in an experiment to test whether it could induce individuals to accuse another person of doing something they never did.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateSep 14, 2009

Sierra Nevada birds move in response to warmer, wetter climate

A study led by biologists at UC Berkeley found that 48 out of 53 bird species in California's Sierra Nevada mountains have adjusted their ranges in response to climate change, with some moving towards warmer temperatures and others preferring wetter conditions. The researchers used data from a survey of 82 sites and compared past and p...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2009

Neurons found to be similar to Electoral College

Researchers have found that neurons integrate synaptic inputs locally before sending signals to the central axon, similar to how electoral votes contribute to a president's election. The study suggests a two-stage model of dendritic integration, which could lead to better understanding of brain processes like learning and memory.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 14, 2009

Scientists identify gene for short-circuiting excess mucus in lung disease, common colds

Researchers have identified a genetic switch that causes excessive mucus in the lungs, shedding light on a medical mystery. The study found that a transcription factor called SPDEF regulates a chain of genes involved in mucus production, and blocking its influence may be a potential pathway for new treatments.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009

New insights into cardiac aging

A study published in Aging Cell found that the conserved protein d4eBP protects heart function against aging, revealing a potential mechanism for cardiac aging. The research also sheds light on the TOR and FoxO signaling pathways, with implications for human heart health.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 14, 2009

Green tea component may help preserve stored platelets, tissues

Researchers found that green tea component EGCG can prolong the preservation of stored blood platelets by up to six days via anti-apoptosis properties. Additionally, EGCG was shown to preserve skin tissues by controlling cell division and preventing oxidation, allowing for the storage of skin grafts up to seven weeks.

Understanding the implications of prenatal testing for Down syndrome

The introduction of new prenatal tests for Down syndrome has led to a steady decrease in births of babies with the condition since their introduction. Experts argue that existing tests may not be providing accurate information, leading to difficult conversations between physicians and expectant parents. To address this, researchers are...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateSep 14, 2009

Iraq troops' PTSD rate as high as 35 percent, says Management Insights study

A new study by Management Insights suggests that Iraq veterans may be experiencing a PTSD rate of up to 35%, doubling the expected rate due to delayed onset and subsequent deployments. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences calls for increased mental health resources to care for returning troops.

Texas A&M researcher shows possible link between 1918 El Niño and flu pandemic

A study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society suggests that the 1918 El Niño may have contributed to the severity of the flu pandemic. The research indicates that the El Niño was one of the strongest of the 20th century, and its impact on global weather patterns could have exacerbated the spread of the disease.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateSep 14, 2009