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Science News Archive 2010 - Page 34


Page 34 of 283

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 15, 2010

A team of researchers identified the gene Trib1 in mice, which regulates lipid production by the liver. Overexpression of Trib1 decreased blood lipids, while lack of Trib1 increased them. This suggests that TRIB1 is responsible for associations between chromosome 8 and lipid levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2010

Regular exercise reduces large number of health risks including dementia and some cancers

Research review finds that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing around two dozen health conditions, including some cancers and dementia. Healthy adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, with strength-training sessions and balance exercises also recommended.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateNov 15, 2010

Umbilical cord cells may treat arthritis

Researchers have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood can suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis. The study suggests a new potential therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, which currently has limited long-term drug-free remission options.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 15, 2010

Biochemistry of how plants resist insect attack determined

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a single P450 enzyme responsible for producing two common plant volatiles that defend against insect attacks. The discovery provides new insights into the biosynthesis of these compounds and offers potential applications in improving crop pest controls.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2010

Clinical science: Special reports II news tips

Researchers found that injecting a platelet inhibitor directly into the heart through a coronary artery may restore blood flow more effectively than conventional administration after a severe heart attack. In contrast, erythropoietin did not reduce heart damage but may increase it in patients over 70 years old. Additionally, measuring ...

Mastermind steroid found in plants

Researchers have identified about a thousand brassinosteroid target genes, revealing molecular links between the steroid and various cellular functions. The study provides the first comprehensive action map for a plant hormone, accelerating basic plant science and crop research.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 15, 2010

Clinical science: Special reports I

Researchers identified irregular heartbeat in pacemaker recipients as a potential stroke risk factor. Meanwhile, disparities in cardiovascular care persist despite healthcare reform, with African-Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status receiving fewer invasive procedures. Stress tests using exercise electrocardiography and ...

New way of predicting dominant seasonal flu strain

Researchers used multidimensional scaling to create a graphical plot of amino acid sequence data for all strains of H3N2, predicting the dominant strain with high accuracy. The new method can predict whether a new flu strain will become dominant as little as two weeks after its appearance in GenBank, outperforming current methods.

SourceRice University·JournalProtein Engineering Design and Selection·DateNov 15, 2010

Brain scans detect autism's signature

Researchers at Yale University used fMRI to identify three distinct 'neural signatures' in children with autism and their unaffected siblings. These patterns, including reduced activity in certain brain regions and enhanced compensatory activity, may help with earlier and more accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2010

Microsensors offer first look at whether cell mass affects growth rate

University of Illinois researchers developed microsensors that can track individual cells' masses and divisions over time. They found that cells grow faster as they grow heavier, rather than at a fixed rate throughout the cell cycle. The sensors also allow for imaging and tracking of cellular processes in conjunction with changes in mass.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2010

Shopping religiously

A Tel Aviv University researcher discovered that a consumer's religiosity has a significant impact on their likelihood of choosing particular brands. Secular populations are more prone to defining their self-worth through loyalty to corporate brands, while religious consumers are less likely to display explicit brand preference.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMarketing Science·DateNov 15, 2010

Synchronizing a failing heart

A new therapeutic implant has been proven to synchronize and strengthen a fading heart beat, reducing the risk of death by 24% compared to current treatment. The device therapy, called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also improves quality of life and reduces hospital admissions for worsening heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa Heart Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2010