Scientists pinpoint gene linked to drug resistance in malaria
Researchers have identified a gene that enables malaria parasites to resist artemisinin treatment, leading to potential development of new drugs and control strategies.
Science News Archive 2010
Browse by Month - 2010
Page 64 of 283
Re-evaluating the time of your life
Prof. Dov Shmotkin's research investigates how people's well-being is tied to their concept of time trajectory, which encompasses past, present, and future. The study found that a stable time trajectory is associated with higher well-being in older adults, particularly those who can contrast their present with past traumatic experiences.
University of Illinois College of ACES receives $9 million to modernize Extension in poor countries
The University of Illinois College of ACES will strengthen rural farmers' livelihoods by modernizing agricultural Extension systems in 20 poorest developing countries. The five-year project aims to transform these systems to increase farm incomes and improve rural poverty, using sustainable natural resource management practices.
On the trail of the epigenetic code
Researchers develop test system to investigate histone modification function and its influence on gene expression and cellular division. The study reveals a complex interplay between histone modifications and the genetic code.
Young people with mental health problems at risk of falling through 'gap' in care services
A recent study found that only 58% of young people with mental health problems successfully transitioned to adult care services, highlighting a significant gap in provision. The research team identified key factors contributing to the poor transition experience, including inadequate information transfer and inconsistent documentation.
Study finds monarch butterflies use medicinal plants to treat offspring for disease
Researchers at Emory University found that monarch butterfly females prefer milkweed plants with high levels of cardenolides to lay eggs on, reducing parasite infection in their offspring. This behavior is thought to be a form of self-medication, and the study's findings may have implications for human health.
Physical symptoms common, disabling among patients with cancer and pain or depression
Studies have found that patients with cancer who experience pain or depression also report a high rate of physical symptoms such as fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. These somatic symptoms are associated with substantial functional impairment, disability, and healthcare use, even after controlling for medical and psychiatric comorbidity.
Insulin resistance may be associated with stroke risk
A study of 1,509 non-diabetic participants found that insulin resistance was associated with a 45% greater risk of any type of vascular event. Insulin resistance was also linked to an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in men.
Screen time linked to psychological problems in children
A study of over 1,000 children found that excessive screen time is related to higher psychological difficulty scores, regardless of physical activity. Children who spent more than two hours per day on screens had better psychological scores, while those with moderate physical activity fared better in certain areas but worse in others.
Estrogen therapy may be associated with kidney stones in postmenopausal women
Postmenopausal women taking estrogen therapy are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones, according to a study. The research found a significant increase in kidney stone development, with a fivefold greater risk in women with a history of kidney stones.
Whale poop pumps up ocean health
Scientists have discovered that whales' feces pump up ocean productivity, increasing phytoplankton growth and secondary productivity. This boost has a significant impact on fisheries, resulting in bigger fisheries and higher fish abundances.
Early research reveals new clues to origin of diabetes
Researchers have identified a potential target for diabetes drugs by discovering how certain insulin gene mutations cause proinsulin proteins to misfold in pancreatic beta cells. The study found that misfolding of normal proinsulin proteins occurs when mutant protein is present, leading to insulin deficiency and diabetes.
Smaller and cheaper but 300 times more intense
A team of scientists has demonstrated the feasibility of Raman amplification, compressing long laser pulses to 1000 times shorter with intensities 300 times greater. This method could replace current expensive systems with smaller and more cost-effective ones, making technologies like x-ray development more accessible.
Half the productivity, twice the carbon
The IT industry is on pace to grow its carbon emissions at twice the rate of its contributions to gross domestic product. The study found that green innovation will be essential for ICT profitability in a carbon-constrained economy.
Certain new therapies for age-related eye disease do not appear to increase heart risks
A recent study found that newer treatments for age-related macular degeneration, including intravitreous bevacizumab and ranibizumab, do not significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications or death. The study analyzed data from 146,942 Medicare beneficiaries treated for AMD in 2005 or 2006.
End-of-life care patterns shift for patients with heart failure in both US and Canada
Studies examine resource use and costs in the last six months of life for Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure and Canadian patients who died of heart failure, revealing increased hospice use but high hospitalization rates. Increasing availability of alternative care venues may help reduce hospitalizations and contain costs.
Global research effort leads to new findings on genes and obesity
Global research has identified new genes associated with body fat distribution and obesity, shedding light on biological processes involved. The studies found 13 new gene regions linked to waist-hip ratio and 18 genetic variations associated with increased susceptibility to obesity.
Planar power
Researchers at PNNL have redesigned sodium-nickel chloride batteries to deliver 30% more power at lower temperatures, making them safer and cheaper to manufacture than lithium-ion batteries. The planar design enables compact stacking, improving the battery's performance for large-scale energy storage.
Selective strategy could lead to new approaches against schizophrenia
Researchers identified a compound called CIQ that selectively enhances NMDA receptor function, targeting specific subunits believed to contribute to schizophrenia symptoms. This approach aims to compensate for deficits in patients with the condition by manipulating receptor signaling.
A picture worth a thousand words: New research links visual cues to male sexual memory
A new study in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that college-aged men can accurately remember a woman's initial sexual interest based on visual cues. The study suggests that tracking and remembering a partner's emotions may play a role in the initiation and maintenance of serious romantic relationships.
New discovery may help to identify the healthiest embryos in IVF treatment
Australian scientists have developed a measure to assess embryo health and likelihood of successful pregnancy in IVF treatment. The research found that embryos with higher glucose uptake are healthier and more likely to result in successful pregnancies, with women's embryos consuming more glucose than men's.
Wild 'teenage' galaxies booming with star births
Distant galaxies in the early Universe are creating 1,000 new stars per year, exceeding our galaxy's star formation rate. These galaxies contain enormous amounts of raw material for new stars, suggesting a higher gas content than previously thought.
Scientist develops new, innovative methods for characterizing proteins
A scientist at Florida State University has developed innovative techniques to characterize proteins, enabling faster and more accurate prediction of their structure and dynamics. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting specific proteins and designing new molecular machines.
Lack of antiepileptic drugs hurts awareness, treatment efforts in Zambia
A recent study found nearly 50% of pharmacies in Zambia do not carry antiepileptic drugs, hindering efforts to treat the condition. The lack of affordable treatment options is attributed to cost, regulatory issues, and logistics challenges.
Abiraterone acetate improves survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
The Phase III trial confirms that abiraterone acetate extends life by four months for patients with advanced prostate cancer, improving median overall survival to 14.8 months. This breakthrough treatment challenges the standard care for men with advanced disease.
Diabetes hospitalizations rise dramatically for young women
A study published in Journal of Women's Health reveals a rapid increase in diabetes hospitalizations for young adults, particularly young women, which echoes the dramatic rise in obesity rates across the US. The number of hospitalizations among younger adults more than doubled from 1993 to 2006.
Phase III study shows everolimus delays tumor progression in hard-to-treat neuroendocrine tumors
A Phase III study showed that everolimus improves progression-free survival by 5.1 months in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors. The drug has antitumor efficacy in addition to currently available agents, offering new treatment options for rare cancers.
Fertility concerns of cancer survivors inadequately addressed, study finds
A study of 25 cancer survivors found that fertility concerns were inadequately addressed by doctors, with many feeling guilty about their sexual function. Fertility was crucial to these patients' sense of identity and body image, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to address these issues.
Adding topotecan to standard treatment for ovarian cancer does not improve progression-free survival
A randomized study found that adding topotecan to carboplatin and paclitaxel did not improve progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer, but increased toxicity. The standard regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel remains the best care for epithelial ovarian cancer.
CU-Boulder student dust counter breaks distance record on New Horizons mission to Pluto
The CU-Boulder student-built dust counter on NASA's New Horizons mission has reached a distance of 1.67 billion miles from Earth, breaking the record for the most distant working space dust detector. The instrument collected data in agreement with earlier measurements made by NASA's Galileo and Ulysses missions to Jupiter.
Insurance and socioeconomic status do not explain racial disparities in breast cancer care
A study published in Cancer found that racial disparities in breast cancer care persist, even after accounting for patients' insurance and socioeconomic status. Black and Hispanic women are less likely to receive recommended treatments compared to white women.
Large study shows females are equal to males in math skills
A large-scale study of 1,286,350 participants across various studies confirms that female and male math skills are substantially equal. The findings challenge long-held stereotypes and emphasize the importance of promoting confidence in girls' math abilities to encourage them to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Meta-analysis shows no heart benefits for folic acid supplements
A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that folic acid supplements did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, cancer, or death over a five-year period. The study showed a significant reduction in homocysteine levels with folic acid supplementation but no corresponding benefit for cardiovascular health.
Cartilage comeback
Materials scientists from Jena University have created a cellulose implant that can trigger the regeneration of cartilage produced naturally in the body. The implant, which consists of a sponge-like structure with two different surfaces, is designed to adhere to bone and stimulate cartilage growth.
AACR to honor leading researchers at breast cancer symposium
The AACR will honor two leading breast cancer researchers, Klaus Pantel and Alan Ashworth, for their groundbreaking work on detection and treatment of breast cancer. Pantel will receive the Outstanding Investigator Award for his pioneering research on minimal residual disease, while Ashworth will deliver the Distinguished Lectureship f...
Treatment of retinal conditions appears to have changed significantly in previous decade
The number of retinal procedures nearly doubled between 1997 and 2007, driven by new treatments for neovascular AMD. Vitrectomy, a surgical removal of the eye's gel, increased significantly, while injections of drugs into the eye also rose substantially.
Rutgers part of team awarded $3.3 million National Institutes of Health grant for prostate cancer research
A Rutgers-led research team has received a $3.3 million NIH grant to develop technology that combines advanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance images to pinpoint cancerous tissue during biopsies. This could lead to more accurate diagnoses and reduced false negatives.
Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy doubles response rate in hard-to-treat breast cancer
Researchers found that targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) provides substantial clinical benefit for women with hard-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer. Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy doubled response rate and time to progression compared to chemotherapy alone.
You don't have to go out into the woods anymore
A study found that invasive bush honeysuckle substantially increases the risk of human disease by providing a habitat for deer to congregate, allowing ticks to spread diseases. The research suggests that this effect may be seen with other invasive plants as well.
Carotid stents associated with greater risk of stroke or death than carotid endarterectomy surgery
A meta-analysis found that carotid artery stenting was associated with increased risks of short- and long-term adverse outcomes, including stroke, death, and restenosis. In contrast, carotid endarterectomy was linked to lower rates of these complications.
Geological Society of America salutes creators of transformative technology
The GSA awarded its President's Medal to the founders of Keyhole, Inc., developers of Google Earth. The award recognizes their impact on advancing geosciences through a groundbreaking tool for education and entertainment.
Major grant aims at breaking the habit of implicit bias
A University of Wisconsin-Madison doctor has won a $2 million grant to develop video games that uncover and neutralize implicit biases against women, minorities, and people with disabilities. The project aims to change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in academic institutions, ultimately increasing diversity in STEM fields.
When in Rome: Study-abroad students increase alcohol intake
A study by University of Washington researchers found that study-abroad students double their alcohol consumption while abroad, up to eight drinks per week. Drinking behavior differs according to country and age, with younger students and those in Europe and Australia drinking more heavily.
Study supports the long-term benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression
A study published in Brain Stimulation found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective, long-term treatment for major depression. The therapy was shown to be durable in the majority of patients and prevented relapse when reintroduced as an adjunct to medication.
University of Florida research provides new understanding of bizarre extinct mammal
A 55-million-year-old extinct mammal, Labidolemur kayi, has been found to share a common ancestor with rodents and primates. The study reveals minute details in the skull, including bone structures smaller than one-tenth of a millimeter, which provide valuable information for understanding the origin of primates.
Successful kidney transplantation despite tissue incompatibility
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital developed a therapy concept to treat high-risk patients with sensitized kidneys, achieving comparable transplant survival rates as non-immunized patients. After one year, 95% of transplanted kidneys were still functioning.
Study finds breast-feeding safe for women after breast cancer treatment
A study by Dr. Hatem Azim found that breastfeeding is safe for women after breast cancer treatment, contrary to common advice. Successful long-term breastfeeding was associated with type of breast surgery and post-delivery lactation counseling.
Scripps Research study challenges conventional theory of modern drug design
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute uncovered new evidence challenging the current theory of ligand-protein interaction in modern drug design. The study found that ligands can adapt to changing protein structures, binding productively to both active and inactive forms.
Virtual research institute needed to unlock RNA's promise
The European Science Foundation recommends creating a virtual research institute to focus on RNA research and its applications in treating diseases. The institute would promote superior training of young scientists and deliver dedicated education programs for RNA research.
Research discovers how the deaf have super vision
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario discovered a causal link between enhanced visual abilities and reorganization of brain areas in congenitally deaf cats. Visual localization and motion detection are the two specific abilities that are enhanced in deaf individuals.
Researchers develop oral delivery system to treat inflammatory bowel diseases
A novel approach to delivering small bits of genetic material into the body has been developed by researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. The thioketal nanoparticles successfully targeted inflamed intestinal tissues, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Land 'evapotranspiration' taking unexpected turn: huge parts of world are drying up
Research found a decline in global evapotranspiration, a key component of the global climate system, over the past decade, mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. The shift coincided with reduced precipitation and increased drought stress on vegetation.
Gladstone scientists link hepatitis C virus infection to fat enzyme in liver cells
Researchers found that an enzyme associated with fat storage in liver cells is required for HCV infectious activity. DGAT1 inhibitors may be effective against HCV, with several already in early clinical trials to treat obesity-associated diseases.
Melanoma drug shrinks brain metastases in phase I/II study
A new melanoma treatment has shown a robust activity in shrinking brain metastases in patients with advanced disease. The drug, GSK2118436, targets the BRAF protein mutation common in human melanomas and has been found to control and reduce brain tumor size in nearly all patients.
Cetuximab did not add significant benefit to NORDIC FLOX regimen in first line treatment of mCRC
Researchers reported that adding cetuximab to a three-drug chemotherapy regimen for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer did not improve response rates, progression-free survival, or overall survival. The NORDIC VII study included 566 patients and found no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups.
High response rates seen in phase-III trial of chemotherapy, new drug and stem cells in myeloma
A new study found that both high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant and conventional treatment with lenalidomide achieved positive responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The study showed improved quality of response compared to induction alone.
Novocure reports data showing TTF therapy in combination with chemotherapy has the potential to increase overall survival for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
In a phase II study, patients with locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC experienced significant increases in survival time when treated with TTF therapy in combination with chemotherapy. The therapy has also been shown to have clinical efficacy in human trials for other solid tumors, including recurrent glioblastoma.
New discovery on the causes of contact allergy
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have made a groundbreaking discovery about contact allergy, which affects nearly 20% of Europe's population. The study found that fragrances can cause allergic reactions when exposed to oxygen in the air, leading to eczema in some individuals.
Studies provide new insights into the genetics of obesity and fat distribution
Researchers identified 18 new gene sites associated with overall obesity and 13 that affect fat distribution, providing insights into the underlying biology of obesity susceptibility. The studies, involving nearly a quarter of a million participants, confirm that genetics play a significant role in individual differences in weight gain.
Struggling for breath
Researchers found that patients with pectus excavatum have reduced chest wall motion near the deformity and compensate by using abdominal muscles to draw in more air. The study suggests these patients may experience shortness of breath and easy fatigability due to the dysfunctional upper chest wall motion.