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Science News for April 13, 2010


Brain cancer: Study focuses on forgotten cells

Scientists have discovered that residual glioblastoma cells have different properties than those found in the tumor mass, making them more mobile and resistant to treatment. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against this aggressive brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 13, 2010

Sequence is scaffold to study sleeping sickness

Researchers have generated a high-quality draft genome sequence for the strain of T. brucei responsible for human African trypanomiasis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. The study found that the parasite's ability to infect humans is linked to subtle genetic differences, including changes in VSG genes.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 13, 2010

Turning planetary theory upside down

Astronomers discover six exoplanets orbiting their stars in the opposite direction to the star's rotation, contradicting conventional wisdom. This finding sparks alternative migration theories, suggesting that hot Jupiters may form far from their stars and migrate inward due to gravitational interactions with distant companions.

SourceESO·DateApr 13, 2010

Give dirty mouths a brush

A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that triclosan/copolymer toothpaste is more effective at killing harmful germs in the mouth than regular fluoride toothpastes. This can help minimize cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateApr 13, 2010

High-performance computing reveals missing genes

Researchers used high-performance computing to locate small genes missed by scientists, uncovering 380 families of undetected gene families. The study used an ephemeral supercomputer to perform an all-to-all sequence search, reducing the search time from nearly 90 years to just 12 hours.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBMC Bioinformatics·DateApr 13, 2010

Blinded by jealousy?

A new study by University of Delaware psychologists found that jealousy impairs a woman's ability to detect targets among distracting images. The researchers suggest social emotions can affect perception, revealing a profound impact on mental and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEmotion·DateApr 13, 2010

Migraine: Aspirin and an antiemetic is a reasonable option

A single dose of aspirin (900-1000mg) significantly reduces migraine headache pain in over half of people, with added metoclopramide improving nausea and vomiting symptoms. Aspirin plus metoclopramide is a reasonable option for acute migraine attacks, but may not be effective enough for some.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateApr 13, 2010

Tapeworm brain infection 'serious health concern'

Neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm brain infection, is increasing in Mexico and bordering southwestern US states, affecting up to 10% of the population. The infection can cause severe symptoms like seizures, headaches, and encephalitis, highlighting the need for proper evaluation and management.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNeurological Research·DateApr 13, 2010

Endangered quolls taught to turn their noses up at toxic toad

Researchers successfully trained northern quolls to associate the taste of toxic cane toads with nausea, allowing them to survive up to five times longer in areas infested with these invasives. This approach could provide a vital new weapon in the fight against invasive species.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 13, 2010

What causes seizure in focal epilepsy?

A study reveals that early activation of astroglia in focal epilepsy drives neurons to generate epileptic discharges. This neuron-astrocyte interaction may represent a novel target for controlling epilepsy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 13, 2010

Study finds wide variation in those infected by H1N1

A study analyzing blood samples from Singapore found significant variation in H1N1 infection risks among different age groups and military personnel. Younger individuals and those with household members who seroconverted had higher infection rates, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 13, 2010

STI, HIV counseling inadequate in male teens

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that most sexually active male teens receive inadequate HIV and STI counseling during doctor visits, even among those with high-risk behaviors. The study highlights the need for better counseling to minimize risky behaviors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 13, 2010

A lab rat -- created in the lab

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created lab-grown tissues from fat, skin, bone, and muscle cells, reducing the need for animal trials in pharmaceutical and medical research. This breakthrough technology has the potential to spare hundreds of animal lives and improve scientific efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateApr 13, 2010