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Science News for April 19, 2010


Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that healthy older adults taking rosuvastatin had fewer heart problems and strokes than those not taking the medication. A high false-positive rate was associated with low-dose CT lung cancer screening, highlighting its potential harms. U.S. News rankings are criticized for relying too heavily on subjective data.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2010

Breathe easy with the protein LPCAT1

Researchers identified LPCAT1 as a key protein in lung surfactant production, essential for air breathing transition in mice. Decreased LPCAT1 expression may underlie fatal respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

US needs new national strategy for era of cyber aggression, new paper concludes

A new research paper concludes that deterrence can no longer be the primary national cybersecurity strategy due to the unique characteristics of cyberspace. Experts propose a three-tiered approach to guide US strategy in responding to cyber threats, emphasizing war-fighting and offense-defense frameworks to contain damage and reduce harm.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateApr 19, 2010

A good mimic promotes nerve cell survival

Researchers developed a two-step screening strategy to identify small molecules that bind to TrkB but not other related proteins. These compounds have shown promising therapeutic potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions by activating TrkB signaling and preventing neuronal degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 19, 2010

Researchers have identified small molecules that bind to TrkB, a protein involved in nerve cell survival, and demonstrated their potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, a new compound has been found to prevent anaphylactic shock by targeting the SphK1-S1P pathway, which may lead to the development of new thera...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Consumers: Why do you like what I like, but I don't like what you like?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that different psychological processes drive consumer preferences, with 'projection' (predicting others' likes) and 'introjection' (considering others' preferences before one's own) underlying distinct motivations. Consumers who value uniqueness are more likely to like products ot...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

Magnetic fields drive drug-loaded nanoparticles to reduce blood vessel blockages in an animal study

Researchers successfully delivered paclitaxel using magnetically guided nanoparticles to treat rat arteries, achieving better results at lower doses than conventional therapy. The technique has potential for treating patients with vascular disease and offers opportunities for varying treatment doses and repetition.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2010

Obesity gene, carried by more than a third of the US population, leads to brain tissue loss

A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly half of US adults with European ancestry carry the FTO gene variant, which is associated with weight gain but also linked to brain tissue loss. The findings suggest that individuals carrying this gene allele are at risk for a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's and dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2010

Taped consultations help patients understand heart surgery

Patients who receive audiotapes of their pre-surgery consultations exhibit higher knowledge scores, greater sense of control, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. The audiotaped recordings facilitate patients' recall of information and satisfaction levels, particularly among elderly patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Tracing Listeria monocytogenes in a commercial chicken cooking plant

A 21-month study found that incoming raw poultry is the primary source of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in commercial chicken cooking plants. The research team tracked sources of contamination, including employees, fresh air, and the surrounding environment, and found that floor drains were consistently positive for the bacteria.

The remarkable effects of fat loss on the immune system

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism found that modest weight loss can reverse many of the damaging changes seen in immune cells of obese people. This reversal is achieved through an 80% reduction of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells and reduced activation of other circulating immune cells.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 19, 2010

Study suggests indoor tanning may be an addictive behavior

A recent study suggests that indoor tanning facilities may be associated with addiction-like behavior, including anxiety symptoms and increased substance use. The research found that individuals who frequently tan indoors were more likely to meet criteria for tanning addiction and report symptoms of anxiety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 19, 2010

Key brain regions talk directly with each other, say Pitt scientists

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found evidence that the basal ganglia and cerebellum are linked together to form an integrated functional network. This discovery has important implications for understanding Parkinson's disease and dystonia, and may lead to new treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2010

New insight into Parkinson's disease

Parkin and PINK1 genes play a critical role in Parkinson's disease. The study found that PINK1 is rapidly degraded under healthy conditions, but its accumulation stabilizes at low membrane potential. Parkin is recruited to mitochondria with low potential to dispose of damaged organelles.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 19, 2010

Aged female patients taking low-dose aspirin should be paid special attention

Researchers identified age greater than 70 years as a significant risk factor for peptic ulcer in female patients taking low-dose aspirin. The study suggests a future strategy for prevention of LDA-associated gastroduodenal mucosal injury. A history of peptic ulcer was also found to be the risk factor common to both sexes.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 19, 2010

How do older people use e-mail?

Researchers studied how older adults (64-80 years) interact with email systems, finding they primarily use it for communication within a restricted social circle. The study identified key factors influencing email design, including user independence and simplified interfaces, to improve accessibility for this demographic.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateApr 19, 2010

New explanation for cardiac arrest

A new disorder linked to heart problems has been discovered, characterized by an inability to form initial sugar molecules, leading to energy crisis and cardiac arrest. The study reveals that muscle cells can adjust and find alternative ways to source energy, but a cure is not yet available.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 19, 2010

Cardiff takes a step towards quantum computing

Researchers at Cardiff University have successfully conducted experiments with photons, showing that pairs increase oscillation frequency and agreeing with theoretical predictions. The findings have long-term implications for information technology, including the potential to build logical systems based on quantum interactions.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 19, 2010

Secondhand smoke exposure associated with chronic sinus disease

A study of 306 non-smoking patients found that those exposed to secondhand smoke at home, work, and social functions had a higher risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis. Approximately 40% of cases were attributed to secondhand smoke exposure, highlighting the need for eliminating this public health problem.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Ethnic groups show different cardiovascular risk profiles

A new study finds that ethnic groups in Ontario have distinct cardiovascular risk profiles, with Chinese having the lowest prevalence of heart disease (3.2%) and South Asians having the highest (5.2%). Smoking and obesity are more prevalent among white populations, while diabetes and hypertension affect South Asians and black populatio...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 19, 2010