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Science News for April 29, 2010


Cancer risk for kidney transplant

A significant study found that no single immunosuppressive drug regimen increases the risk of cancer among kidney transplant patients. However, factors such as age and smoking history contribute to increased cancer risk.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 29, 2010

British Academy Wiley prize in psychology

Dr Essi Viding, a UK-based developmental psychologist, has been named the winner of the 2010 British Academy Wiley Prize. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, specifically her research on the causes of violent antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents.

SourceWiley·DateApr 29, 2010

Protein loss in the urine harmful for people with high blood pressure

Patients with hypertension who excrete slightly increased amounts of protein in the urine, known as microalbuminuria, have an elevated risk of developing heart and kidney problems. Microalbuminuria is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular complications in non-diabetic patients with hypertension.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 29, 2010

How important is geographical isolation in speciation?

A genetic study of island lizards reveals they freely exchange genes, contradicting the prediction that geographical isolation would lead to separate species. The findings suggest ecological speciation due to differences in environmental conditions may play a crucial role in speciation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 29, 2010

Largest atlas of nuclear galactic rings unveiled

An international team of astrophysicists has created the most complete atlas of nuclear rings, which are enormous star-forming ring-shaped regions that circle certain galactic nuclei. The catalogue includes 113 such rings in 107 galaxies and provides insights into their properties and relationships with galaxy structure.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 29, 2010

Antibiotic regimen effective for reactive arthritis

Researchers found a combination of antibiotics to be an effective treatment for Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis, with significant improvements seen in patients receiving a 6-month course of combination antibiotics. The results suggest potential for eradication of the persistent infection and improvement in clinical sequelae.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateApr 29, 2010

Spanish gene expression data promise targeting of anti-angiogenesis treatment

Analyzing Spanish gene expression data may help identify patients who will benefit most from treatment with angiogenesis-inhibitor drugs. Researchers found a correlation between high levels of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 in tumor samples and poor prognosis, suggesting these genes could be used to tailor therapy to individual patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 29, 2010

Worldwide mortality in men and women aged 15-59 years, 1970-2010: Australia, Iceland and Cyprus among best performers, while many African and former Soviet states among worst

The study reveals that Australia and South Korea have some of the highest annual rates of decline in adult mortality. Iceland and Cyprus rank as the lowest risk countries for men and women, respectively. However, the HIV epidemic and social dysfunction in former Soviet states have contributed to high mortality rates in many countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2010

Obesity associated with increased risk of fibromyalgia

Research found an association between leisure time physical exercise and a future risk of developing fibromyalgia. Women who exercised regularly had a lower risk of developing the condition compared to inactive women. High BMI is also identified as an independent risk factor for future development of FM.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 29, 2010

First case of animals making their own carotene

Researchers discovered that aphids can produce carotenoids, essential nutrients crucial for vision, skin health, and bone growth. The yellowish-green aphid strain produced carotenoids by acquiring a fungal gene through lateral transfer, challenging conventional wisdom on animal nutrient production.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateApr 29, 2010

Strategy to help doctors determine when to treat retinopathy of prematurity

Researchers have identified key eye characteristics to determine which premature infants are most likely to benefit from early treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, resulting in improved vision and reduced risk of blindness. This new approach aims to improve the lives of thousands of children born prematurely each year.

Pitt researchers discover big role for microRNA in lethal lung fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a molecular mechanism for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and usually lethal disease. The study found that microRNA changes contribute to IPF, with let-7d being significantly reduced in affected tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 29, 2010

Patient's whole genome reveals risk of diseases and adverse drug responses

A study by scientists at Stanford and Harvard Universities analyzed a patient's full genome to identify disease risks and unusual drug responses. The analysis revealed variants associated with diseases in the patient's family and conditions not inherited, highlighting the potential of whole-genome sequencing for personalized medicine.

New tool helps scientists 'see' molecular signals of eye disease before symptoms arise

Researchers developed a novel noninvasive tool using fluorescent microspheres to detect early inflammation in the eyes. This breakthrough allows for early detection of diseases such as eye disease, potentially reversing damage before it occurs. The tool may also improve therapy evaluation and extend to other areas of the body.