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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 11


Page 11 of 24

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.