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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 13


Page 13 of 24

New insights into treatment options for patients suffering from severe alcoholic hepatitis

Results from two French studies presented at the International Liver CongressTM 2010 show that early liver transplantation can be proposed to non-respondents to steroids, while treatment with combined corticoids plus N-acetyl cysteine (C+NAC) increases survival rates in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis. The studies add to growin...

Lionfish invasion continuing to expand

Scientists from Oregon State University are trying to address a looming crisis caused by the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean Sea. The invasive species is eating its way through entire ecosystems, reducing small fish populations by up to 79 percent and disrupting delicate ecological balances.

Gay men and lesbians more likely to experience violent events and subsequent PTSD

A Harvard study found that gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals are more likely to experience violent events and subsequent PTSD, with double the risk as the general population. The research highlights five mechanisms contributing to this increased risk, including hate crimes, social isolation, and limited access to mental health care.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 15, 2010

New CSIRO soybean a hit in Japan

The Bunya soybean variety is gaining popularity in Japan due to its enhanced suitability as an ingredient in traditional Japanese dishes. Its unique gelation properties make it ideal for producing a range of soy-based foods like tofu and custard.

For post-boomers, public education worth more than Social Security and Medicare

A new study from UC Berkeley concludes that younger Americans are getting the better deal when factoring in public education as an intergenerational entitlement program. The researchers found that people born between 1972 and 2060 will make net gains of 4 to 6 percent over their lifetimes, while those now aged 63 to 80 have paid out mo...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateApr 15, 2010

Keep eating your fruit and vegetables

A new Lancet editorial promotes the 'eat 5 fruit and veg a day' message despite recent findings suggesting a lower protective effect against cancer. Four key benefits remain: heart disease prevention, strong protection against specific cancers, weight management, and bowel cancer prevention.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 15, 2010

Mount Sinai researchers discover genetic framework to explain and predict adverse drug reactions

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a genetic framework that can explain and predict adverse drug reactions, including heart arrhythmias. The framework, developed by Ravi Iyengar and his team, uses genetic information to identify potential risks for arrhythmias in patients taking certain medications.

From wimp to jock: How a cell motor gets pushy

A University of Utah researcher helped discover how a protein motor works with two other proteins to move nerve cells and components inside them. Mutant LIS1 has been linked to the classic form of lissencephaly, a devastating brain malformation due to defective migration of nerve cells within the developing brain.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2010

Odor pleasantness shown to be partly hard-wired

Researchers developed an algorithm that enables eNoses to rate novel odors on a scale of pleasantness, achieving high accuracy in predictions, and suggesting a fundamental cross-cultural similarity in odorant pleasantness. The study's findings may lead to new methods for odor screening and environmental monitoring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 15, 2010

Neurons growing in line

Researchers grew two populations of neurons in microfluidic platforms, forming synaptic connections and enabling manipulation with drugs or neurotransmitters. The system allows for visualization and control of synapse dynamics, shedding light on memory formation and pharmaceutical development.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNeuron·DateApr 15, 2010