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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 20


Page 20 of 24

BUSPH study links rheumatoid arthritis to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, suggests that higher latitudes may lead to lower levels of vitamin D due to reduced sunligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 7, 2010

Educate individuals to prevent sky-rocketing health care costs

A study by Tufts University researchers found that employees who were more informed about their copayments for office visits and emergency room visits were more likely to have more office visits and fewer emergency room visits. This suggests that transparency about healthcare costs could help contain expenditures on health services.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 7, 2010

Cosmopolitan eels

Researchers conducted a genetic survey of moray eels across the Indo-Pacific, revealing genetically homogeneous populations with only two species showing notable differences. The team's findings contradict predictions that longer pelagic duration would lead to greater genetic diversity among species.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateApr 7, 2010

A tumor suppressor in the gastrointestinal tract

A research group at Case Western Reserve University found that Recql5 mutation had an important impact on tumorigenesis in the mouse GI tract. The study also suggested that Recql5 may be an important candidate for a colon cancer biomarker, and its expression was recently shown to affect sensitivity to camptothecin-based anticancer drugs.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 7, 2010

Hooking up or dating: Who benefits?

Researchers explore why college students prefer hooking up or dating. Women fear emotional attachment, while men value independence in both situations. Men and women agree on benefits and risks of dating and hooking up, with context influencing preferences.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateApr 7, 2010

When is the suitable time to perform follow-up liver biopsies in Wilson disease patients?

A study found that Wilson disease patients' liver histology progression does not correlate with clinical parameters or treatment type. Researchers recommend considering liver biopsy with hepatic copper quantification every 3 years due to the inability of clinical tools to detect fibrosis progression despite treatment.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 7, 2010

New hope for treating hepatitis C: Telaprevir

Researchers found that telaprevir, combined with standard treatment, cures a significantly higher number of difficult-to-treat patients than standard treatment alone. The addition of telaprevir eliminated hepatitis C in over 50 percent of patients who had shown no response to previous treatment.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

First animals to live without oxygen discovered

Researchers have discovered small animals in the Mediterranean Sea that live their entire lives without oxygen and reproduce despite a complete absence of oxygen. These multicellular organisms possess organelles resembling hydrogenosomes found in anaerobic environments, challenging our current understanding of life on Earth.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateApr 7, 2010

Vitamin C and E supplements do not reduce risk for blood pressure disorders of pregnancy

A recent NIH study found that vitamin C and E supplements starting in early pregnancy do not reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders and their complications. The supplements did not show any significant difference in preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related hypertension complications, contradicting earlier small studies.

Parents keep diabetic teens on track

A new study found that teenagers with type 1 diabetes are more likely to adhere to their treatment plan if their parents monitor their care and maintain a positive parent-adolescent relationship. The study revealed a decline in parental involvement as the adolescent grows older, which relates to decreased adherence to treatment.

Pitt-led international study identifies human enzyme that breaks down potentially toxic nanomaterials, opens door to novel drug delivery

A team of researchers identified a human enzyme, myeloperoxidase, that can break down carbon nanotubes, reducing their unhealthful effects. The study also found that neutrophils can be directed to attack specific nanotubes, opening the door to novel drug delivery and natural biodegradation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 7, 2010

Supplement your stem cells

Researchers discover a commercially available supplement stimulates production of hematopoietic stem cells, repairing the body. The supplement increases levels of these cells in the blood over a two-week period, showing potential for treating conditions associated with low cell counts.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

For osteoporosis patients, exercise pill one step closer to reality

Researchers identified signaling mechanisms used by primary cilia to regulate bone cells' capacity to sense fluid flow. The discovery opens the door to developing drugs that mimic exercise benefits for osteoporosis patients. Primary cilia play a crucial role in detecting mechanical loads, such as exercise, and triggering new bone growth.

90 percent of children with intermittent exotropia will become nearsighted by 20 years of age

A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that 90% of children with intermittent exotropia will become nearsighted by age 20. Researchers followed 135 patients over a 20-year period and discovered a significantly higher rate of myopia development in this population compared to previously reported rates.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateApr 7, 2010

Researchers discover new approach for identifying smokers at highest risk for developing lung cancer

Researchers have discovered a novel gene-expression-based approach to define oncogenic pathway signatures in the airway epithelium of smokers with lung cancer. This approach identifies specific genes belonging to the PI3K pathway, which are activated in high-risk smokers and may be reversed with a chemopreventive agent, myo-inositol.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010