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Science News Archive August 2010 - Page 14


Page 14 of 23

Researchers find function of proteins that can enhance the progression of viruses and cancer cells

Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center have identified proteins (Ligatin, MCT-1 and DENR) that can enhance the progression of viruses and cancer cells by promoting eIF2-independent translation initiation. This novel mechanism is a potential target for therapeutic inhibition to counteract viral infections.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 14, 2010

Estrogen not associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality among postmenopausal women

A recent study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that estrogen alone was not associated with increased lung cancer mortality among postmenopausal women. In contrast, combined hormone therapy showed a statistically significant increase in breast cancer incidence and a reduction in colorectal cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 13, 2010

Language as a window into sociability

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that individuals with Williams syndrome process spoken language differently from those with autism spectrum disorders, which has opposite social profiles. People with Williams syndrome exhibit an abnormally large N400 response indicating sensitivity to semantic aspects of language.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateAug 13, 2010

Speed electronic medical record adoption via key medical centers, says Management Science

A new study by INFORMS suggests that persuading influential medical centers to adopt electronic medical records can accelerate the adoption of these systems among neighboring hospitals. The research found that targeting well-known, larger, and older hospitals in densely populated regions can significantly increase the rate of adoption.

Europe ready to launch 3-D TV outperforming the competition

German and Swiss researchers have developed a 3D LCD flat-screen monitor capable of displaying high-definition images without the need for red and green glasses. The Dualplex Display technology offers improved image quality, reduced eye strain, and wider viewing angles, making it suitable for both consumer and professional markets.

SourceEUREKA·DateAug 13, 2010

The nano world of Shrinky Dinks

A Northwestern University team has developed a low-cost, high-throughput method for creating and mass-producing large-area nanoscale patterns using Shrinky Dinks. This solvent-assisted nanoscale embossing (SANE) method offers unprecedented opportunities to manipulate electronic, photonic, and magnetic properties of nanomaterials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2010

Single neurons can detect sequences

Researchers at University College London found that single neurons and even individual dendrites can effectively distinguish between different temporal sequences of incoming information. This challenges the widely held view that large numbers of neurons working together are necessary for sequence processing in the brain.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateAug 12, 2010

The cancer biomarker conundrum: Too many false discoveries

Despite advancements in cancer biomarker research, many initial breakthroughs fail to translate to clinical success due to issues with study design and interpretation. Seven biomarkers initially hailed as promising have been reevaluated, highlighting problems with pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical study design.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 12, 2010

Immune overreaction may enable recurrent urinary tract infections

Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI cause bladder damage and allow infection to persist longer. Immunodeficient mice lacking these acute inflammatory responses are protected from chronic bladder infection. Researchers hope to identify patients vulnerable to recurrent infection using markers discovered in the study.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 12, 2010

Expensive new blood pressure meds no better than generics

A new study found that expensive brand-name medications for high blood pressure are no better than generic diuretics in preventing cardiovascular disease. The ALLHAT trial, which followed patients with high blood pressure for eight to 13 years, showed that the diuretic was superior in two measures: stroke death rate and hospitalization...

Poor kidney function common among HIV-infected injection drug users

A study reveals that HIV-infected injection drug users are more likely to develop proteinuria, a marker of kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure. Clinicians should aggressively screen this population for proteinuria and consider them candidates for medical treatments that protect the heart and kidneys.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 12, 2010

New rheumatoid arthritis criteria to stave off disabling disease for thousands of people

The new criteria redefine RA by classifying it based on the confirmed presence of synovitis in at least one joint, absence of alternative diagnoses, and a combined score from four domains. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent destructive joint damage with the help of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 12, 2010