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Science News for December 6, 2010


JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 6, 2010

Researchers have discovered a link between decreased alpha-2 integrin expression and increased tumor dissemination in breast and prostate cancer patients. Additionally, targeting blood vessel growth has been found to alleviate psoriasis symptoms by reducing angiogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent study found that nearly half of men in this age group would like to have more sex, despite the common perception that elderly people are not capable of or interested in sex. Meanwhile, a meta-analysis of heart treatments failed to show significant differences between two commonly used medications. The American College of Physi...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 6, 2010

Low-dose aspirin reduces death rates from range of cancers by between 20 and 30 percent

A study published in The Lancet found that low-dose aspirin reduces mortality from various cancers, including oesophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, and possibly brain cancer, by 20-30% regardless of dose or smoking status. Benefit is seen with increasing age and may require at least five years of use for significant impact.

Flu vaccination disparities exacerbated by supply problems

Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals that gaps in seasonal influenza vaccination rates between elderly whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics widen when vaccine supply is delayed or decreased. The study found significant declines in vaccination rates among minority groups during years with shortages.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 6, 2010

Drug prevents post-traumatic stress syndrome

Researchers have identified a molecular cause of post-traumatic stress syndrome and developed a treatment that calms brain chemicals. The new drug, MPEP, was found to prevent the condition when administered within five hours of a traumatic event, offering hope for early intervention.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 6, 2010

How bacteria get from catheter to patient

Researchers have identified bacterial products that enable Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms to detach from surfaces, leading to infection. Inhibiting these mechanisms could provide a new approach to preventing biofilm-associated infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010

The worm that turned on heavy metal

Researchers use earthworms to treat wastewater and soil contaminated with nickel, chromium, vanadium, lead, arsenic, and mercury. The method shows promise as an inexpensive alternative to industrial cleanup methods.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateDec 6, 2010

Europe leads the way to high-performance computing

The EUREKA ITEA 2 project developed advanced technologies to exploit multicore architectures, enabling substantial performance improvements for high-performance computing. The ParMA technology has established new goals in modelling and simulation, accelerating research in various domains.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 6, 2010

Shy trout size it up

Studies on juvenile trout reveal distinct personality traits, with some exhibiting aggression and others hiding from new objects. Shy trout surprisingly outperform bold individuals in growth rate when released into the wild.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateDec 6, 2010

Pure nanotube-type growth edges toward the possible

Rice University physicists have created a formula to calculate the energies of graphene cut at any angle, which could lead to controlling the chirality of nanotubes. This breakthrough has profound implications for nanotube growth and offers rational ways to control their symmetry.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 6, 2010

Challenging HIV through social networking

A study by Young and Rice found that online social networking has both positive and negative effects on sexual risk behaviors in homeless youth, with potential for increased risks but also opportunities for effective health communication and information portals.

SourceSpringer·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateDec 6, 2010

Brand recognition can help hotels survive economic downturns

Research by Penn State and University of Gothenburg found that brand named hotels outperformed independent hotels in economic downturns. Branded hotels registered significantly higher net operating income during recessions due to increased occupancy, while independent hotels charged higher room rates due to perceived uniqueness.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateDec 6, 2010

A DEDD cert to support embryo development

A recent study has identified DEDD protein as essential for the formation of a functional decidua in mice. Defective DEDD function may be responsible for female infertility. The researchers suggest further investigation into the relationship between DEDD dysfunction and infertility in women.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010

Peer pressure can keep you healthy

A study of 3610 Australian women found that social norms play a significant role in promoting physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. Women who surrounded themselves with friends who engaged in healthy behaviors were more likely to adopt similar habits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateDec 6, 2010

Learning the language of bacteria

Researchers have discovered a class of molecules that can target quorum sensing, a key mechanism used by bacteria to communicate and coordinate their behavior. By blocking this system, scientists hope to develop new drugs that can prevent bacterial infections without promoting resistance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChemBioChem·DateDec 6, 2010

Scientists announce discovery of first horned dinosaur from South Korea

The newly identified genus Koreaceratops hwaseongensis is the first ceratopsian dinosaur from the Korean peninsula, featuring a parrot-like face and unique fan-shaped tail. It lived approximately 5-6 feet long and weighed around 60-100 pounds, indicating it was relatively small compared to its giant relatives.

SourceCleveland Museum of Natural History·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateDec 6, 2010

New microscopic life aboard the RMS Titanic

Researchers have identified a new bacterium that contributes to the deterioration of the RMS Titanic's exterior, accelerating metal corrosion. The novel Halomonas titanicae has been found to adhere to steel surfaces, creating corrosion products.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateDec 6, 2010

Early physical therapy for low back pain associated with less subsequent health care utilization

A new study published in Spine found that patients who received early physical therapy after an episode of low back pain were less likely to receive epidural steroid injections, lumbar surgery, and frequent physician visits. This suggests that prompt access to physical therapy can lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

University of Miami Rosenstiel School professor receives prestigious geophysics award

Tim Dixon received the 2010 George P. Woollard Award for his groundbreaking research in space geodesy, which has paved the way for studying earthquake hazard, volcanic processes, and climate change. His work has also contributed to understanding subsidence in Mexico City and the melting of the Greenland ice cap.