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Science News for December 9, 2010


Cholera strain in Haiti matches bacteria from south Asia

A recent study found that the cholera strain in Haiti matches bacterial samples from South Asia, contradicting earlier assumptions of its Latin American origin. The researchers believe the strain was introduced into Haiti through human activity, raising hopes for control measures such as vaccination and rapid screening.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 9, 2010

Gene hunters tackle crop diseases

Scientists have sequenced the genomes of parasitic water fungus and water molds that cause late blight in potatoes, tomatoes, and downy mildew in cruciferous vegetables. The analysis reveals that some sections of the genome are slow to evolve, allowing for resistance genes to be targeted.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

2 decades of Nuss procedure outcomes: Refinements in groundbreaking surgery for chest deformity

The Nuss procedure has achieved a high success rate of 95.8% in correcting pectus excavatum, with refinements in surgical techniques and instruments developed to increase effectiveness and safety. New tools include stronger bars, improved tunnel creation, and titanium options for patients with metal allergies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of The King's Daughters·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 9, 2010

Making Internet faster

A EUREKA-backed project, TRAMMS, aimed to solve Internet bottlenecks by monitoring traffic over three years. The team gained insight into user behavior and accurately measured network traffic, enabling service providers to avoid bottlenecks and improve web browsing quality.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 9, 2010

Better batteries from the bottom up

Rice University researchers have developed microbatteries with nanowire 'hearts' that can store more energy and charge faster than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The batteries employ vertical arrays of nickel-tin nanowires encased in a PMMA polymer, which insulates the wires and allows ions to pass through.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 9, 2010

Computer-based program may help relieve some ADHD symptoms in children

A new study suggests an intensive computer-based working memory training program can alleviate some ADHD symptoms in children. The five-week program showed significant changes in attention, organization, and working memory skills. Parents reported improvements in ADHD symptoms, and the results were evident four months after treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateDec 9, 2010

IU study: When to end a run

A study by Indiana University found that runners who continue despite exhaustion change their form, increasing the risk of injury. The study showed that at the end of a normal run, runners' mechanics start to change when they reach fatigue levels, typically indicated by RPEs between 13-15.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateDec 9, 2010

Genome of barley disease reveals surprises

Researchers discover parasites within the fungus help it adapt and overcome plant defenses, leading to rapid evolution and devastating impact on agricultural yield. The study could lead to significant advances in developing new agricultural techniques for protecting cereal crops from infection.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Living in certain neighborhoods increases the chances older men and women will develop cancer

A new study found that living in racially segregated neighborhoods with high crime rates increases the chances of developing cancer, particularly among older adults. The research, published in the American Journal of Public Health, also discovered a link between neighborhood segregation and heart problems for older women.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 9, 2010

UCLA researchers find that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment for children is failing

A study by UCLA researchers found that Medicaid-funded ADHD treatment for children yielded poor quality care, with few follow-up visits and inadequate medication use. The study suggests areas for improvement in ADHD care, including better alignment of clinical severity with provider type and increased use of stimulant medication.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2010

Official food allergy treatment guidelines released

The new guidelines aim to standardize diagnosis, treatment, and management of food allergies. They consolidate the latest available data into straightforward and consistent protocols for diagnosis and treatment, which will give physicians a uniform pool of information, ultimately leading to more accurate care for patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 9, 2010

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is ultimately a stem cell disease

Researchers found that Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms emerge when skeletal muscle stem cells can no longer keep up with repairs, leading to progressive muscle weakening and respiratory failure. Successful treatments targeting muscle stem cells may alleviate symptoms and offer new hope for managing the disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 9, 2010

Patients may not have to stop taking anti-platelets for some surgeries

A recent study found that patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can safely continue taking clopidogrel, but bleeding complications are associated with using a Dacron patch. The study analyzed 260 consecutive patients and found no significant difference in operative blood loss between those on clopidogrel and aspirin alone.

SourceMinneapolis Heart Institute Foundation·JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery·DateDec 9, 2010

Researchers discover how natural drug fights inflammation

Scientists at Virginia Tech uncover how abscisic acid, a natural plant hormone, fights inflammation by interacting with the lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 protein. This alternative mechanism avoids known adverse side effects of existing drugs, paving the way for new treatments.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2010

A 'stitch in time' could help damaged hearts

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the feasibility of delivering adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells using biopolymer microthreads, which support cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential. The technology has the potential to improve cardiac function and treat cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateDec 9, 2010

Protein targeted to stop melanoma tumor growth

Researchers have discovered MIC-1 as a regulator of angiogenesis, finding that it is present in high levels in 67% of melanoma patients. Targeting this protein can prevent blood vessel formation and decrease tumor development by up to 300%. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating melanoma.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 9, 2010

Monitoring your car for a safer driving

The CARING CARS project aims to make driving safer by developing an innovative sensor network that monitors a driver's vital signs and responds accordingly. The system detects fatigue, emotional state, and other factors to provide alerts and assistance in emergency situations.

SourceEUREKA·DateDec 9, 2010