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Science News Archive February 2010 - Page 4


Page 4 of 22

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that toxin Paton-Valentine leukocidin does not affect MRSA-induced pneumonia. A novel inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis was discovered in the metalloprotease ADAMTS9. Additionally, Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) may activate protease-activated receptors promoting colon cancer development.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 24, 2010

Health care volunteers and disasters: First, be prepared

Health care volunteers can make a disaster situation worse if they are not prepared. To optimize their response, they should seek formal training in disaster medicine and register with existing volunteer organizations. They should also consider the physical and emotional challenges of working in disaster areas and be mindful of the nee...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2010

The safe way to use 1 Internet password

A Queensland University of Technology researcher has discovered an old authentication system that can provide a secure way to sign in only once per internet session. The system, known as the anonymous credential system, works by revealing minimal information about the user, ensuring privacy and security.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Network and Computer Applications·DateFeb 24, 2010

Bitter melon extract attacks breast cancer cells

Researchers at Saint Louis University have found that bitter melon extract significantly induces death in breast cancer cells and decreases their growth and spread. The study, published in Cancer Research, suggests that bitter melon extract may be a promising area of research for breast cancer treatment.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 23, 2010

Damaged protein identified as early diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults

Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have found that elevated levels of phosphorylated tau231 may predict future memory decline and loss of brain gray matter in healthy adults. High levels of P-tau231 are associated with reductions in medial temporal lobe gray matter, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease.

Mayo oral cancer study shows full tumor genome

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a novel approach for sequencing RNA to study cancer tumors, revealing alterations in gene expression driven by chromosomal regions of gain and loss. This technology allows for detailed analysis of the transcriptome, enabling better understanding of individualized medicine and potential therapeutic...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2010

Do recreational drugs make us fail to remember?

A new study suggests that recreational drugs like ecstasy and cocaine can affect users' memory functions, including prospective memory. The researchers found that ecstasy/polydrug users showed memory deficits in both lab-based and self-reported measurements of their prospective memory.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 23, 2010

PNAS announces six 2009 Cozzarelli Prize recipients

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has selected six papers for the 2009 Cozzarelli Prize, acknowledging originality and scientific excellence across physical and mathematical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, biomedical sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and applied biological sciences. The award recog...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2010

Stressed nanomaterials display unexpected movement

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that certain nanomaterials can move in regions called grain boundaries, leading to changes in their strength and plasticity. This finding has implications for the fabrication of microdevices and integrated circuits, as it may alter the materials' lifespan and performance.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2010

Those who have colonoscopy performed by GIs less likely to develop colorectal cancer

A study found that individuals who had colonoscopies performed by non-gastroenterologists, such as general surgeons or internists, were at a higher risk of developing subsequent colorectal cancer. In contrast, gastroenterologists were more proficient at colonoscopy and had a reduced incidence of CRC.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 23, 2010

Small dogs originated in the Middle East

Researchers found that the IGF1 gene variant responsible for small size in dogs is closely related to that found in Middle Eastern wolves, supporting an ancient origin. The study also suggests that smaller body size may have been desirable in densely populated agricultural societies where dogs lived indoors or in confined spaces.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 23, 2010

Stress hormone, depression trigger obesity in girls

Researchers found that depression is associated with spikes in cortisol levels for both boys and girls after stress tests. However, higher cortisol reactions to stress are only linked to obesity in girls. Early treatment of depression could help reduce stress and control obesity in this demographic.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 23, 2010

Risk of stillbirth is four times higher after IVF/ICSI compared to spontaneous pregnancies

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who conceive through IVF or ICSI have a significantly higher risk of stillbirth compared to those who conceive spontaneously. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 singleton pregnancies and found a four-fold increased risk of stillbirths among women who had IVF/ICSI.

Prednisolone not beneficial in most cases of community-acquired pneumonia

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prednisolone therapy does not provide clinical benefits for patients with mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia. Instead, it may lead to a higher rate of late failures and recurrence of symptoms after withdrawal.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2010

Gene regulation: Can we stomach it?

Researchers have identified 60 small RNA particles (sRNAs) in Helicobacter pylori, a surprising finding given the pathogen's previously thought lack of sRNAs. The discovery could provide new insights into gene regulation and potentially lead to the development of a vaccine against H. pylori.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 23, 2010

Breaking the aphid's code

The sequencing of the pea aphid genome uncovers extensive collaboration between the insect and its bacterial symbiont. This study has significant implications for understanding aphid biology and its impact on food supply and pesticide use.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 23, 2010

Resurrected ParticipACTION initiative success underpinned by brand, organizations

A resurrected national physical activity initiative in Canada has found that a 'sticky' brand fostered over thirty successful years can contribute to its success. Researchers surveyed 268 Canadian organizations involved in physical activity and health promotion, finding that educational organizations had greater capacity to implement i...

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateFeb 23, 2010