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Science News for January 12, 2010


You say offset, I say tax? Study suggests labels and political affiliation may affect preferences

A study published in Psychological Science found that labels can influence people's attitudes towards certain policies. In a study, participants were offered the choice between two identical items with different prices, one labeled as a carbon offset and the other as a carbon tax. The results showed that Democrats supported the offset ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 12, 2010

Blood fats reduced in HIV patients who switch from lopinavir-ritonavir to raltegravir, but viral supression rate lower in raltegravir patients (SWITCHMRK trials)

A recent study found that HIV patients who switch from lopinavir-ritonavir to raltegravir experience a reduction in blood fat levels, but the rate of viral suppression is lower in the raltegravir group. The results suggest that clinicians need to consider individual patient factors when making treatment decisions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 12, 2010

Melanoma stem cells' evasive talents

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston discovered that melanoma stem cells produce molecules inhibiting the immune system, triggering regulatory T-cells to dampen anti-tumor responses. These cells also stimulate surrounding cells' production of IL-10, suppressing the immune system.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 12, 2010

Scripps Research team wins global race to achieve landmark synthesis of perplexing natural product

After years of effort, a team from The Scripps Research Institute has finally achieved the synthesis of Palau'amine, a naturally occurring compound with pharmaceutical promise. The breakthrough involves 25 steps and utilizes an oxidation reaction that simplifies the process, paving the way for further research and potential commercial ...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 12, 2010

Stable climate and plant domestication linked

A new study argues that a stable climate, rather than climate change, played a crucial role in the emergence of agriculture in the Near East. The research suggests that farming communities chose crops that functioned within the normal east Mediterranean rainfall pattern, allowing for sustainable farming practices during drought years.

SourceSpringer·JournalVegetation History and Archaeobotany·DateJan 12, 2010

New stroke therapy successful in rats

Scientists have discovered a protein that can restore motor function in rats with impaired mobility after a stroke, with administered directly to the brain showing 99% regain. The intranasal method also demonstrates significant behavioral improvements and regenerative anatomical process.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateJan 12, 2010

News brief: Having a family member under 50 diagnosed with pancreatic cancer increases risk

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that having multiple family members with pancreatic cancer significantly increases an individual's risk of developing the disease. Relatives with a relative diagnosed under 50 years old are at a ninefold higher risk than the general population.

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

When work interferes with life

Researchers found that educated individuals and professionals report more work interference with personal life, highlighting the 'stress of higher status'. Long hours also contribute to work-life imbalance, but only among those with control over their schedules.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 12, 2010

New findings reveal loss of smell function may predict early onset of Alzheimer's disease

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found a link between loss of smell function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain, potentially serving as an early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest that olfactory dysfunction may be used to detect the disease prior to substantial brain degeneration.