Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 28, 2010


Virtual USA

The Virtual USA project aims to create a nationwide capability for sharing and standardizing life-saving emergency data in real-time. The platform, developed by the US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, enables seamless integration of disparate data sources, reducing communication barriers between age...

USDA grant to create healthy urban food enterprise development center in Arkansas

The Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development (HUFED) Center will provide training and technical assistance for small and mid-sized agricultural producers, aiming to increase access to healthy, affordable foods in low-income areas. The center is designed to promote positive economic activities generated from attracting healthy food ent...

Secrets of immunologic memory

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified a new function of the CD44 receptor, which helps specific T helper cells develop immunologic memory. This discovery could lead to the development of therapies to control disease pathology in various infections and autoimmune conditions.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalImmunity·DateJan 28, 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn't hinder computing skills

Researchers found that touch typing training significantly improved keyboarding speed in RA workers, regardless of impairment. However, impairments in hand function were associated with reduced mouse speeds, highlighting the need for effective strategies to maintain productivity in computer users with RA.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 28, 2010

UCLA cancer researchers perform complete genomic sequencing of brain cancer cell line

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have performed the first complete genomic sequencing of a brain cancer cell line, revealing a unique biological signature that may lead to new therapies. The study also holds promise for developing patient-specific diagnostics to monitor for cancer recurrence.

New 'suicide' molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis

A researcher from Northwestern University has invented a novel way to halt and reverse rheumatoid arthritis by developing an imitation of a suicide molecule that targets hyperactive immune cells. The approach, tested on mice, showed promising results with a 75% success rate and no reported toxicity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 28, 2010

Change in mammography guidelines questioned

A review of the US Preventive Services Task Force's statement on screening for breast cancer raises questions about the methodology and evidence behind widely publicized mammography guidelines. The study found low methodological scores in the report, potentially undermining the recommended changes for breast cancer screening.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography·DateJan 28, 2010

What you eat after exercise matters

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that the type of food eaten after exercise can significantly impact metabolic health. Eating low-carbohydrate meals after exercise enhanced insulin sensitivity more than eating balanced or low-calorie meals. The study suggests that people can still reap important health benef...

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 28, 2010

Symptoms have little value for early detection of ovarian cancer

Researchers found that ovarian cancer symptoms are not reliable for detecting the disease at an early stage. In fact, only 1 out of 100 women with symptoms will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This study highlights the need for better molecular markers and imaging modalities to improve screening for ovarian cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 28, 2010

Are new genes always better?

A recent study found that introducing new genes from distant populations to damaged ecosystems can have negative consequences on native populations. However, the introduction of genes from nearby, contrasting environments can lead to poorer seedling performance and reduced fitness over time.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJan 28, 2010

R.I.P., 3-1-1

The Los Alamos National Laboratory's Magnetic Vision Innovative Prototype (MagViz) uses ultralow magnetic fields to detect liquid bombs and other hazardous materials. With an accuracy rate of over 99%, MagViz could significantly enhance airport security, allowing passengers to pass through with ease while keeping liquids at bay.

New method improves eating skills of dementia patients

Researchers developed two step-by-step training programmes to help dementia patients regain eating skills. The study showed that both methods reduced feeding difficulty and improved nutritional assessment compared to no intervention, offering a promising approach to addressing nutritional problems in older adults with dementia.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 28, 2010

Uncorrelated activity in the brain

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that adjacent neurons in the brain do not synchronize their action potentials, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding provides insight into how the brain processes information efficiently by introducing a 'decorrelated state' that allows for uncorrelated activity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2010

Herceptin improves event-free survival in women with HER2-positive locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer (NOAH trial)

Researchers found that Herceptin significantly improved event-free survival in patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer, with a 3-year event-free survival rate of 71% compared to 56%. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only two patients experiencing symptomatic cardiac failure.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 28, 2010

MSU researcher advocates new way to treat autism

A new paper by MSU psychologist Brooke Ingersoll suggests that a combined approach to treating autism could be more effective than traditional behavioral or developmental methods. By combining the strengths of both approaches, supporters can create individualized interventions that meet the unique needs of each child.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateJan 28, 2010

Research breakthrough could lead to new treatment for malaria

A multinational team of researchers has identified a plan to develop new treatments for malaria by targeting the parasites' digestive enzymes. By blocking these enzymes, the parasites can no longer survive within human red blood cells, offering new hope for millions affected by global spread of drug-resistant parasites.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2010

Noninvasive testing, earlier surgery can stop seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex

Researchers at UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program have found that a non-invasive approach to pre-surgical testing, combined with earlier consideration for surgery, is associated with the best seizure-free surgical outcome in patients with TSC. Approximately two-thirds of TSC patients became seizure-free after surgery.