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Science News for January 4, 2010


New research findings may help stop age-related macular degeneration at the molecular level

Scientists have discovered a pivotal role for two key proteins in preventing the onset of age-related macular degeneration. The study found that one protein binds to another to reduce damage caused by inflammation, and that genetic variations can make people more vulnerable to eye damage.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 4, 2010

New study finds low mortality risk following knee and hip replacement

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that the risk of early postoperative mortality following knee and hip replacement surgeries is slightly increased for the first 26 days after surgery. However, the risk of mortality drops to negligible levels 26 days post-op. The study included data from over 188,000 ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 4, 2010

Scientists target East Coast rocks for CO2 storage

Researchers propose using buried volcanic rocks to store carbon dioxide emitted by power plants, with potential sites identified off northern New Jersey, Long Island and Massachusetts. The study suggests that deep burial in these basalt formations could help reduce risks of leaks.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 4, 2009

Researchers identified a strategy to target human breast cancer stem cells by blocking the protein CXCR1. The approach selectively depleted cancer stem cells in mice xenotransplanted with human breast cancer cells, leading to reduced tumor growth and metastasis. This finding provides hope for women with breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2010

New SBI and ACR recommendations suggest breast cancer screening should begin at age 40

The new SBI and ACR recommendations suggest that breast cancer screening should begin at age 40, with annual screening recommended for average-risk patients. High-risk patients may start screening as early as age 30. The guidelines aim to reduce mortality rates from breast cancer through earlier detection.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateJan 4, 2010

Can kitchen spoons be dangerous spoons?

A new Cornell study reveals that using kitchen spoons to measure liquid medicine can lead to significant inaccuracies. Participants under-dosed by an average of 8%, while those using larger spoons over-dosed by 12%. Experts recommend using precise measuring devices instead.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2010

Women's bodies and minds agree less than men's on what's sexy

A meta-analysis of 134 studies involving over 3,400 participants found that men's subjective and physiological measures of sexual arousal were more closely matched than women's. The researchers identified two methodological differences - the type of stimuli and timing of assessment - that may contribute to this gender difference.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJan 4, 2010

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Research reveals that quitting smoking can increase type 2 diabetes risk in the short term due to weight gain. Additionally, spoon size affects dosing accuracy with liquid medicine, leading to errors. The latest adult immunization schedule emphasizes HPV and influenza vaccinations, while antiretroviral adherence is linked to lower heal...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2010

Depleting breast cancer-initiating cells by targeting the protein CXCR1

A recent study identifies CXCR1 as a crucial protein in targeting human breast cancer stem cells. Inhibiting this protein selectively depletes the cancer stem cell population, leading to reduced tumor growth and metastasis. The findings suggest that strategies targeting CXCR1 may offer a promising approach for treating breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2010