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Science News Archive June 2010 - Page 15


Page 15 of 24

Topical treatments provide effective local pain relief

A systematic review shows that topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are more effective than placebos for treating short-term pain, reducing pain by 50% or more in over six out of ten cases. The researchers found that topical diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and piroxicam provided the best results with few side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJun 15, 2010

Organic nanoelectronics a step closer

An international team of researchers has effectively discovered a way to order molecules in conducting polymers, opening up possibilities for miniaturized electronics. The technique involves using an inorganic material as a template to create a conducting polymer, with the potential to produce continuous sheets and electronic circuits.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2010

Recalculating cell sensing

Mobile cells may be more sensitive to chemical signals than thought, following trails with improved accuracy. Researchers found lower-than-expected noise levels in these cells, enabling them to detect and respond to chemical cues more effectively.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2010

New promising therapy against systemic sclerosis

Researchers at Catholic University of Rome have developed a promising new therapy against systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), an autoimmune disease characterized by skin hardening and organ dysfunction. The treatment targets the immune system's B-cells, reducing side effects associated with traditional immunosuppressive therapies.

SourceCatholic University of Rome·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJun 14, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- June 14, 2010

Researchers explored how prolonged droughts may affect California's water supply system. The study also revealed the first images of Saturn lightning, providing new insights into the planet's atmosphere. These findings suggest improved water management strategies could mitigate the effects of severe droughts on ecosystems and economies.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 14, 2010

Healthy diet associated with lower risk of cataracts in women

Women who follow a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals have a lower risk of developing nuclear cataracts. A study of 1,808 women found that healthy diets, which reflect adherence to US dietary guidelines, are more strongly related to the occurrence of nuclear cataracts than other modifiable risk factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJun 14, 2010

New link between pollution, temperature and sleep-disordered breathing

A new study establishes a link between air pollution, temperature increases, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a known cause of cardiovascular diseases. The study found that short-term elevations in temperature were associated with increased severity of SDB, while particulate pollution was linked to poorer sleep quality.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Internationally known neuroblastoma expert reviews progress versus challenging childhood cancer

Recent advances in neuroblastoma research have led to a better understanding of the disease's genetic landscape, including common DNA variations on chromosome 6 and mutations in the ALK gene. Innovative therapies such as immunotherapy trials using monoclonal antibodies and cytokines are also being explored.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Flower power: Marking winners and losers

A new study reveals that a protein called Flower marks weaker cells for elimination, allowing fitter neighbors to dominate. This process of cell competition may provide insight into pathological conditions like cancer and aging.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 14, 2010

Adding nucleic acid testing to HIV screening may help identify more people with HIV

Researchers found that adding nucleic acid testing to HIV screening can detect the presence of HIV earlier, increasing detection yield by 23%. A large majority of study participants received negative test results via automated phone or internet systems. The findings suggest that such programs can help control the HIV epidemic.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2010

Heart pumps save lives

A new thesis from the University of Gothenburg reveals that mechanical heart pumps can significantly improve survival rates among patients with life-threatening heart failure. The treatment has been shown to be particularly effective for young and middle-aged patients, as well as those who are awaiting a heart transplant.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Cardiovascular Journal·DateJun 14, 2010

Study confirms favorable long-term prognosis of epilepsy

A 15-year follow-up study found that children with idiopathic new-onset epilepsy have a higher rate of remission compared to those with remote symptomatic epilepsy. The study concluded that the long-term prognosis of epilepsy is favorable in most children, especially for those with an idiopathic etiology.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateJun 14, 2010

How bacteria boost the immune system

Researchers discovered how bacteria aid digestion and enhance immune function by binding to B lymphocytes. This finding suggests the possibility of using bacterial spores to treat people with weakened or undeveloped immune systems.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 14, 2010

Autism in a test tube?

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found a strong link between IVF treatments and mild to moderate cases of autism. The research suggests that IVF may be solving one problem by creating another. Dr. Ditza Zachor's ongoing research aims to separate out risk factors and investigate the rate of autism in IVF populations.

New study documents use of hormone progesterone in simple microscopic aquatic animals

A new study reveals that the chemical mediator for sexual reproduction in rotifers is progesterone, a molecule also found in humans and plays a vital role in regulating reproduction. The research has significant evolutionary implications and sheds light on how environment, metabolism, hormones, and behaviors interact.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Discovery may aid remission of ulcerative colitis

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a chemical, prostaglandin D2, that may trigger remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Elevated levels of this chemical were found in patients in long-term remission, suggesting it as a key factor in preventing new episodes.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010

Turning a painkiller into a cancer killer

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a new application for the painkiller Sulindac as a potential anti-cancer treatment. By binding to the truncated form of nuclear receptor RXRα, Sulindac shuts down cancer cell growth and initiates cell death.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 14, 2010

Podcasting language

Researchers suggest podcasting can foster a positive attitude towards learning English as a foreign language due to improved mobile device technologies. However, the factors influencing technology adoption remain crucial for its successful implementation.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateJun 14, 2010

Raising the bar for biomolecular modeling

Researchers found that amino acid residues form a barrier to help electron transfer by keeping water molecules away from the bridge, reducing the rate of transfer. This discovery provides fundamental insight into biochemical reactions and has potential applications in genetically modified organisms.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2010