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Science News Archive June 2010 - Page 4


Page 4 of 24

Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer

Researchers discovered that asbestos exposure leads to the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), which promotes tumor growth and inflammation. Elevated levels of HMGB1 in patients exposed to asbestos may enable simple serological testing to identify at-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2010

Toddler foods too sweet

A recent study by University of Calgary professor Charlene Elliott found that 53% of baby and toddler foods have excessive sugar content, with over half meeting the criteria for poor nutritional quality. The study also revealed a 'halo effect' in adult perceptions of these products, highlighting the need to carefully examine ingredient...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 28, 2010

The image in the mirror and the number on the scale both count

A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that adolescent girls who perceive themselves as overweight but have a healthy weight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than those with actual obesity. Additionally, underweight boys are also at high risk for distress. The researchers suggest that ...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 28, 2010

Molecular biology provides clues to health benefits of olive oil

A study published in Biomed Central (BMC) Genomics found that high-phenolic-content olive oil modifies genes involved in the inflammatory response, potentially reducing heart disease risk. The researchers tracked gene expression in blood cells after consuming two virgin olive oil-based breakfasts with varying phenolic compound content.

Bees help to beat MRSA bugs

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde found that a substance called beeglue, originating from beehives in the Pacific region, was active against MRSA. The study isolated two compounds, Propolin C and Propolin D, which showed good activity against all MRSA strains tested.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPhytotherapy Research·DateJun 28, 2010

International study identifies 12 new genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes

An international consortium of scientists has identified 12 new gene variants linked to type 2 diabetes, with 11 influencing insulin production and one associated with the X chromosome. This discovery sheds light on the complex pathogenesis of the disease, which affects millions worldwide.

Healthier cafeteria food, more intense gym classes lower students' diabetes risk

A national study called HEALTHY found that innovative PE programs, healthier food choices, and in-class lessons on healthy lifestyles can benefit children most at-risk for type 2 diabetes. After three years, students in intervention schools had a 21% lower rate of obesity and improved fasting insulin levels compared to comparison schools.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 27, 2010

Technique enables precise control of protein activity in living cells

Engineered allosteric regulation provides precise control of kinase activity in living cells, enabling scientists to understand cellular processes and dissect the functions of kinases. This new method has exciting applications in basic research and promises to open doors to new scientific insights into cancer and other human diseases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 27, 2010

Why mercury is more dangerous in oceans

Research by Duke University scientists reveals that seawater's higher concentrations of mercury make saltwater fish like tuna and shark more toxic to humans. Methylmercury latches onto dissolved organic matter in freshwater, but tightly binds to chloride in seawater, where sunlight can't break it down as easily.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 27, 2010

Unexpected findings in patients with limbic encephalitis will change disease diagnosis and classification and aid understanding of other neurological diseases

Researchers identify LGI1 as the main target of autoantibodies in patients with limbic encephalitis, leading to a new diagnostic test and potential therapeutic strategies for other neurological disorders. The findings also suggest that limbic encephalitis should be classified as an autoimmune synaptic encephalopathy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 27, 2010

Once-weekly exenatide injection improves blood sugar control more than daily oral sitagliptin or pioglitazone and induces more weight loss (DURATION-2 study)

The DURATION-2 study found that once-weekly exenatide improved HbA1c levels by 1.5% compared to 0.9% for sitagliptin and 1.2% for pioglitazone, with significant weight loss in the exenatide group. The findings suggest that exenatide should be considered as an adjunct to metformin for improving glucose control and weight loss.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 26, 2010

Aggressive action to reduce soot emissions needed to meet climate change goals

Researchers found that eliminating soot pollution from diesel engines and coal sources would provide the world with an additional eight years to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This study aimed to standardize estimates of soot's contribution to global warming, emphasizing the need for further research.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2010