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Science News for March 17, 2010


Getting turned on

A molecule called Rab35 acts as a switch to activate the fast-track recycling pathway, allowing cargo to be rapidly selected and transported. Defects in this trafficking pathway can lead to numerous diseases, including high cholesterol and neuropathies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 17, 2010

Study shows strong interest in palliative care programs, services and integration vary across nation

A study by University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals that US cancer centers have varying levels of palliative care programs and services, with NCI-designated centers having more comprehensive programs. Despite the differences, there is strong support for integrating palliative care into oncology care.

First temperate exoplanet sized up

Astronomers have discovered a temperate exoplanet, Corot-9b, with a mass about 80% that of Jupiter and an orbit similar to Mercury's. The planet is thought to have a temperature range of -20°C to 160°C, making it a significant finding in the study of exoplanets.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 17, 2010

LSUHSC research increases understanding of drug metabolism

Research by LSU Health Sciences Center scientists has found that drug metabolism is influenced by the interaction between enzymes, which can affect a drug's elimination from the body or conversion into toxic byproducts. The study suggests that testing individual enzymes alone may not be sufficient to predict drug effectiveness and safety.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2010

Efforts to steer patients to lower-cost physicians may be based on misleading rankings, study finds

A new study by RAND Corporation found that about one-fourth of physicians would be misclassified under cost ranking systems, raising questions about their utility for high-stakes activities like tiered health plans. Only about 40% of physicians had cost profile scores at least 70% reliable, and fewer than 10% were at least 90% reliable.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2010

Prior herbicide use -- not irrigation -- is critical to herbicide efficacy

Scientists found that prior herbicide use, rather than irrigation, is crucial to a herbicide's effectiveness and environmental impact. The study revealed that herbicides like atrazine degrade faster in fields with previous applications, leading to reduced weed control and deeper soil penetration.

Selenium protects men against diabetes

Researchers followed 1162 healthy French men and women for nine years, monitoring plasma selenium concentrations and incidence of dysglycemia. High selenium levels in men were associated with a lower risk of developing dysglycemia, while no such association was found in women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateMar 17, 2010

When mom has an eating problem

A Norwegian PhD candidate's study sheds light on the struggles of mothers with eating difficulties, including feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. Despite being kept under wraps, these women face significant challenges in maintaining a double life, affecting their relationships and daily activities.

SourceUniversity of Stavanger·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Nursing·DateMar 17, 2010

Duke technique is turning proteins into glass

Duke University researchers have devised a method to dry and preserve proteins in a glassified form that retains their properties. The technique uses decanol as a 'drying' agent to remove water from proteins, creating a glass-like substance with potential applications in protein-based drugs.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 17, 2010

Hypnotherapy eases irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

Hypnotherapy has been shown to significantly improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in a majority of cases, with some patients experiencing complete relief. Probiotics can also be an effective option, but the efficacy depends on specific strains and clinical trial evidence.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalFrontline Gastroenterology·DateMar 17, 2010

Profiting on the Internet

A Tunisian researcher's study finds that Internet-based capabilities combine with other complementary organizational capabilities to lead to competitive advantage. Firms can create resource complementarities through capitalizing on online capability and technological opportunism, leading to improved performance and bottom line growth.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Marketing·DateMar 17, 2010

Prescribed burns may help reduce US carbon footprint

A new study finds that prescribed burns can reduce fire emissions of carbon dioxide in the West by an average of 18 to 25 percent. Prescribed fires are designed to burn underbrush and small trees, reducing the chances of subsequent high-severity wildfires and protecting large trees and keeping more carbon locked up in the forest.