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Science News for March 23, 2010


Dietary supplement speeds silver cyclists

Researchers found that arginine supplements improved the cycling ability of older cyclists by increasing their anaerobic threshold. The study, published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, showed a significant increase in exercise capacity after just one week of supplementation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateMar 23, 2010

Leptin therapy in animal models shows promise for type 1 diabetes, UT Southwestern study finds

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that leptin administration showed better management of blood-sugar variability and lipogenesis, the conversion of simple sugars into fatty acids. Leptin therapy also reduced food intake and increased lean body mass in non-obese type 1 diabetic mice.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2010

New dinosaur from Utah's red rocks

A new species of plant-eating dinosaur, Seitaad ruessi, has been discovered in the Navajo Sandstone of Utah's red rocks. The dinosaur lived around 185 million years ago during the Early Jurassic Period and was part of a group known as sauropodomorphs, which includes giant sauropods with long necks and tails.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2010

New approach to water desalination

Researchers at MIT and Korea have developed a new approach to desalination called ion concentration polarization that can remove contaminants, viruses, and bacteria while producing fresh water. The system is small, portable, and efficient, making it suitable for disaster sites or remote locations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2010

Researchers identify strategy for passing tanning bed legislation

Researchers found successful advocates collaborate with local and national organizations, lobbyists, and sponsoring legislators to aid in tanning bed bill passage. Strong lobbying efforts by the tanning industry hindered passage, while knowledgeable healthcare providers and public health advocates were key resources.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateMar 23, 2010

Chemotherapy plus synthetic compound provides potent anti-tumor effect in pancreatic cancers

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a synthetic compound called JP1201, mimicking the action of a 'death-promoting' protein, can enhance chemotherapy's efficacy and prolong life in mice with pancreatic cancer. The study demonstrates promising results for potential therapies against this devastating disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 23, 2010

Proteins may point to alcohol use test

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a set of 17 proteins in the blood that accurately predict alcohol usage 90% of the time. These proteins can distinguish between excessive and responsible drinking levels, offering a potential diagnostic test for alcohol consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 23, 2010

The largest Last Supper

A study analyzed 52 paintings of the Last Supper and found that portion size, plate size, and bread size increased dramatically over the past thousand years. The main courses depicted grew by 69%, while plate sizes increased by 66% and bread sizes by 23%.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 23, 2010

Men and women respond differently to stress

A University of Montreal study found that men and women respond differently to stress, with high blood pressure and heart rate in women who are more defensive. Older men with low defensive reactions have higher cardiovascular rates. The study suggests that socialization and maintaining self-esteem contribute to these responses.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychophysiology·DateMar 23, 2010

Keeping queso fresco fresh

Researchers found that queso fresco can retain its characteristic texture for two months when stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but breaks down at 50 degrees F. The study suggests lowering the supermarket display case temperature to improve shelf life and quality of this popular Mexican cheese.

Trans fats linked to increased endometriosis risk and omega-3-rich food linked to lower risk

A study of 70,709 American nurses found that consuming long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of endometriosis by 22%, while eating trans fats increases the risk by 48%. Dietary changes, such as reducing trans fats and increasing Omega-3 oils, may be a useful strategy for preventing or alleviating endometriosis symptoms.

The longevity revolution

A new study in the journal Political Insight suggests that older adults can play a pivotal role in their communities through dedicated volunteering and participation. The researchers argue that promoting lifelong learning and community action among older people can help them feel less overwhelmed and isolated, and may even lead to bett...

SourceWiley·JournalPolitical Insight·DateMar 23, 2010

Indian spice may delay liver damage and cirrhosis

Curcumin reduces bile duct blockage, liver cell damage, and scarring in mice with chronic liver inflammation. The spice interferes with chemical signalling pathways involved in the inflammatory process, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like ursodeoxycholic acid.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateMar 23, 2010

Optimism boosts the immune system

A study published in Psychological Science found that law students' optimism about their future affected their immune response, with more optimistic students showing stronger immune responses. The researchers measured the students' immune systems over six months and found a significant correlation between optimism and immune strength.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 23, 2010

A lab-on-a-chip with moveable channels

UC engineering researchers have created a paradigm shift in microfluidics by developing a lab-on-a-chip with programmable microfluidic systems. This innovation enables the reconfiguration of microchannel structure as needed for performing various biomedical assays, such as DNA analysis and immunoassays.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMar 23, 2010