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Science News for March 3, 2010


Vigilance needed in nanotechnology

Researchers have developed a methodology to measure nanoparticles in chicken embryos, shedding light on their potential effects on human health. The study's findings will inform regulatory approaches and help make nanotechnology more sustainable.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalChemical Physics Letters·DateMar 3, 2010

Early test for a killer of the sickest

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new gene-expression test that can detect Candida fungal infections in patients. The test measures how a patient's genes respond to the infection and has shown promising results in mice, indicating it could be an early detector of life-threatening candidemia.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 3, 2010

25th anniversary of anti-AIDS drugs

The 25th anniversary of antiretroviral drug development is celebrated with a milestone Special Issue in Elsevier's Antiviral Research journal, featuring review articles from key players in the field. HIV-1 has gone from being an 'inherently untreatable' agent to one eminently susceptible to approved therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalAntiviral Research·DateMar 3, 2010

Community involvement important in fight against childhood obesity, according to UTHealth researchers

A study published in Obesity found that community involvement can significantly reduce childhood obesity rates, with a 8.3% decrease seen in low-income minority schools compared to 1.3% in traditional programs. Researchers emphasize the need for environmental and societal level changes to address this issue.

Soccer reduces risk of falls and bone fractures

A study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that soccer training increases bone density, muscle mass, and postural balance in both young and older adults. The results suggest that soccer is an effective method for reducing the risk of falls and fractures, particularly among women and elderly men.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMar 3, 2010

Mineral studies advance antibacterial alternatives

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered two factors controlling the antibacterial activity of clay minerals, which can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The study's findings suggest a role for acid-soluble metal species in mineral toxicity, but also present challenges for developing topical treatments.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2010

Battling a biceps injury

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that surgical treatment soon after a biceps injury leads to faster and more complete recoveries. The study revealed that surgery offers significant improvements in elbow flexion and supination, with upper extremity endurance also enhanced.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 3, 2010

A rocking good lecture

Dr. Diggle's research focuses on the ability of pathogenic bacteria to coordinate cooperative behaviours to exploit their hosts. His work has been published in top journals Nature and Current Biology, and he will deliver a key lecture at the Society for General Microbiology Spring Meeting

Safety data favor norepinephrine over dopamine for shock

An editorial in NEJM suggests that norepinephrine is a safer option than dopamine for stabilizing blood pressure in shock patients, citing a European clinical trial. The study found no overall difference in death rates between the two treatments, but higher mortality rates in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with dopamine.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 3, 2010