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Science News Archive March 2010 - Page 21


Page 21 of 27

AGU Journal highlights -- March 8, 2010

Scientists find that Arctic sea ice loss is driven by the formation of arches, which block flow and lead to increased ice loss. In Mars, solar wind pulses contribute to atmospheric escape, with bursts occurring in association with corotating interaction regions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 8, 2010

Gene discovered for newly recognized disease in Amish children

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to a newly recognized multisystem autoimmune disorder affecting Amish children, characterized by chronic diarrhea, enlarged organs, and developmental delays. The ITCH gene plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, and identifying it may lead to effective treatment for these children.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 8, 2010

Institute for Aging Research study finds racial differences in hospice use for heart failure

A new study from the Institute for Aging Research found that blacks and Hispanics have significantly lower odds of receiving hospice care for advanced heart failure compared to whites. The study highlights the need to ensure equal access to and education about hospice services, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities.

A high-tech handrest

University of Utah engineers created a computer-controlled hand and arm support to aid precision tasks with less fatigue. The Active Handrest allows users to maintain control while sensing tool position or force, increasing precision in tasks like surgery, painting, and electronics repair.

Repeated anesthesia can affect childrens ability to learn

A study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism found that repeated anesthesia can cause a significant decrease in stem cells in the hippocampus, leading to impaired memory and learning in young animals. The researchers believe this effect may be age-related, with younger animals being more susceptible.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2010

Women's group support can improve birth outcomes

Research findings suggest that participatory women's groups can reduce neonatal mortality by up to one-third and moderate maternal depression. The groups' impact was attributed to improved hygiene and care practices, as well as increased community mobilization and support for the poorest populations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 7, 2010

How to fortify the immunity of HIV patients

Researchers at Universite de Montreal and VGTI have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV infects immune cells, characterizing the role of two molecules PD-1 and IL-10 in this process. The study suggests that blocking these interactions may restore the immune response in HIV-infected patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 7, 2010

Vitamin D crucial to activating immune defenses

Scientists have discovered that Vitamin D is essential for activating killer cells in the immune system. Without sufficient vitamin D, T cells cannot detect and fight off serious infections. The researchers found that T cells rely on vitamin D to activate and that a lack of vitamin D can lead to immune suppression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 7, 2010

Snake venom charms science world

A novel protein named haditoxin has been identified in King Cobra venom, showing promise for new drug discovery and advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms. The protein's unique structure suggests it may offer insights into treating various neurological disorders.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 7, 2010

Major depression more than doubles risk of dementia among adults with diabetes

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that adults with both diabetes and major depression are more than twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with diabetes alone. The study, led by Dr. Wayne Katon, suggests that major depression doubles the risk of dementia in adults with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 5, 2010

A fingerprint for genes

Researchers applied a new strategy to investigate the effects of thousands of genes on endocytosis, revealing precise definitions of what cells need when and where. This understanding could lead to preventing infections and developing treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2010

Nondrug techniques reduce pain in hospitalized patients

A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that non-traditional therapies can significantly impact pain levels in hospitalized patients, with reductions of up to 50%. The treatments included mind-body therapies, acupuncture, and massage, among others, which were found to be effective across various patient populations.

SourceAllina Health·JournalJournal of Patient Safety·DateMar 5, 2010

Recent research on memory/learning

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals that people underconfidently assess their learning abilities but overconfidently predict their memory performance. The researchers found that individuals failed to account for improved learning outcomes following additional study and testing.

SourceWilliams College·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateMar 5, 2010

US doctors sanction transplant criteria for liver cancer patients

The US medical community has developed new transplant criteria for patients with liver cancer, aiming to ensure equitable organ allocation. The guidelines prioritize candidates based on tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MELD scores, while also considering locoregional therapy and down-staging.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 5, 2010

Low levels of vitamin D linked to muscle fat, decreased strength in young people

A recent study by Dr. Richard Kremer found that nearly 60% of healthy young women had insufficient vitamin D levels, leading to increased body fat and decreased muscle strength. The research highlights the importance of vitamin D in maintaining overall health and suggests a potential link between low vitamin D levels and various diseases.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 5, 2010

Open-label continuation study supports long-term efficacy of Xenazine (tetrabenazine) for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease

Results from an open-label extension study demonstrate that subjects treated with Xenazine experienced a statistically significant reduction in chorea score after 80 weeks of treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint showed a mean reduction in Total Maximal Chorea (TMC) score of 4.6 UHDRS units.

Successful treatment of periodontal disease lowered preterm birth incidences

A study published in Journal of Dental Research found that successful periodontal treatment significantly lowers the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant women with periodontal disease who received scaling and root planing had a lower rate of prematurity compared to those without periodontal disease.

Monuments monitored from a distance

A team of engineers from the University of Seville has developed a system to monitor historical monuments remotely, using sensors on the Giraldillo sculpture. The study reveals that the sculpture requires specific wind speeds and temperatures to move and position itself, with no abnormal values recorded in vibration frequencies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalStructural Health Monitoring·DateMar 5, 2010