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Science News for November 24, 2010


Dartmouth study uses the patient's tumor to form vaccine

A new dendritic cell vaccine has been developed at Dartmouth Health, which uses the patient's own tumor cells to stimulate an anti-tumor response. The study found that over 60% of patients who received the vaccine developed immune responses against their tumors, with a significant survival rate five years after treatment.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 24, 2010

Chronic high cholesterol diet produces brain damage

Research found that a high-fat cholesterol diet in rats caused memory impairment, inflammation, and brain damage similar to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a possible link between chronic high cholesterol levels and the pathology of this disease.

SourceElsevier·JournalMolecular and Cellular Neuroscience·DateNov 24, 2010

New study reveals how cannabis suppresses immune functions

A new study reveals that cannabis triggers unique immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which promote cancer growth. MDSCs actively suppress the immune system, making users more susceptible to infections and certain types of cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateNov 24, 2010

Workplace asthma costs UK at least $158 million a year

Research published in Thorax estimates that UK workplace asthma costs the country at least £100 million a year, with potentially as high as £135 million. The study reveals that the condition is underdiagnosed and that the employer should bear more responsibility for reducing exposure to agents causing workplace asthma.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateNov 24, 2010

Quartz crystal microbalances enable new microscale analytic technique

A new chemical analysis technique developed by NIST uses quartz crystal microbalances to test the purity of small material samples. This technique measures reaction energy needed to decompose or oxidize a sample with heat, offering a more sensitive approach than conventional methods, enabling analysis of nanoparticles and thin films.

How pathogens hijack host plants

Researchers discovered a novel family of pores that transport sugar out of plant cells, enabling pathogenic bacteria and fungi to hijack the nutrient supply. This breakthrough allows for the development of new crop protection techniques and potential applications in diabetes research.

Being a 'good sport' can be critical to maintaining lifelong physical activity

A recent study investigates the role of group dynamics in promoting lifelong physical activity among teenagers. Researchers found a strong relationship between team focus and perceptions of cohesion, suggesting that teams with a balance of competitiveness and camaraderie are more likely to keep young athletes engaged. This research aim...

Female fish -- and humans? -- lose interest when their male loses a slugfest

In experiments with African cichlid fish, scientists found that females show increased anxiety and decreased attraction when their preferred male loses a fight. Conversely, when the male prevails, the female's brain shows increased activity associated with reproduction and pleasure. These findings suggest that humans may experience sim...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2010

Diabetes drug could work against Alzheimer's

Researchers found that metformin counteracts alterations of cell structure protein Tau in mice nerve cells, a main cause of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests metformin may be an effective therapy for Alzheimer's diseases if confirmed in humans.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2010

Danish researchers finally solve the obesity riddle

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a diet high in protein and low-Glycemic Index (GI) foods can help prevent weight regain. The study, which involved 772 European families, showed that those who followed a high-protein, low-GI diet had less weight regain than those on other diets.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 24, 2010

Mildew-resistant and infertile

Researchers have discovered two proteins, Feronia and Nortia, crucial for both fertilization and resistance to powdery mildew infections in plants. These proteins, essential for seed formation, also facilitate fungal invasion, making it challenging to breed resistant yet fertile plants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2010