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Science News Archive November 2010 - Page 9


Page 9 of 27

Taking a break from osteoporosis drugs can protect bones

A recent study found that bone density remained stable for three years in patients who took a drug holiday from bisphosphonates, a popular class of osteoporosis drugs. The researchers recommend taking drug holidays after four to five years, but the study suggests that this duration may be longer, potentially up to three years.

SAGE to publish Psychology of Women Quarterly

Psychology of Women Quarterly (PWQ) is a feminist journal publishing qualitative and quantitative research on women and psychology. The journal will be published by SAGE in its 35th anniversary year, with a focus on disseminating important scholarship.

SourceSAGE·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateNov 18, 2010

Rare mutations linked with catastrophic aortic aneurysms

Researchers identify 47 copy-number variant regions associated with sporadic and familial aortic aneurysms (TAAD), highlighting disrupted smooth muscle function as key mechanism. The findings have significant implications for other adult-onset cardiovascular disorders, suggesting potential targets for screening and prevention.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 18, 2010

Process leading to protein diversity in cells important for proper neuron firing

A novel form of splicing in the cytoplasm of nerve cells dictates a special form of a potassium channel protein in the outer membrane, essential for coordinating electrical firing of nerve cells. This discovery highlights the importance of introns in regulating protein diversity and has implications for brain diseases such as epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2010

Human health effects of 'e-waste' focus of international research study

A new international population study led by the University of Cincinnati examines the human developmental effects of environmental exposure to complex metal mixtures found in electronic waste. The research aims to identify potential preventative measures to reduce human exposures, particularly for pregnant women and young children livi...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 18, 2010

10 years of Soufriere Hills Volcano research published

A decade of research on the Soufriere Hills Volcano has provided new understanding of magma activity, explosive dynamics, and volcano mechanics. The CALIPSO and SEA-CALIPSO projects have generated high-resolution images of the volcano's center and adjacent crust.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2010

UGA researchers identify key enzyme that regulates the early growth of breast cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a key enzyme that regulates the early growth of breast cancer cells, which can delay tumor onset and spread by blocking GnT-V activity. The study found that eliminating this enzyme reduces breast cancer stem cells, potentially leading to new drug targets and treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2010

Antihydrogen trapped for first time

Researchers have achieved a significant milestone by trapping 38 antihydrogen atoms for more than one-tenth of a second using the ALPHA experiment. This achievement marks a crucial step towards studying the properties of antihydrogen, which could provide insights into the universe's mysterious lack of antimatter.

Addiction research: Key findings every month

The journal aims to strike a balance between brevity and detail in its new key findings page, which highlights the most significant scientific discoveries published each month. The service provides bite-sized chunks of information on article titles and abstracts, allowing users to scan for new research findings.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateNov 17, 2010

1-touch make-up -- for our cells

Scientists have developed a novel system called MultiLabel to efficiently label mammalian cells with multiple fluorescent markers, allowing for faster disease process analysis. This technique enables precise labeling of cellular components involved in various diseases, facilitating accelerated drug development and screening.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2010

New insight into dementia pathophysiology

A new study has uncovered the role of Sortilin in regulating Progranulin levels in neurons, which may hold promise for treating frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research found that Sortilin-mediated PGRN endocytosis is a key pathway underlying FTLD-TDP pathophysiology.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2010

IQ scores fail to predict academic performance in children with autism

A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that 90% of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders showed discrepancies between their IQ score and performance on standardized tests. These children often have above-average academic abilities, suggesting that traditional IQ scores may not be an accurate pre...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 17, 2010

Why estrogen makes you smarter

Researchers at Northwestern University have found a way to mimic estrogen's effects on brain cells without increasing cancer risk. By activating an estrogen receptor, they increased the number of connections between brain cells, improving mental performance.

It takes 2: Double detection key for sensing muscle pain

A new study reveals that adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) works in synergy with lactic acid to sense muscle pain. The researchers found that ATP increases the sensitivity of acid sensing channel #3 (ASIC3) on sensory neurons, helping to explain why acid alone is unable to trigger ischemic pain.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2010

New revelations in ammonia synthesis

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have made breakthroughs in the Haber-Bosch process, aiming to produce fertilizers more efficiently while reducing energy consumption. Their innovative approach uses single-crystal iron samples and ultra-high vacuum conditions to achieve significant improvements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2010

Multidisciplinary approach is key to successful treatment of aggressive prostate cancer

A multidisciplinary clinic approach to treating aggressive prostate cancer has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce distress among patients. The study, conducted over 15 years at the Kimmel Cancer Center, found that a team of specialists working together can provide more effective treatment options and better patient outcomes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateNov 17, 2010

Deactivating nerves in the kidneys reduces high blood pressure in patients not responding to drug treatment (Symplicity HTN-2 trial)

The Symplicity HTN-2 trial shows that deactivating nerves in the kidneys using radiofrequency energy can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. The study found a large reduction in systolic blood pressure, and the technique was applied without major complications.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 17, 2010

NIH experts describe influenza vaccines of the future

The article discusses ongoing research to improve influenza vaccines, including the development of novel production technologies and approaches such as recombinant virus proteins and universal flu vaccines. These efforts aim to provide better protection against multiple strains of influenza and novel flu viruses in the future.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 17, 2010