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Science News for September 7, 2010


Acamprosate prevents relapse to drinking in alcoholism

Acamprosate reduces the number of patients returning to drinking and increases abstinence days by an average of three days a month. The drug has been shown to be safe and effective as an additional treatment for alcoholism, offering moderate benefits in trials.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010

First Irish genome sequenced

A research team from UCD Conway Institute has successfully sequenced the first entire genome of an Irish individual, revealing nearly 200,000 indels and over 3 million SNPs. The study identifies novel genetic markers specific to Irish ancestry and potential disease indicators.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 7, 2010

The digital film reel

The use of digital film reels is becoming increasingly common in the movie industry, with digital cinema packages (DCPs) replacing analog film. The easyDCP Creator software makes creating these digital film packages easier, allowing for simple and clear operation without full expertise on ISO standards.

Morning sickness: Still no relief

A systematic review of available evidence finds that pharmaceutical and alternative medicines offer limited relief from morning sickness in pregnancy. Despite a lack of conclusive results, some studies suggest potential benefits from ginger, vitamin B6, and acustimulation.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010

Casing the joint

Researchers have created a new animal model for rheumatoid arthritis that closely mimics the human disease. The KRN-CTM model exhibits chronic inflammation and cartilage damage similar to human cases.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 7, 2010

Sexual health: Computer-based approaches increase knowledge

Interactive computer packages moderately increase knowledge about sexual health issues and are as effective as face-to-face interventions for improving knowledge. However, their effectiveness in addressing other concerns like psychosexual difficulties or relationship problems is unclear.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010

Carbohydrate claims can mislead consumers

A study of 4,320 consumer panelists found that low-carbohydrate claims can mislead consumers into perceiving products as healthier and more helpful for weight management. However, when Nutrition Facts panels are available, perceptions become more accurate.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 7, 2010

Sequencing the turkey genome

The international consortium's completion of the turkey genome sequence promises to provide new insights into avian genetics and improve turkey quality. The sequence will enable scientists to better understand specific genes important in meat yield, health, and disease resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 7, 2010

Microbial breakthrough impacts health, agriculture, biofuels

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered how a cow rumen bacterium breaks down hemicellulose into simple sugars, with implications for human health, nutrition, and biofuel production. The study provides an enzyme cocktail that can release simple sugars from plant cell walls, advancing the biofuels industry.

Antibiotics: Longer treatment times that benefit children may cost society

A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that longer antibiotic treatment courses in children with middle ear infections slightly reduce the risk of treatment failure. However, this benefit comes at a significant cost to society, as overuse of antibiotics contributes to drug resistance and increased healthcare expenditure.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 7, 2010

Is hand washing enough to stop the spread of disease?

A study found that hand washing without thorough drying increases the risk of bacterial transfer, while using paper towels or a rapid air jet hand dryer reduces the risk. Rubbing hands together during drying can counteract hand washing effects.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology·DateSep 7, 2010

Mapping a brain atlas

A team of scientists has created a brain atlas that maps the connections between different parts of the human brain. This atlas will help researchers better understand disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, which are believed to be caused by abnormal connections among different regions within the brain.

Premier issue of new Childhood Obesity journal launched by Mary Ann Liebert Inc., publishers

The premier issue of Childhood Obesity aims to provide physicians, nurses, and policymakers with actionable content on environmental and policy changes, patient education, and clinical advances in the field. The journal features an editorial by US Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin and a series of essays on addressing childhood obesity.

Researchers identify gene set that shows which patients benefit from chemo after surgery

A genetic signature has been identified that can help doctors determine which patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer are at high risk for developing disease recurrence and may benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. The study found that the 15-gene signature predicted aggressive disease in 62 patients, and those with agg...

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 7, 2010

Universe chaotic from very beginning

Physicist Adilson E. Motter and colleague Katrin Gelfert show that chaos is absolute in the universe's early expansion, disagreeing with previous studies' relative views. The study implies that the early universe experienced erratic changes between red- and blue-shift directions, confirming chaotic behavior.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications in Mathematical Physics·DateSep 7, 2010