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Science News Archive 2011 - Page 31


Page 31 of 311

Chew gum, lose weight

A team of scientists, led by Syracuse University chemist Robert Doyle, has successfully delivered the appetite-suppressing hormone PYY into the bloodstream orally using a vitamin B12 vehicle. The study demonstrates the potential for a natural weight loss supplement in the form of chewing gum.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2011

Critical molecules for hearing and balance discovered

Researchers have identified long-sought genes in sensory hair cells of the inner ear that are essential for converting sound waves into electrical signals. By introducing these genes into deaf mice, scientists were able to restore electrical signals and potentially reverse a type of deafness, paving the way for a gene therapy trial.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 2011

A new model for understanding biodiversity

McGill researchers have created a unified theory of ecosystem change that considers complex interactions between predators and prey in space and time. Generalist species like foxes play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity by connecting different food webs.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

Time to test assumptions about health effects that guide risk assessment, says toxicologist

A toxicologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is urging governments and industries to adopt more evidence-based risk assessments for nuclear radiation and chemical exposure. He argues that the current linear no-threshold model has questionable scientific foundations and should be objectively assessed.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

Researchers shrink tumors and minimize side effects using tumor-homing peptide to deliver treatment

A team of scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute has developed a new method for delivering cancer drugs directly to tumors, reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness. The technique uses a tumor-homing peptide that targets blood vessels feeding tumors, allowing the drug to be administered with minimal impact o...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 21, 2011

Researchers identify a new way to boost the aged immune response to flu viruses by inhibiting PGD2. They also discover that targeting BRAF in thyroid cancers could restore the efficacy of RAI therapy. Additionally, exploring EGFR as a therapeutic target for Cushing disease may provide new treatment options.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 2011

Huskies lend insight into mercury risk

Researchers found an inverse correlation between mercury exposure and antioxidant status in Alaskan huskies, suggesting potential health risks for indigenous communities. The study highlights the need for monitoring and reducing mercury generation, particularly from coal-generated power plants.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 20, 2011

Nerve cells key to making sense of our senses

A team of scientists has unraveled how the brain processes complex sensory signals, using a relatively simple computation performed by single nerve cells. The study confirms and extends a computational theory developed earlier, predicting that neurons fire in a manner predicted by a weighted summation rule.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 20, 2011

Discovery of new muscle repair gene

Researchers have discovered a new muscle repair gene, MEGF10, which plays a crucial role in the fusion process of satellite cells. The findings provide accurate genetic testing and diagnosis for devastating conditions affecting muscle function, enabling hope for families affected by progressive muscle disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 20, 2011

Heart rate recovery predicts clinical worsening in pulmonary hypertension

A new study found that heart rate recovery at one minute after a six-minute walking distance test is highly predictive of clinical worsening and time to clinical worsening in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with low heart rate recovery were more likely to experience clinical worsening events and had s...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 18, 2011