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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 17


Page 17 of 26

Haiti cholera epidemic could have been blunted with use of mobile stockpile of oral vaccine

Researchers found that vaccinating 50-70% of people in high-risk areas after the outbreak would reduce morbidity and mortality by roughly 50%. A mobile stockpile of oral cholera vaccine could be deployed to mitigate future epidemics, especially in developing countries with poor sanitation infrastructure.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells studied for lupus therapy

Researchers found that umbilical cord blood-derived mensenchymal stem cells (uMSCs) can delay renal function deterioration and alleviate symptoms of lupus nephritis. Early transplantation with allogenic MSCs showed the most promising results, supporting their potential use in treating systemic lupus erythematosus.

Study provides new way to classify E. coli bacteria and test for fecal contamination

Researchers identified nine environmental E. coli strains indistinguishable from typical E. coli but potentially not representative of true environmental hazards. The findings suggest the need for a new culture-independent, genome-based coliform test to accurately detect non-hazardous environmental types of E. coli.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Managing pain -- a family affair

A study found that parents' pain catastrophizing scores predict their adult children's results, regardless of actual pain levels. This suggests that families may develop a specific cognitive style of dealing with pain. The researchers assessed 285 participants, including 100 patients with chronic pain and their adult children.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 11, 2011

Flu helps spread pneumonia

Researchers have found that flu virus infection is necessary for pneumococcal bacteria to efficiently spread between individuals. The study has implications for managing influenza pandemics and reducing pneumococcal infections in young children, who are highly susceptible.

Electric Yellowstone

The new study creates a detailed image of the Yellowstone plume's electrical conductivity, showing it dips more gently and extends farther east-west. The geoelectric image suggests the plume may be enveloped by a broader sheath of partly molten rock and liquids.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 10, 2011

Positioning enzymes with ease

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a superior method for immobilizing enzymes on surfaces, enabling precise control over their orientation. This technique uses high-affinity peptides to covalently bind enzymes, increasing efficiency and stability.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 2011

NIH researchers identify cause and new treatment for common recurrent fever in children

Researchers identified a new treatment for periodic fever syndrome, targeting the body's immune response. The therapy shows promise in reducing fever and inflammation symptoms without increasing flare-ups, differing from current corticosteroid treatment. A larger clinical trial is planned to validate the findings.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2011

Dopamine controls formation of new brain cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that dopamine controls the formation of new neurons in the adult brain by acting as a switch for stem cells. The study used salamanders, which can recover from Parkinson's-like conditions, to understand how dopamine regulates neural regeneration.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 8, 2011

'Naked' penguins baffle experts

Researchers have observed a rise in 'naked' penguin chicks with feather-loss disorder in both Argentina and South Africa, causing concern among scientists. The disorder is thought to be related to increased energy spent on thermoregulation, potentially linked to pathogens, thyroid disorders, or nutrient imbalances.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalWaterbirds·DateApr 8, 2011

Are invasive plants a threat to native biodiversity? It depends on the spatial scale

A meta-analysis found that invasive plant species cause large losses in biodiversity at small scales but have a negligible impact at broader scales. This contradicts the common view of invasive plants as major threats to native biodiversity. The study suggests that the effect of invasive plants on native species extinctions decreases w...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateApr 8, 2011

This year's Johan Skytte Prize winners announced

Ronald Inglehart and Pippa Norris awarded for their systematic investigation into human values and value change impacting political behavior, with a focus on religion, gender equality, and global media influence. The prize recognizes their groundbreaking work in highlighting the importance of citizens' values in shaping societal life.

Breast-cancer awareness now in national consciousness

New research from the University of Oregon found that breast cancer awareness campaigns have reduced fluctuations in diagnoses, with most cases now linked to routine screenings. The study suggests that increased awareness and advocacy efforts have led to better screening rates among American women.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateApr 8, 2011

What sea squirts can teach us about the heart

Researchers study sea squirts' simple body structure to unravel complex mechanisms of heart formation, shedding light on GATA's role in congenital heart defects. Disrupting GATA function independently in the developing gut preserves heart cell identity, while disrupting it in heart precursor cells causes limbo-like state.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateApr 8, 2011