Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2011 - Page 13


Page 13 of 25

Designing new molecular tools to study the life and death of a cancer cell

Research team designed synthetic molecules to study proline residue's role in cancer cell apoptosis by XIAP protein. The results suggest that these tetrapeptide analogs can be further developed into new molecular tools to analyze protein-protein interactions and signal transduction pathways of XIAP in cancer cells.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2011

Study compares balanced propofol sedation with conventional sedation for therapeutic GI endoscopic procedures

A study compared balanced propofol sedation with conventional sedation for therapeutic GI endoscopic procedures, finding higher health care provider satisfaction and better patient cooperation in the BPS group. The results show that BPS provided similar adverse event profiles to conventional sedation.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 15, 2011

NYU Langone Department of Orthopaedic Surgery chosen to participate in joint replacement registry

The NYU Langone Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has been selected to participate in the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR), aiming to collect key joint replacement and revision data to monitor device performance and identify best practices. The registry's participation is expected to improve long-term outcomes, cost managemen...

2 in 1: Multi-tasking protein provides new approaches for anti-tuberculosis drugs

Scientists at EMBL identified a multi-tasking protein PriA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that catalyzes reactions on two different molecules. This finding presents new opportunities for developing organism-specific drugs, targeting the pathogen but leaving other beneficial microorganisms untouched.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2011

How do women fend off domestic violence?

A Concordia University study finds that wealth is not a guaranteed escape from an abusive relationship, but rather one of many factors that can help a woman resist violence. The research also highlights the importance of women's negotiation tactics and challenging societal authority to create effective resistance.

SourceConcordia University·JournalReview of Radical Political Economics·DateFeb 15, 2011

Using chlorhexidine gluconate baths to reduce hospital-acquired infections

A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a 64 percent decrease in the risk of acquiring an infection from MRSA or VRE when using two percent chlorhexidine gluconate cloths for daily bathing. The study suggests that CHG bathing may be a beneficial infection control intervention for patients outside of ICU settings.

SourceLifespan·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 15, 2011

Ion-exchange water softeners do not improve eczema in children

A study by Kim Thomas and colleagues found that ion-exchange water softeners do not improve eczema severity scores or symptoms, such as sleep loss and itchiness, in children with moderate to severe eczema. However, parents reported small health benefits and over 50% chose to install a water softener due to perceived improvements.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2011

The lock shapes the key

Scientists at TUM have developed a novel method to observe hydrogen bond formation in protein binding processes. Their model system showed that protein recognition takes place via hydrophobic interaction of the S-protein with two spatially clearly defined areas of the unstructured S-peptide.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2011

Hearing loss associated with development of dementia

A study of 639 individuals aged 36-90 found a significant association between hearing loss and dementia. The risk of dementia increased among those with moderate or severe hearing loss, particularly in older adults, who experienced nearly one-third more risk due to hearing loss.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Monitoring killer mice from space

A University of Utah study used satellite imagery to monitor vegetation surges that boost deer mouse populations, predicting hantavirus outbreaks months in advance. The method has potential applications for forecasting rodent-borne illnesses worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateFeb 14, 2011

New combination therapy for solid tumors?

Researchers have discovered a compound, ABT-737, that sensitizes hypoxic cancer cells to apoptosis. This compound synergizes with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in tumor-bearing mice, suggesting improved treatment of solid tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 2011

Obese women may be less likely to develop glaucoma

A study of 3,939 participants found that obesity was associated with higher eye pressure and a lower risk of open-angle glaucoma in women. The authors suggest that high estrogen levels and hormone therapy may be protective against open-angle glaucoma in obese women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 14, 2011

More deep-sea vents discovered

Researchers have discovered four new deep-sea vents in the Southern Ocean, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution and evolution. The vents, found near the South Sandwich Islands, support unique microbial communities and are part of a larger project to study ocean chemistry and life diversity.

Military/civilian medical experts turning attention to 'army' of injured civilians supporting wars

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that civilians with noncombat injuries are more likely to be evacuated for treatment, but also more likely to return to work in war zones due to higher salaries. In contrast, soldiers are less motivated to return after such injuries, possibly due to the loss of hazardous duty pay.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011

Fiber intake associated with reduced risk of death

A nine-year study found that high fiber intake was associated with a significantly reduced risk of total death, cardiovascular, infectious, and respiratory diseases in both men and women. Dietary fiber from whole plant foods, such as grains, was particularly beneficial.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2011

New clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation

The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation, addressing its use in various settings. Key findings include recommending noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation as the first choice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 14, 2011