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Science News for July 18, 2011


Study examines factors in pediatric kidney transplant rejection

A retrospective cohort study examines the relationship between HLA-DR mismatching and rejection in pediatric kidney transplant patients. The study found that patients with 1- or 2-HLA-DRB1 mismatches had a 70% increased risk of allograft rejection, while those with a history of rejection had a 7.7 times greater odds of graft failure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateJul 18, 2011

Trastuzumab and chemotherapy improved survival in HER2-postive breast and brain cancer patients

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that trastuzumab, chemotherapy, and surgery significantly improved overall survival in HER2-positive breast and brain cancer patients. Treatment with these therapies led to improved survival rates of up to 20 months for those with central nervous system metastases.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 18, 2011

Keeping it together

Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered a protein complex called condensin that keeps chromosome arms folded and easy to transport. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how chromosomes are organized during cell division, with implications for our own cells' ability to divide properly.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2011

WHOI scientists analyze, explain the chemical makeup of Gulf plume

A research team led by WHOI has determined the chemical makeup of a deep hydrocarbon-containing plume in the Gulf of Mexico, shedding light on its composition and potential effects on ocean life. The study found that the plume contained high concentrations of BTEX compounds, which can be toxic to aquatic organisms.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: July 18, 2011

Researchers have identified a protein called MYLIP as a potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol levels, which are associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Additionally, platinum-based drugs have been found to promote anticancer immune responses by disrupting the mechanisms used by tumors to inhibit immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2011

MIT: The tallest tree in the land

The MIT model takes basic meteorological data and computes how tall a tree is likely to grow under those conditions. The team's results have been published in PLoS One and match up well with actual measurements from the US Forest Service, except for two geographic regions: the arid Southwest and parts of New England.

Face value

A new study by MIT researchers reveals that low-information voters are most influenced by candidate appearances, with the effect being stronger among those who watch a lot of television. The study found a nearly 5% increase in votes for candidates with a 10-point advantage in appearance ratings among uninformed voters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJul 18, 2011

Personalized medicine

Despite genomics' promise in treating cancer and cardiovascular disease, personalized medicine's complexities limit tailored interventions. The authors advocate for a more holistic approach focusing on the person as a whole, rather than abstract scientific manipulations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 18, 2011

Promising developments in vaccine research, development of a vaginal gel and PrEP lead to calls for a combination of biomedical and non biomedical approaches to HIV prevention policy

Researchers call for integrated strategies to prevent HIV infection, building on progress in vaccine research and the development of a vaginal gel. A combination of biomedical and non-biomedical approaches is seen as crucial to address the evolving landscape of HIV prevention.

Cancer stem cells recruit normal stem cells to fuel ovarian cancer, U-M study finds

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that mesenchymal stem cells, normally used for wound healing, are recruited by cancer stem cells to fuel ovarian cancer growth. By blocking this process with a protein called BMP2, researchers may have discovered a potential therapy for ovarian cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2011

Launch of the Rome Statement for an HIV Cure

The Rome Statement for an HIV Cure aims to accelerate HIV cure research by building a global consensus on the state of HIV reservoirs and defining scientific priorities. The strategy recognizes the importance of developing a safe, accessible, and scalable HIV cure as a therapeutic and preventive strategy against HIV infection.

Chinese culture encourages binge drinking in middle-aged men

A nationwide study in China found that 55.6% of men and 15% of women are current drinkers, with frequent binge drinking among males and women averaging 5.6 and 2.4 binges per year, respectively. Cultural factors, such as social pressure and entrenched customs, contribute to the problem.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateJul 18, 2011

Trial shows that 2 main antidepressants prescribed for dementia patients with depression provide no benefit yet increased side effects

A recent trial found that sertraline and mirtazapine, commonly prescribed antidepressants for dementia patients with depression, provide no benefit but increase side effects. The study suggests that clinicians should reframe their approach to treating depression in Alzheimer's disease, considering alternative treatments.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 18, 2011

Another danger of secondhand smoke -- hearing loss

A new study published by NYU School of Medicine researchers has found that exposure to secondhand smoke nearly doubles the risk of hearing loss among adolescents. The study found that teenagers exposed to smoke performed worse across every sound frequency tested, especially mid-to-high frequencies important for understanding speech.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJul 18, 2011

Decisions, decisions, decisions ...

A new study published in Psychological Science found that the opportunity to exercise control through choices activates the brain's reward areas. This suggests that choice may be an adaptive behavior, as it recruits reward-related brain circuitry. The research highlights the importance of perceived control in psychological well-being a...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 18, 2011

Esophageal cancer risk higher in medically treated GERD patients with fewest symptoms

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that medically treated GERD patients with mild or no symptoms are at a higher risk for developing esophageal cancer. The research suggests that even asymptomatic patients may benefit from Barrett's esophagus screening to prevent cancerous transformation.

'IDOLizing' low cholesterol

A team of researchers has identified the MYLIP protein as a potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The study found that the N342S polymorphism is associated with high total cholesterol and increased LDL receptor degradation in humans.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2011

Exposure to secondhand smoke associated with hearing loss in adolescents

A recent study found that adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk of hearing loss, with over 80% of participants unaware they had impairment. The study suggests that SHS could be considered a risk factor for hearing loss, highlighting the need for close monitoring and education among exposed adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJul 18, 2011

Juvenile diarrhea virus analyzed

Researchers have defined the atomic structure of astrovirus, which causes juvenile diarrhea, identifying potential targets for vaccine development and antiviral drugs. The study may help block the virus before it becomes infectious and reduce the risk of dehydration in children.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

Columbia University Medical Center receives $38.9 million to help translate science into treatment

The Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University Medical Center has received $38.9 million in renewed funding from the National Institutes of Health. The institute, which aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and medical practice, will use the grant to expand its work over the next five y...

Deep below the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Scientists gathered oil and gas from the Deepwater Horizon wellhead for the first time, revealing how pollution is partitioned and transported in the Gulf of Mexico. A new molecular model shows that light hydrocarbons dissolve or form hydrates at depths, potentially causing damage to seafloor life far from the original spill.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011