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Science News for July 5, 2011


PET scan with [11C]erlotinib may provide noninvasive method to identify TKI-responsive lung tumors

A new PET imaging technique using [11C]erlotinib may help doctors identify lung cancers that respond well to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), enabling personalized therapy. The test showed significantly higher tracer uptake in tumors with activating EGFR mutations, indicating a potential non-invasive predictive marker.

The wonders of graphene on display

Researchers at the University of Manchester showcase graphene's remarkable story and potential applications. Visitors can interact with a virtual microscope, see real images of graphene, and learn about its unique properties, including superconductivity, transparency, and high strength.

Mother kangaroos at higher health risk

A new University of Melbourne study reveals that mother Eastern Grey Kangaroos double their food intake and significantly reduce resting time to meet the nutritional needs of their baby. This altered behavior increases their risk of parasite infection, which may be a significant additional cost for reproducing females.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 5, 2011

Researchers can predict accurately the outcome of pregnancies threatening to miscarry

Researchers have developed a Pregnancy Viability Index (PVI) that can accurately predict the outcome of pregnancies threatening to miscarry. The PVI combines two key factors - bleeding and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels - to provide a reliable means of predicting which pregnancies will continue and which will miscarry, ulti...

Botulinum toxin does not cure common forms of neck pain

A group of scientists reviewed nine trials involving 503 participants and found no evidence that Botulinum toxin injections reduce chronic neck pain. The study suggests that further research is needed to clarify whether the dose can be optimized for neck pain.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Metabolic shift may offer early cancer clue

A new imaging technology reveals that metabolic shifts in cancer cells occur even before detectable tumors form, suggesting an early diagnostic tool for liver cancer. The study also shows that tumor metabolism changes precede tumor regression, offering potential strategies for cancer treatment and more effective therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2011

Fisher decline documented in California

A 73-percent decline in fisher density has been documented on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation in northwestern California between 1998 and 2005. The study suggests that changes in prey habitat, disease, and increased predation by bobcats may be responsible for the population decline.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateJul 5, 2011

Salamanders spell out evolution in action

Research reveals that genetic divergence, rather than ecological adaptation, is responsible for the reproductive isolation of lungless salamander populations. The study found strong associations between genetic and ecological divergence, but only nuclear divergence was linked to hybridization.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 5, 2011

Simple rapid diagnostic tests for malaria work well

A new Cochrane Systematic Review finds that Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are highly accurate in detecting malaria parasites, with a success rate of at least 19 out of 20 cases. This development holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of malaria in resource-constrained settings.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

A gut-full of probiotics for your neurological well-being

Researchers propose a new field of microbial endocrinology linking probiotics to neurological function. Studies show that neurochemicals produced by gut microbes can influence behavior and immune response. Probiotic intestinal microbiota may deliver beneficial effects through direct uptake from the gut.

SourceWiley·JournalBioEssays·DateJul 5, 2011

China's competitive advantage

China's strengthening global presence is closely tied to its economic expansion, potentially securing a sustainable dominant position in the world. The country has witnessed an average annual growth rate of over 10% for nearly two decades, with its merchandise trade growing at about 14% annually.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management·DateJul 5, 2011

Just add water and treat brain cancer

Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy system using nanoparticles that can be freeze-dried and stored for up to three months. The technology shows promise in treating brain cancer with high efficacy and minimal risk of complications, offering a potential alternative to traditional therapies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateJul 5, 2011

Study: Preventive use of one form of natural vitamin E may reduce stroke damage

A new study found that preventive use of tocotrienol, a form of natural vitamin E, reduced brain tissue damage and preserved neural connections in dogs after they suffered strokes. The research suggests that this natural supplement may be beneficial for people at high risk of stroke, such as those who have had a previous ministroke.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2011

Termites' digestive system could act as biofuel refinery

A Purdue University study discovered a combination of enzymes in termite guts and symbionts that can efficiently break down woody biomass for biofuel production. The researchers found that the enzymes work together synergistically to release sugars from plant material, which is essential for creating biofuels like ethanol.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2011

Safer skies

A new algorithm using GPS data from a tracking system can predict and prevent collisions between small aircraft. Researchers at MIT have developed the algorithm to address the challenge of false alarms while allowing for some error margin.

Cutting down on salt doesn't reduce your chance of dying

A systematic review found that moderate salt reductions don't lower the likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease. While reducing salt intake does lower blood pressure, it didn't significantly reduce the risk of heart disease or mortality. Experts call for more research to find effective ways to reduce salt intake.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Putting sunshine in the tank

Researchers from the University of Manchester and consortium partners are working on harnessing solar energy to produce hydrogen fuel. The technology has potential to revolutionize energy usage in the coming decades by creating clean, green fuels.

Vitamin D can help elderly women survive

A systematic review found that vitamin D3 supplementation increased survival in elderly women, particularly those at risk of falls and fractures. The study analyzed 50 randomized trials involving over 94,000 participants and suggested a reduced risk of mortality by approximately 6% with long-term treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Couples report gender differences in relationship, sexual satisfaction over time

A study of over 1,000 couples from the US, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Spain found that men reported higher relationship happiness and women reported higher sexual satisfaction with age. Frequent kissing and cuddling predicted happiness in men, while higher sexual functioning and more frequent sex were linked to sexual satisfaction for...

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJul 5, 2011

Folate intake may reduce colorectal cancer risk

A large cohort study found that high folate intake was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The study also distinguished between natural and synthetic forms of folate and found no increased risk among participants consuming high levels of folate through supplements or fortification.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 5, 2011