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Science News Archive June 2011 - Page 25


Page 25 of 28

New strain of MRSA discovered

A new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been discovered in both human and dairy cow populations. The genetic makeup of the new strain differs from previous strains, making current molecular tests ineffective in detecting it.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 3, 2011

Helping the aged during natural disasters

The elderly are more vulnerable to negative impacts of floods and natural disasters due to age-related disabilities and social circumstances. Research highlights the importance of considering age-related needs in emergency preparedness planning to ensure better outcomes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateJun 3, 2011

Bacterial roundabouts determine cell shape

Researchers found that MreB proteins assemble into patches and move in circular paths along the inside of the cell membrane, relying on a functioning cell wall for movement. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention and could lead to urgently needed alternatives to antibiotics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2011

How muscle develops: A dance of cellular skeletons

Muscle cell fusion is crucial for understanding normal muscle growth and regeneration after injury or disease. Johns Hopkins researchers discovered the role of a regulatory protein called Blown Fuse in facilitating muscle cell merging by disrupting the WASP-WIP protein duo, which regulates cytoskeleton dynamics.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 3, 2011

Unexpected results show no benefit from the addition of cetuximab to standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, but reveal that a large group of patients could benefit from treatment breaks (COIN trial)

The COIN trial found that standard chemotherapy with cetuximab does not improve progression-free survival or overall survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. However, taking treatment breaks without compromising survival improves quality of life for most patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 3, 2011

Moral responses change as people age

Research shows that moral responses differ across ages, with young children being more inclined to punish perpetrators for intentional harm versus accidental damage. As people mature, their brain's response to moral situations changes, becoming more tempered and reflecting on the values linked to outcomes and actions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 3, 2011

Study links empathy, self-esteem, and autonomy with increased sexual enjoyment

A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found a positive association between key developmental assets (self-esteem, autonomy, and empathy) and measures of sexual pleasure among young adults. The findings suggest that these assets may enable individuals to experience higher levels of sexual pleasure, particularly in men.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 3, 2011

Matching targeted therapies to tumor's specific gene mutations key to personalized cancer treatment

Research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that customizing targeted therapies based on a patient's specific gene mutations can lead to higher response rates, survival, and failure-free survival compared to non-matched patients. This approach has shown promise in treating solid tumors with gene aberrations.

Study confirms long-lasting anticancer benefit of zoledronic acid for women with early-stage breast cancer

Women with early-stage hormone receptor-sensitive breast cancer who received zoledronic acid alongside standard hormone therapy had a significantly lower risk of cancer returning (32%) compared to those on hormone therapy alone. The treatment's anticancer benefit persisted even after stopping treatment for over two years.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 3, 2011

Managing forests requires a bird's-eye view

A new forest simulation model helps researchers understand the effects of timber-friendly hardwood regeneration on songbird habitats in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The study found that regeneration in harvest gaps is crucial for forest managers to have choices, with sugar maple regeneration having a significant impact on bird habitat.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJun 2, 2011

Rett protein needed for adult neuron function

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that neurons need the MeCP2 protein throughout their entire existence. Without it, even as an adult, neurons can develop Rett-like behaviors and die prematurely. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating Rett syndrome patients by providing a steady supply of the protein.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2011

A hot body could help ships reduce drag

A new drag reduction method could help shipping industries reduce energy use and carbon emissions by creating an insulating vapour layer around the ship's hot body. The Leidenfrost effect is used to minimize drag on fast-moving projectiles in water, with potential applications in ocean transport and high-pressure pumping.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 2, 2011

Cognitive impairment seen in preschool children with epilepsy

A recent study found that preschool children with epilepsy exhibit significant cognitive impairment, particularly those with early-onset seizures. The study suggests that age at seizure onset is a crucial factor in determining cognitive function, with higher IQ scores associated with later seizure onset.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateJun 2, 2011