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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 16


Page 16 of 28

An inside look at how the elite control HIV

Research reveals T cells from elite controllers are resistant to HIV infection due to selective upregulation of p21, an enzyme inhibitor. Blocking p21 increases viral gene expression, highlighting potential treatment strategies for vulnerable patients.

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

Virtual assistance is confirmed as an effective tool in monitoring HIV patients

A telemedicine program called Hospital VIHrtual has been shown to provide comprehensive control over HIV-infected patients in medical, pharmaceutical, psychological, and quality of life aspects. The virtual hospital allows for efficient management of stable HIV patients, reducing costs and time spent on travel and waiting for visits.

Taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer can save lives and money

A study published in Cancer suggests that tamoxifen can significantly reduce breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women under 55 with a high risk of developing the disease. The medication not only saves lives but also reduces medical costs, preventing 29 breast cancer cases and 9 deaths per 1,000 treated women.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 14, 2011

Use of $4 generic drug programs could save society billions of dollars, study shows

A University of Pittsburgh study found that if eligible patients filled prescriptions through a $4 generic drug program, the societal savings could amount to nearly $6 billion. The study examined a large group of people who used generic medications or their brand-name counterparts and found that less than 6% used the discount programs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

Mini disks for data storage

Researchers created mini magnetic disks with slanted edges, which favor the formation of tiny magnetic vortices. This allows for efficient data processing and reduced power consumption compared to traditional memory storage systems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 14, 2011

Brown biologist wins NSF's Waterman Award

Casey Dunn, a Brown University biologist, has been awarded the National Science Foundation's Alan T. Waterman Award for his groundbreaking research on the origins of diversity in life. The award recognizes his use of genomic and computational techniques to study complex multicellular organisms, including humans.

Novel strategies target health care-associated infections

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are developing new approaches to reduce health-care-associated infections. Investigating the use of probiotics to prevent pneumonia in ventilated patients and evaluating the effectiveness of a new antibiotic in preventing Clostridium difficile infection are two key areas of focus.

Omega-3 fatty acid intake linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in women

A large population study found that regular consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration in women. The study, published in Archives of Ophthalmology, found that higher intake of DHA and EPA was linked to a 38% lower risk of the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateMar 14, 2011

Water for an integrative climate paradigm

A new integrative climate model recognizes the significance of human-induced causes, such as deforestation and agro-industry, in addition to carbon dioxide emissions. This approach aims to achieve a more effective and socially democratic climate policy, responsive to local conditions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Water·DateMar 14, 2011

New mouse model explains common pediatric brain tumor

A new mouse model has been developed to study pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), a common pediatric brain tumor. The model uses expression of a mutant BRAF kinase domain in mice and shows that this is sufficient to induce the formation of PA, closely resembling human disease.

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

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that hospitals with low AMI mortality rates shared an overall vision of excellence and had more senior management involvement, broad staff presence, and better communication among physicians. A new low-radiation alternative to CT angiography also shows promise in diagnosing coronary artery disease, with good specifici...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 14, 2011

Teens and young adults with cancer face unique challenges and require targeted care

The article discusses the need for targeted care in adolescents and young adults with cancer, who require collaboration between pediatric and medical oncologists. Research has shown that AYA cancer patients often deal with ongoing developmental and psychosocial issues, making it essential to address these challenges.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateMar 14, 2011

New research focuses on prion diseases

Researchers have discovered that polymers of amino acid lysine can block the propagation of prions, halting their spread in test tubes and cultured cells. In animal models, mice treated with polylysines showed improved symptoms, longer survival, and lower prion levels

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 14, 2011

Peter Mumby to receive prestigious 2011 Rosenstiel Award from the University of Miami

Peter Mumby is recognized for his work on coral reef conservation strategies, influencing conservation policy and contributing to the implementation of marine park protections. His research has provided insight into the consequences of conserving herbivorous fishes, reducing nutrient runoff, and restoring urchin populations.

Lambs provide crucial link in understanding obesity

Research published in The Journal of Physiology found a link between maternal and offspring obesity in lambs, shedding light on the mechanisms of human obesity. Hormonal changes, including leptin and cortisol, were observed in lambs born to obese mothers, suggesting a predisposition to increased appetite and obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMar 14, 2011

Is your child's hobby making him sick?

Research found that used woodwind and brass instruments are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi, including species of Staphylococcus and molds. Proper sanitation and regular cleaning are crucial to prevent the spread of illness and infection in children who play these instruments.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateMar 14, 2011

Neanderthals were nifty at controlling fire, says CU-Boulder-led study

A new study reveals that Neanderthals consistently used fire for approximately 400,000 years in Europe, contrary to previous assumptions about their abilities. The findings, based on scores of ancient archaeological sites, show evidence of sustained fire control through the presence of charcoal, heated stone artifacts, and burned bones.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2011

Study of 143,000 children shows reference heart rate and breathing rate ranges differ widely from published guidelines

A new analysis of 69 studies involving 143,000 healthy children has identified new reference ranges for heart rate and respiratory rate that differ significantly from existing guidelines. The study found a decline in respiratory rate from birth to early adolescence, with infants under 2 years showing the steepest fall.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 14, 2011

New high-resolution carbon mapping techniques provide more accurate results

A team of scientists has developed new methods for mapping carbon in Hawaii's forests, resulting in more accurate estimates and a lower cost. The approach reveals fundamental ecological controls over carbon storage and provides valuable insights into the state and dynamics of the world's forests.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 14, 2011