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Science News for May 10, 2011


Microbubble-delivered combination therapy eradicates prostate cancer in vivo

Researchers combine Sabutoclax with viral gene therapy to prevent tumor growth in prostate-cancer-prone mice, offering a novel approach to treating advanced prostate cancer. The study's findings suggest that this combination therapy could be effective in other cancers and pave the way for personalized medicine.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2011

A comforting swan song

A new study published in Music and Medicine found that palliative care patients experience enhanced pain relief, comfort, relaxation, and mood through a unique music therapy project. The project, led by Concordia University's Sandi Curtis, combined students with professional musicians to provide individualized music therapy sessions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalMusic and Medicine·DateMay 10, 2011

Wayne State researchers find new way to examine major depressive disorder in children

Researchers at Wayne State University have found a new method to identify children with major depressive disorder (MDD), setting them apart from both healthy children and those with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Cortical thickness in the brain was used as a key factor, revealing distinct differences between MDD patients and heal...

As good as gold

Researchers have discovered that pyrite nanoparticles from hydrothermal vents are a significant source of iron for ocean life, with the ability to travel long distances and form a potentially important food source. These nanoparticles are dispersed into the ocean rather than falling to the bottom due to their small size.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 10, 2011

Framework convention on global health needed

A global health agreement is necessary to clarify national and global responsibilities for health and close major health inequities, say researchers from Georgetown University. The Joint Action and Learning Initiative on National and Global Responsibilities for Health aims to create a political space for such an agreement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 10, 2011

The sweet mysteries of the nervous system

A new antibody called 5750 has been developed by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum to label specific stem cells in the nervous system. The antibody targets a sugar residue on the cell surface called LewisX, which is found on different types of neural stem cells.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2011

RNA spurs melanoma development

Research reveals that long non-coding RNA SPRY4-IT1 promotes cellular survival and invasion in melanoma cells, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker. The study also found reduced levels of another non-coding RNA, miR-211, in melanoma cells.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 10, 2011

For hearing parts of brain, deafness reorganizes sensory inputs, not behavioral function

A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University finds that deaf animals' brains reorganize sensory inputs to preserve their behavioral functions. The research provides insight into brain reorganization following sensory loss, potentially informing the development of more effective rehabilitative medicine for deaf patients.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2011

Professor: Pain of ostracism can be deep, long-lasting

Ostracism can lead to extended periods of pain and negative experiences due to its impact on human needs like belonging and self-esteem. The pain caused by social exclusion can linger for a long time if coping mechanisms are not effective, leading to depression, alienation, and feelings of unworthiness.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMay 10, 2011

Tiny talk on a barnacle's back

Researchers at UC San Diego and Scripps Institute of Oceanography used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry to reveal multiplex microbial interactions. The technique allowed them to see competition for resources, secretion of molecules altering neighboring organisms' phenotypes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 10, 2011

Study: Lowering cost doesn't increase hearing aid purchases

A new study by Henry Ford Health shows that patients with mild hearing loss are motivated to purchase hearing aids based on factors other than cost, including perception of need and insurance coverage. Despite significant advancements in hearing aid technology and comfort, many adults with mild hearing loss do not acquire devices.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Hearing Journal·DateMay 10, 2011

High-tech approach uses lights, action and camera to scrutinize fresh produce

The USDA has developed a cutting-edge optical scanning system that uses two different kinds of lighting and a sophisticated camera to inspect fresh produce items. The system can detect defects and contaminants, such as cuts, bruises, and specks of fertilizer, in a single image.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalSensing and Instrumentation for Food Quality and Safety·DateMay 10, 2011

Coffee reduces breast cancer risk

A recent study published in Breast Cancer Research found that coffee consumption is associated with a lower incidence of ER-negative breast cancer. The research, which adjusted for other lifestyle factors, suggests that moderate coffee consumption may offer protective effects against this type of breast cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMay 10, 2011

Twinning is winning: Moms of twins live longer

A new study from the University of Utah found that mothers of twins tend to be healthier and live longer than singleton mothers, with stronger women being more likely to naturally conceive twins. The research analyzed data from over 58,000 Utah women born between 1807 and 1899, revealing a link between twin birth and longevity.

Cephalalgia Award Lecture winner announced

The Cephalalgia Award has been won by A Stankewitz and colleagues for their groundbreaking paper on a new trigemino-nociceptive stimulation model for event-related fMRI. The study offers high spatial resolution and potential to advance headache science.

SourceSAGE·DateMay 10, 2011