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Science News for November 14, 2011


USC researchers discover key aspect of process that activates breast cancer genes

Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine discovered how estrogen activates genes in breast-cancer cells through a protein called TIP60, which recognizes methylation signals in chromatin. This finding builds upon previous work and has broader implications for gene regulation and potentially global significance.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 14, 2011

Study finds less invasive CT colonography increases participation in colorectal cancer screening

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that CT colonography significantly increased participation in colorectal cancer screening, with a more than 50% increase compared to traditional colonoscopy. This non-invasive technique has the potential to positively impact overall patient outcomes and reduce complications and costs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 14, 2011

Withdrawal of care may occur too soon in cardiac arrest patients who receive hypothermia treatment

Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 57% of cardiac arrest patients' treatment with hypothermia involved documentation of poor prognosis, with 25% of patients having their care withdrawn within 72 hours after arrest. Despite this, over 20% of patients survived to discharge with good neurological ou...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

The kindness of strangers: Caring and trust linked to genetic variation

A recent study found that a gene influencing empathy and sociability can be detected in strangers, who rated individuals with a particular genetic variation as more caring and trustworthy. The oxytocin receptor gene was linked to prosocial behavior, with those carrying the GG genotype exhibiting higher levels of kindness and trust.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

New method for producing precursor of neurons, bone and other important tissues from stem cells

Scientists at the University of Georgia have developed a new method to create neural crest cells, precursors of bone cells, smooth muscle cells, and neurons, using a single-step process that reduces production time by half. The method uses small molecules to activate specific signaling pathways, increasing consistency and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

Study finds tropical areas aren't the only source of seasonal flu

Researchers found that influenza viruses can circulate globally, with multiple urban centers acting as sources of seasonal epidemics. The study used RNA sequences from 2003-2006 and showed high rates of viral migration among cities, challenging the long-held theory that tropical areas are the only source of seasonal flu.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

Better batteries

Researchers at Northwestern University have created an electrode that allows lithium-ion batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The new technology can also charge 10 times faster, paving the way for more efficient and smaller batteries for electric cars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 14, 2011

Novel nanocrystals with advanced optical properties developed for use as luminescent biomarkers

The Singapore research team led by Associate Professor Xiaogang Liu developed a synthesis of lanthanide-doped core-shell nanocrystals with advanced optical properties, enabling efficient upconversion and tunable light emission. This breakthrough has significant implications for cancer detection, medical imaging, and therapeutic delivery.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 14, 2011

Girls with family history of breast disease should avoid alcohol

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine finds that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women, and this risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption. The researchers suggest limiting alcohol intake to lower risk or avoid increasing it.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 2011

Poor sleep habits linked to increased risk of fibromyalgia in women

A longitudinal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between poor sleep habits and the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. The study, which followed over 12,000 women for ten years, found that women with severe sleep problems were at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateNov 14, 2011

Eliminating co-payments for heart attack medications increases adherence

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eliminating copayments for heart attack medications increased patient adherence, reducing major vascular events and healthcare spending. Rates of combined endpoint were not significantly improved, but individual outcomes such as readmission and angina showed significant reductions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

Glioblastoma multiforme in the Dock

A study by Bo Hu and Shi-Yuan Cheng found that PDGFR-alpha overexpression in glioblastomas triggers a signaling cascade promoting tumor growth and invasion. Manipulating Dock180 to block this pathway inhibits PDGFR-alpha's role in glioma tumorigenesis.

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

'Stomach flu' may be linked to food allergies

A study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin suggests a possible link between norovirus and food allergies. The team found an immunoglobulin E response to egg protein in mice infected with norovirus, indicating a potential connection between gastrointestinal viruses and allergic diseases like asthma.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalThe Open Immunology Journal·DateNov 14, 2011

NIH-funded twin study finds occupational chemical exposure may be linked to Parkinson's risk

A recent NIH-funded twin study found a significant link between occupational chemical exposure and the development of Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, suggests that two common solvents, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC), may increase Parkinson's risk sixfold and ninefold, respectively...

Adolescent alcohol consumption and breast cancer

A new study found a significant association between adolescent alcohol consumption and increased risk of benign breast disease among girls with a family history of breast cancer. Consuming more alcohol was linked to a higher risk, particularly in those with rapid height growth spurts.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 14, 2011

New technique enables study of 'challenging' proteins

Researchers have developed a new technique that can identify protein structures in just hours, revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. The enhanced NMR spectroscopy method using dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) enables significant structural data to be gained from small biological samples.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 14, 2011

Enzyme boosts metabolism, prevents weight gain in mice

Scientists engineer mice to express human enzyme IKKbeta in fat tissue, significantly slowing weight gain and improving metabolism. The study suggests obesity is worse than inflammation for insulin resistance, offering new clues about the connections among obesity, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes.

SourceBrown University·JournalEndocrinology·DateNov 14, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 14, 2011

Researchers discovered a molecular pathway driven by PDGFR-alpha that promotes the aggressive nature of a significant proportion of glioblastomas. Overexpressed in GBMs, this pathway triggers signaling cascades leading to tumor growth and invasion. Manipulating Dock180 phosphorylation disrupts this pathway, resulting in failed tumor pr...

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

1 in 5 Americans has hearing loss

A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that nearly 30 million Americans have severe hearing loss, with prevalence doubling every decade. The finding suggests that many more people than previously thought are affected by this condition, which has significant consequences for cognitive decline and physical functioning.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 14, 2011

How smart managers make dumb decisions and why shareholders encourage them: Rotman paper

A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that smart managers engage in earnings manipulation and insider trading due to limited capacity and ethical weaknesses. The study suggests that choosing less ethical managers may be in the best interests of current shareholders but not future ones.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting and Public Policy·DateNov 14, 2011

Nice guys can finish first

A new Harvard study found that dynamic social networks encourage cooperation and friendliness, while selfish behavior can lead to exclusion from the group. Players who re-wired their social connections were more willing to form new relationships with generous individuals.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011

New study finds that even the cleanest wastewater contributes to more 'super bacteria'

A new University of Minnesota study reveals that even treated municipal wastewater can contribute significantly to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in surface waters. Researchers found that quantities of these bacteria were typically 20-fold higher near the site where treated wastewater was released into Duluth-Superior Harbor.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 14, 2011

Self-organized pituitary-like tissue from mouse ES cells

Researchers have successfully differentiated mouse ES cells into a tissue resembling the adenohypophysis, the hormone-secreting component of the pituitary gland. The self-organized tissue exhibits functional hormone secretion and can compensate for pituitary function in mice.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2011

Scripps Research scientists find potential Achilles' heel on Lassa fever and related viruses

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have determined the atomic structure of a protein used by the Lassa fever virus to replicate within infected cells. The study reveals an unexpected molecular crevice where the viral protein grips viral genes, making it a target for potential antiviral drugs.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011