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Science News for September 19, 2011


Expanding flu vaccinations to older children reduces emergency visits for flu-like illnesses by 34 percent

A study found that vaccinating children aged two to four years against seasonal influenza resulted in a 34% decline in flu-like illnesses. Vaccination of this age group also led to a 11% decline in other nontarget age groups, suggesting reduced transmission at home and in the community.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 19, 2011

Genetic factors behind high blood pressure

Researchers have identified 16 new genetic variations that affect blood pressure, providing a significant step towards better diagnostics and treatment. The discovery was made using genetic data from over 200,000 Europeans and reveals new genetic risk groups to help predict the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2011

Post-silicon computing

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.8 million grant to create a new kind of computer using a tiny 'toy' with big potential. The project aims to develop a scalable sensing, storage, and computation platform, enabling the creation of high-tech industries and jobs in the United States.

Study finds bidirectional relationship between schizophrenia and epilepsy

A recent study published in Epilepsia found a strong bidirectional relationship between schizophrenia and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy were significantly more likely to develop schizophrenia, while those with schizophrenia had a higher incidence of epilepsy. The research suggests shared genetic and environmental factors contributin...

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateSep 19, 2011

Back pain? Move, don't rest!

Patients with acute low back pain who were advised to stay active despite the pain fared better in recovery and mental health compared to those told to adjust their activity in line with their pain. This study found that staying active can help patients recover more quickly and manage depression.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalClinical Journal of Pain·DateSep 19, 2011

Anti-reflux surgery helps airway function both before and after lung transplant

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that anti-reflux surgery can preserve lung function in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease both before and after transplantation. The procedure was associated with improved lung function, reduced episodes of acute rejection and pneumonia, and may help extend t...

Key regulatory genes often amplified in aggressive childhood tumor of the brainstem

Researchers found over half of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors carried extra copies of specific cancer-linked genes, offering potential new treatments. The study, led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists, analyzed 43 DIPG samples and identified two key regulatory mechanisms disrupted in the tumor.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 19, 2011

To ditch dessert, feed the brain

A study published by Yale University researchers found that when the brain's glucose levels drop, an area responsible for regulating emotions and impulses loses its ability to resist high-calorie food. This response is particularly pronounced in obese individuals, who exhibit a heightened desire for high-calorie foods.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 19, 2011

Shake hands with the invisible man

Researchers at Tel Aviv University identified the genetic defect responsible for adermatoglyphia, a rare condition where individuals lack fingerprints. The study found that a skin-specific gene mutation affects fingerprint development, leading to reduced sweat gland function and abnormal fingerprints.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateSep 19, 2011

How devoted moms buffer kids in poverty

A new study finds that children raised in poverty who have nurturing mothers are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome and experience health problems in adulthood. The study suggests that maternal nurturance plays a crucial role in reducing and managing childhood stress, ultimately promoting healthier outcomes for these children.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 19, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 19, 2011

A study on mice shows that reducing IRS2 signaling can slow the progression of Huntington disease. Meanwhile, research also finds that circulating glucose levels can modulate neural control of desire for high-calorie foods in humans. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets and new insights into the biology of obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 19, 2011

Political preferences play different role in dating, mating

A study by Brown University researchers found that people seeking a mate rarely express their political preferences, with women and lower-income individuals less likely to do so. However, once paired, spouses tend to share similar political views, suggesting a potential filter for compatible long-term relationships.

SourceBrown University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateSep 19, 2011

Pediatric brain tumors

Researchers have discovered that the regulatory protein FoxM1 is crucial for the growth of malignant childhood brain tumors, medulloblastomas. The level of FoxM1 expressed in tumor cells significantly correlates with patient survival time, making it a useful prognostic marker to guide treatment strategies.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 19, 2011

Scientists disarm HIV in step towards vaccine

Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that removing cholesterol from HIV's membrane prevents the virus from damaging the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of an effective HIV vaccine by boosting the adaptive response and weakening the innate immune system's overreaction.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBlood·DateSep 19, 2011

How our liver kills 'killer cells'

Scientists at Centenary Institute discovered that liver cells can engulf and destroy T-cells, reducing organ rejection in transplants and potentially fighting hepatitis and other chronic liver diseases. The discovery opens up new approaches to transplant rejection and treatment of liver diseases, which affect millions worldwide.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Study: Overweight older women have less leg strength, power

A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that overweight older women have less leg strength and power than normal-weight counterparts, which can lead to increased disability and loss of independence. The study suggests that maintaining a normal weight and improving strength through exercise may help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateSep 19, 2011

The benefits of biotech

Biotech has added billions to farmers' incomes globally, with the four main crops of soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola experiencing significant increases. The study found that biotech benefits were particularly pronounced in developing countries, with GM insect-resistant cotton and herbicide-tolerant soybeans driving these gains.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biotechnology·DateSep 19, 2011

UCSB develops breakthrough technology in identification of prostate cancer cells

A team of researchers at UC Santa Barbara has developed a novel technique using laser spectroscopy and silver nanoparticles to discriminate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells. The technology can help identify unique tumor cells that may spread to other parts of the body, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Scientists develop new potato lines to wage war on wireworms

Researchers have developed new potato lines with genetic resistance to wireworms, a major pest that can cause significant damage to crops. The resistant clones outperformed insecticide-treated potatoes in field trials, suggesting that natural compounds like glycoalkaloids may be protecting the plants.

Shark compound proves potential as drug to treat human viruses, says GUMC researcher

Researchers have discovered that squalamine, a compound isolated from sharks, demonstrates broad-spectrum antiviral activity against human pathogens, including dengue, yellow fever, and hepatitis B, C, and D. The study's findings suggest that squalamine could be explored as a novel human antiviral agent.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Uninsured patients in Mass. still mainly the working poor, despite state's health reform

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that most uninsured patients in Massachusetts are employed but unable to afford employer-sponsored insurance or subsidized state plans. The study suggests that the system of coverage failed those who lost their job, particularly during economic downturns.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 19, 2011

Think locally when treating individually

Using local biosurveillance data can improve diagnostic decisions and treatment for patients with communicable diseases. Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that incorporating real-time population-level data can help avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment and correctly diagnose missed cases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 19, 2011

Fukushima: Reflections 6 months on

Experts analyze Fukushima's current and future impact, highlighting pressing government plans and challenging nuclear energy policies. The article also explores health impacts, media coverage, and the need for upgraded safety measures to prevent similar disasters.

SourceSAGE·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·DateSep 19, 2011

New raptor dinosaur takes a licking keeps on ticking

A new species of raptor dinosaur, Talos sampsoni, has been discovered in southern Utah, providing insights into the function of its enlarged talon and revealing a previously unknown level of feathered, bird-like characteristics. The study also sheds light on the behavior of theropod dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 19, 2011

MRI technique appears feasible to help identify involvement of jawbone by oral cancer

A preliminary study suggests that the SWIFT MRI technique can accurately detect mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma, allowing for more precise planning and potentially preventing unnecessary removal of the jawbone. The researchers found a high degree of correlation between magnetic resonance images and histopathologic findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateSep 19, 2011

Welsh wound test could save NHS

Developed by Cardiff University, the test identifies a wound type based on its gene signature with an initial accuracy rate of 98%. It has the potential to transform service provision and provide the right treatment at the earliest possible opportunity.

NIH scientists find earliest known evidence of 1918 influenza pandemic

Researchers discovered proteins and genetic material from the 1918 influenza virus in specimens from 37 soldiers, including four who died between May and August 1918. The findings suggest that the virus did not undergo a dramatic change during the pandemic, contributing to unusually high mortality.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment

A new image-guided technique may enable more stroke patients to be successfully treated, particularly those living far from specialist medical care. Researchers found no difference in recovery time or 90-day survival rates between patients receiving treatment within six hours of symptom onset.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateSep 19, 2011

Primitive birds shared dinosaurs' fate

A new study provides clear evidence that many primitive bird species survived right up until the time of the Chicxulub meteorite impact. The team identified and dated a large collection of bird fossils representing various species, showing diversity in size, beak structure, and other features.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Lasers light the path to neuron regeneration

A multidisciplinary approach using laser technology has been successfully employed to fabricate tiny scaffolds for cell delivery and growth in damaged neural tissue. This study demonstrates the potential of direct laser writing in tissue engineering, enabling precise control over scaffold design and structure.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateSep 19, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians advocates for a seventh ACGME/ABMS general competency on cost-conscious care. Meanwhile, research on Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in relation to diabetes remains inconclusive. Additionally, local incidence data may improve the diagnosis of strep throat, which affects millions worldwide each year.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 19, 2011