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Science News for September 5, 2011


Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Multiple lifestyle improvements can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by up to 80%, according to a study of over 100,000 men and women. Additionally, researchers warn that Babesia, a parasitic disease, poses a threat to the nation's blood supply, highlighting the need for donor-screening strategies.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2011

Stomach bacterium damages human DNA

Research reveals that Helicobacter pylori causes DNA breaks in gastric mucosa cells, triggering genetic mutations and cell death. The study's findings suggest that prolonged infections can lead to exhaustion of the cell's repair response, exacerbating gastric carcinogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Key protein reveals secret of stem cell pluripotency

Researchers identified a protein that helps maintain mouse stem cell pluripotency by activating signal pathways via CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). This finding offers insights into cultivating human iPS/ES cells without feeder cells, reducing the risk of contamination and health risks.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cells·DateSep 5, 2011

Ancient humans were mixing it up

A team of researchers led by Michael Hammer found evidence of hybridization between modern humans and archaic forms in Africa. Contemporary African populations contain small proportions of genetic material brought in by an archaic population that split from the ancestors of anatomically modern humans about 700,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

Even mild cognitive impairment appears to substantially increase risk for death

A long-term study found that even mild cognitive impairment substantially increases the risk of death, with a strong impact comparable to other chronic diseases. The study, which followed nearly 4,000 patients over 13 years, suggests that recognition of cognitive impairment in primary care practices should be given higher priority.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Male-female ring finger proportions tied to sex hormones in embryo; may offer health insights

Biologists found that male and female digit proportions are determined by the balance of sex hormones during early embryonic development. The study provides a genetic explanation for links between finger proportions and traits such as sperm counts, aggression, and health problems like autism and breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

The size and burden of mental disorders in Europe

A landmark study reveals that mental disorders have become Europe's largest health challenge, affecting 514 million people. The study highlights a significant treatment gap and calls for increased funding and improved care to address the critical challenges facing mental and neurological disorders.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateSep 5, 2011

Novel method for increasing antibiotic yields

Researchers have identified a system for targeted amplification of gene clusters in bacteria, which can significantly increase the production of antibiotics. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the commercial production of antibiotics and may also uncover new, undiscovered antibiotics.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

New polymer research could boost probiotics industry

Researchers have developed a special type of biopolymer that protects probiotic bacteria from the acidic stomach environment and delivers them safely to the intestines. This innovation could lead to better quality probiotic food products and increase calcium absorption, benefiting gut health and bone structure.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateSep 5, 2011
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The search for predictors of risk for PTSD

A study found a link between a serotonin transporter gene variant and PTSD risk, suggesting the gene may predict symptom development after trauma. The researchers also discovered that this gene is associated with depression following life stress, highlighting its potential role in mental health.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011

Non-epileptic seizures may be misdiagnosed longer in veterans

A new study published in Neurology found that psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may be misdiagnosed for up to five years in veterans compared to one year in civilians. The delay is largely due to limited access to epilepsy monitoring units, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 5, 2011

New drugs hope for 'super-bug' yeast and thrush

Researchers have identified the key features in yeast cells that allow them to colonize human tissue, paving the way for new treatments. A new class of medicines and vaccines is being developed to combat drug-resistant fungal infections.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2011