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Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 13


Page 13 of 29

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