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Science News Archive September 2011 - Page 5


Page 5 of 29

Tendons absorb shocks muscles won't handle

Researchers at Brown University discovered that tendons absorb shocks and store energy, while muscles take on the role of absorbing remaining energy after impact. This finding highlights the critical role of tendons in shock absorption and has implications for the development of synthetic tendons and rehabilitative practices.

Window of opportunity to treat some stroke patients may be longer than originally suspected

A literature review suggests that some stroke patients can receive treatment beyond the standard 3-hour window, with brain cells remaining structurally intact and potentially revivable if normal blood flow is restored. This finding could enable doctors to provide better patient care by considering the 'tissue window' rather than just time

Marcellus shale science target of $2.5 million NSF grant

A $2.5 million NSF grant will support a program aimed at enhancing the public's understanding of science, engineering, and energy through community-based activities in Pennsylvania counties with natural gas exploration and production. The project will provide opportunities for residents to gain skills in scientific inquiry and build an...

Worm 'cell death' discovery could lead to new drugs for deadly parasite

Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a 'programmed cell death' pathway in parasitic worms that could one day lead to new treatments for schistosomiasis. The discovery was made by studying programmed cell death in human cells, where the team found similarities with the process in fluke worms.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

A labor saving way to monitor vast rangelands

USDA researchers explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor changing land-use patterns in western rangelands. The results show that aerial data can be comparable to information gathered through ground-based surveys, with potential applications for erosion control and invasive species monitoring.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPhotogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing·DateSep 27, 2011

Enzymes possible targets for new anti-malaria drugs

Scientists at Virginia Tech and Penn have identified two enzymes, peptidases, as potential targets for new anti-malarial drugs. The researchers developed chemical genetic tools to specifically inhibit these enzymes, blocking hemoglobin degradation and starving the malaria parasite to death.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2011

Saw palmetto no benefit as prostate remedy

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that saw palmetto extract did not relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, even at high doses. The research involved over 300 men with moderate symptoms and took a placebo or saw palmetto for nearly 17 months.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 27, 2011

Central Asia's hidden burden of neglected tropical diseases

The region's high rates of parasitic infection are nearly 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, particularly among economically disadvantaged groups. Soil-transmitted helminth infections have been linked to developmental delays and decreased economic productivity in countries like Uzbekistan.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2011

Cell Transplantation study shows bone growth from implanted tooth and dental pulp stem cells

Researchers successfully grafted deciduous canine teeth and dental pulp stem cells into parent canines, demonstrating bone regeneration after four weeks. The study found increased immunosuppressive activity of these stem cells, paving the way for potential clinical applications in allogenic in vivo stem cell transplantation.

A treatment for one form of albinism?

Researchers have found that treating mice with OCA-1B, a form of oculocutaneous albinism, with nitisinone improves eye and skin pigmentation. The study suggests that nitisinone could potentially ameliorate vision loss in patients with OCA-1B.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2011

UCLA Engineering researchers help develop complete map of mouse genetic variation

Researchers from UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science contributed to the development of a comprehensive genetic catalog of 17 strains of mice. The study provides a complete picture of genetic variation in these mouse strains, enabling scientists to accurately predict gene expression levels and identify variant...

No more tasty surprises

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new method to calculate the probability of extreme events in finance. The traditional approach ignores the bulk of the relevant data, which can lead to important information being lost. By using this new method, scientists can better predict such events and improve financial models.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Annals of Statistics·DateSep 26, 2011

Increased risk of bleeding with combined use of SSRIs and antiplatelet therapy after heart attacks

Patients taking SSRIs with antiplatelet therapy have a higher risk of bleeding compared to those taking ASA alone. The study found that combining an SSRI with ASA increased the risk by 42%, while dual antiplatelet therapy increased the risk by 57%. Women and patients who underwent angioplasty had lower bleeding risks.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 26, 2011