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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 38


Page 38 of 333

University of Pennsylvania Medicine receives National Institutes of Health grant to help local communities move forward after asbestos exposure

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medicine are developing an educational program to educate residents, policy-makers, and scientists about the long-term social, economic, and health effects of hazardous industrial sites. The program aims to help communities like West and South Ambler recover from asbestos exposure.

Study shows bone metastases treatment can improve overall survival

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that denosumab was associated with significantly improved overall median survival in lung cancer patients, including those with non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer. The treatment also showed improved survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateNov 15, 2012

Family commitment blended with strong religion dampens civic participation, Baylor researcher finds

A Baylor University sociologist found that blending family commitment with strong religion can dampen civic participation. The study, published in Social Science Research, analyzed data from the National Survey of Families and Households, suggesting that familistic individuals may have limited time and energy for secular organizations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateNov 15, 2012

Study: Cellphone bans associated with fewer urban accidents

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that cellphone bans in urban areas are associated with a relative decrease in accident rates after seven years. However, in very rural areas, cellphone bans were linked to higher accident rates than expected. The findings suggest that blanket bans may not be beneficial for all areas.

Like a game of poker, school programs' success can hinge on principals going 'all in'

A new study published by the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Virginia found that school principals' level of enthusiasm and support plays a critical role in teachers' ability to successfully implement school programs. Without principal support, teachers view administrators as a hindrance to program success, while enthusi...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPrevention Science·DateNov 15, 2012

Letter from doctor boosts cholesterol medication use

A new study found that using electronic health records (EHRs) can identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease and encourage them to receive cholesterol-lowering medication. The study showed that patients who received personalized risk assessments via mail were twice as likely to receive a prescription for lipid-lowering m...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2012

Parkinson's disease protein causes disease spread and neuron death in healthy animals

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that injecting synthetic, misfolded α-Syn protein into healthy mice recapitulates Parkinson's disease progression, leading to dopamine neuron death and Lewy body formation. The study establishes a mechanistic link between α-Syn transmission and neurodegeneration.

How insects domesticate bacteria

Researchers discovered a new bacterium in an Indiana man's infected wound, revealing how insects domesticate bacteria. The strain, HS, has a relatively large genetic blueprint and is closely related to Sodalis-like bacteria that live in many insect species.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 15, 2012

Studies in Cell Transplantation investigate oxygen's impact as a factor in transplantation

Researchers at Baylor University discovered that low temperatures can prevent hypoxia-induced damage to islet cells, improving insulin secretion. In a second study, neural cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells showed altered oxygen metabolism associated with schizophrenia, offering potential targets for treatment.

Extracting meaning from the social web

Researchers at Clemson's Social Media Listening Center are developing techniques to analyze the implications of social media for national elections. They have created a prototype visualization tool that captures social media posts related to selected races in the 2012 Congressional election.

Supercharged

By using high-powered X-ray laser, researchers stripped a record 36 electrons from a xenon atom, achieving a previously unachievable positively charged state. This breakthrough will help create new states of matter and produce higher-quality images of nano-world objects.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 15, 2012

Scientists show protein-making machinery can switch gears with a small structural change process, which may have implications for immunity and cancer therapy, compared to the movie The Transformers

Researchers show tRNA synthetases, essential in protein production, can also regulate transcription through a single chemical alteration, with implications for immune response and cancer. This transformation may lead to new treatments for allergies and cancer.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 15, 2012

Study shows different approach after progression in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Researchers found that local ablative therapy and continuation of targeted drugs can prolong disease control by up to 6.2 months in patients with EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating NSCLC after progression, particularly for patients with oligoprogressive disease.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateNov 15, 2012

A new way of looking at Prader-Willi Syndrome

A new study reveals that individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome may have an impaired autonomic nervous system, leading to abnormal heart rate variability after meals. The findings suggest potential alternative treatments for the condition, which is characterized by insatiable appetite and high cardiovascular risk.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalClinical Endocrinology·DateNov 15, 2012