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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 84


Page 84 of 333

Disparity in breast cancer between black and white women can be eliminated by regular screening

A retrospective study found that regular mammography screening can help eliminate the disparity in breast cancer mortality between black and white women. Women screened regularly were more likely to have hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, suggesting early detection can blunt negative prognostic biological characteristics.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateSep 25, 2012

'Green IT' to be presented in Baltimore

University of Cincinnati doctoral student Dippy Aggarwal presents early results on leveraging power analytics and linked data for enterprise computing at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference. Her project aims to capture an organization's ecological footprint through real-time power consumption tracking.

Study of cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoking shows knowledge gap in perceived health risks

A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that people who smoke both cigarettes and waterpipes have inadequate understanding of the dangers of tobacco smoking, putting them at higher risk of addiction and disease. The study also revealed a common misconception that waterpipe smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateSep 25, 2012

PLOS Medicine editors comment on progress of World Health Report 2012

The PLOS Medicine Editors report on the delays and changes in scope of the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Report 2012. The original report was planned for publication in 2012, but it has been delayed until 2013. The focus of the new report will be on universal health coverage, but its scope is still unclear.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 25, 2012

Making and breaking heterochromatin

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics have identified two novel enzymes, Prdm3 and Prdm16, that attach methyl groups to packaging proteins, maintaining heterochromatin structure. Additionally, transcription factors Pax3 and Pax9 are essential for intact heterochromatin, with random binding sites in contra...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateSep 25, 2012

Change in treatment regime for cryptococcal meningitis may be needed

Researchers found a short (7-day) course of amphotericin along with high-dose fluconazole for at least 2 weeks is the most cost-effective and least toxic treatment for cryptococcal meningitis. This regimen is significantly cheaper and less toxic than the current WHO-recommended treatment, which results in more deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 25, 2012

Spirituality key to Chinese medicine success

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply influenced by Chinese philosophy and religion, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The study explores TCM's underlying premise that good health requires cultivating a positive spirit and achieving harmony between the individual and nature.

SourceSpringer·JournalPastoral Psychology·DateSep 25, 2012

Starting to snore during pregnancy could indicate risk for high blood pressure, U-M study says

A new study from the University of Michigan found that women who start snoring during pregnancy are at increased risk for developing high blood pressure and preeclampsia. The research suggests that treating underlying sleep-disordered breathing may help mitigate up to 19% of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 25, 2012

Could viruses be used to treat acne?

Scientists have isolated and studied 11 viruses that can infect and kill the acne-causing bacterium P. acnes, potentially paving the way for topical therapies. The study found that these phages share a high degree of similarity in their DNA, making it less likely to develop resistance to phage-based antimicrobial therapy.

Making it easier to make stem cells

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have developed a new method to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by adding kinase inhibitors, which significantly increase cellular reprogramming efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate disease research and drug development.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2012

Mouse pancreatic stem cells successfully differentiate into insulin producing cells

A team of Japanese researchers found that using specific transcription factors and Sendai virus vectors can facilitate the differentiation of mouse pancreatic stem cells (mPSCs) into insulin-producing cells. The combination of Pdx-1, NeuroD, and MafA transcription factors showed the greatest impact on this process.

Rice University lab encodes collagen

Rice scientists created a computer program that predicts the most stable structures of nanometer-sized collagen, a crucial step toward synthesizing custom collagen. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating diseases and designing drugs, as collagen plays a vital role in holding cells together.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2012

October LITHOSPHERE delivered online

Recent studies in Lithosphere magazine reveal that vertical-axis rotations can significantly impact shortening estimates with potential errors of up to 14%. Additionally, researchers investigate non-Pratt component of oceanic isostasy, finding a dynamic response within the Earth's mantle necessary for equilibrium. Meanwhile, pulsed def...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateSep 25, 2012

Exercise does a body -- and a mind -- good

Research found that physical inactivity and negative body image increase the risk of mental health problems in adolescents, while sports participation lowers this risk. The study suggests that psychosocial factors, such as body image and social interaction, play a crucial role in explaining the link between exercise and mental health.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateSep 25, 2012

Hypertension not so simple

Leading hypertension specialists recommend the inclusion of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in national health surveys to accurately detect hypertension. This advanced diagnostic method can identify mitigating factors affecting diagnosis, such as white coat hypertension and nocturnal hypertension.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Society of Hypertension·DateSep 25, 2012

MSU-led projects to help war veterans

A pair of MSU-led projects aim to support Michigan National Guard members and their families by studying resiliency in military families and training mental health counselors to work with them. The projects are expected to help the military improve reintegration efforts and prevention and treatment programs.