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Science News for April 23, 2012


Colitis in test mice responds to treatment with human umbilical cord-derived mensenchymal cells

A study published in Cell Transplantation found that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cells effectively reduced clinical and pathological severity of induced colitis in test mice. The treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, indicating its potential for treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Preventing dementia

Researchers at UBC and VCH found that a senior's exercise program using resistance-training can improve executive cognitive functions, associative memory, and brain plasticity. The study suggests that resistance training can be an effective prevention strategy for dementia.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 23, 2012

Johns Hopkins researchers uncover genes at fault for cystic fibrosis-related intestinal obstruction

Researchers at Johns Hopkins identified a gene, methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSRA), that modifies the risk of newborns with cystic fibrosis developing neonatal intestinal obstruction. This study may lead to a better understanding of how intestines work and pave the way for identifying genes involved in secondary complications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 23, 2012

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute announces breakthrough for degenerative vision disorder

Researchers at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute have developed a novel gene therapy to treat Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), an inherited genetic defect that causes rapid vision loss. The treatment successfully replaces mutated genes with healthy ones, restoring visual function in experimental models.

SourceBascom Palmer Eye Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2012

The fat stopper

Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called endoglin that regulates the creation of fat cells. By decreasing the amount of this protein on the surface of cells, it may be possible to force fat cells to transform into other cell types, potentially leading to new treatments for osteoporosis and obesity.

New stem cell found in the brain

Scientists at Lund University have identified a new stem cell type in the adult brain that can form various cell types, including neuronal cells. The discovery holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases and stroke by harnessing the stem cell's repair mechanisms.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2012

A physician's guide for anti-vaccine parents

A Mayo Clinic expert and pediatrician refute three immunity-related misconceptions about vaccines, citing a recent review of 1,200 articles that found no autoimmune side effects. The experts also emphasize the risk of illness and death from under-vaccination, including whooping cough and measles.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalHuman Immunology·DateApr 23, 2012

Intravenous vaccination promotes brain plasticity and prevents memory loss in Alzheimer's disease

Recent studies suggest that prolonged administration of human immunoglobulin can attenuate Alzheimer's disease-type cognitive dysfunction while promoting synaptic plasticity. This experimental observation provides a rational basis for rectifying inconsistent study outcomes in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials with IVIG.

JCI early table of contents for April 23, 2012

Researchers found vitamin D can stimulate bone cells to remove calcium from bones, potentially leading to density loss and increased fracture risk. This discovery may explain conflicting results of clinical trials examining the effects of vitamin D supplements on preventing fractures in elderly patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 23, 2012

Opioids effective in relieving severe shortness of breath in COPD patients

A Canadian study found opioids significantly improved the quality of life and relief from shortness of breath for advanced COPD patients. However, physicians were hesitant due to lack of guidance, fear of respiratory suppression, and concerns about censure. Innovative educational initiatives may help bridge this gap in care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 23, 2012

Shingles vaccine is safe, according to new study

A recent Vaccine Safety Datalink study found the shingles vaccine to be generally safe and well-tolerated in adults aged 50 and older, with a small increased risk of local reactions. The study also ruled out any increased risk for serious conditions such as cerebrovascular diseases or meningitis.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 23, 2012

Discovery of missing links for Salmonella's weapon system

Salmonella causes food poisoning, killing around 400,000 people worldwide every year. Researchers have discovered multiple gene switches that control the bacteria's weapon systems, offering new ways to curb human infection. The discovery could lead to the development of antibiotics to reduce disease caused by Salmonella.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2012

Leeches are DNA bloodhounds in the jungle

A new method developed by the University of Copenhagen allows researchers to track mammal species in Southeast Asian rainforests using DNA-analysis from collected leeches. The technique has been successfully tested on local Vietnamese mammals, including rare species, and could revolutionize the monitoring of threatened wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2012

Study finds 'Western diet' detrimental to fetal hippocampal tissue transplants

Researchers found that a high-saturated-fat, high-cholesterol diet elevated microglial activation and reduced neuronal development in middle-aged laboratory rats. However, treatment with IL-1Ra alleviated these effects, suggesting potential use in neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

IADR/AADR publish studies on severe early childhood caries – proposes new classification

Researchers propose a new classification of severe early childhood caries, which affects mostly young children living at or below poverty levels. The condition is characterized by structurally damaged primary teeth and is linked to developmental dental defects such as enamel hypoplasia.

Study shows that, in restaurants, race matters

A North Carolina State University study reveals that over one-third of restaurant servers admit to discriminating against African-American customers, with many perceiving black patrons as impolite or poor tippers. The survey found that 38.5% of servers reported varying their service based on customers' race, highlighting the persistenc...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Black Studies·DateApr 23, 2012

Palms reveal the significance of climate change for tropical biodiversity

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that climate change over millions of years shapes the composition of species assemblages in the tropics. The study reveals distinct differences in palm species diversity between South America and Africa, with South America boasting higher biodiversity due to its relatively stable climate.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2012

Making human textiles: Research team ups the ante with development of blood vessels woven from donor cells

A research team has developed a new technique for creating human textiles by weaving donor cells into blood vessels, promising to reduce production costs. The technology uses a combination of cultured cells and medical-textile-making techniques to create strong, biocompatible fibers that can be woven into various structures.

Fish larvae find the reef by orienting: The earlier the better

A team of female scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science have developed a sophisticated numerical model to study fish larvae's navigation skills. The model uses reliable larval swimming speeds and vertical migration to create realistic scenarios that can be studied in detail.

Letting go can boost quality of life

A study by Concordia University found that breast cancer survivors who can redefined their goals show an overall improvement in well-being. The researchers measured the capacity to adjust goals and found a positive association with more physical activity, emotional well-being, and fewer physical symptoms.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateApr 23, 2012

Quantum physics mimics spooky action into the past

Physicists have demonstrated that quantum particles can be in an entangled state even after measurement, which was previously thought to be an objective fact. The team realized a 'delayed-choice entanglement swapping' experiment, where Victor's choice affected Alice's and Bob's photons after they had been measured.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 23, 2012

Pain relief with PAP injections may last 100 times longer than a traditional acupuncture treatment

Scientists at UNC have developed a new method for delivering long-lasting pain relief through PAPuncture, which mimics the molecular mechanism behind acupuncture. The treatment has been shown to provide up to six-day pain relief in animal models and may be applicable to any area where regional anesthesia is performed.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Pain·DateApr 23, 2012