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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 29

Offering lung cancer screening as an insurance benefit would save lives at a relatively low cost

A new study by Rush University Medical Center found that lung cancer screening with low-dose spiral CT scans can detect early-stage disease and reduce cancer-related deaths. The study estimates that commercial insurers should consider providing this benefit to high-risk individuals, which could lead to significant cost savings.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 9, 2012

Social stress changes immune system gene expression in primates

A new study found that social stress changes the expression of nearly 1,000 genes in rhesus macaques, affecting their immune response and other functions. The researchers discovered significant differences in gene expression between high-ranking and low-ranking females, suggesting a strong link between social environment and biology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2012

Black flies may have a purpose after all

Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered a protein in black fly saliva that inhibits clotting and reduces inflammation. This finding has potential applications for treating patients recovering from heart attacks and developing a vaccine against river blindness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 9, 2012

A bit touchy: Plants' insect defenses activated by touch

A new study at Rice University reveals that plant defenses are enhanced when plants are touched, triggering an insect defense response. This response is mediated by the plant hormone jasmonate, which plays a critical role in initiating plant defenses against insect-eating insects and some fungal infections.

SourceRice University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 9, 2012

OceanScope: Private-science collaboration to provide critical ocean information

The OceanScope project combines the ocean-observing community and the global shipping industry to study ocean circulation dynamics and fill observational gaps. By leveraging commercial ships like Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas, the partnership aims to create a cost-effective opportunity for systematic long-term observation.

What's in a name?

A study found that people with more socially-accepted mental illnesses, such as depression and mild mood disorders, receive less support from family members and friends. In contrast, those with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder face greater rejection and discrimination.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateApr 9, 2012

Changes in monkeys' social status affect their genes

A study of rhesus macaques found that their social status correlates with gene expression patterns across a range of genes, with lower-ranking individuals showing signs of chronic stress and altered immune function. The study estimates that gene expression can predict an individual's social status with 80% accuracy.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2012

Diet may treat some gene mutations

Scientists have developed a new technique to determine which patients with homocystinuria are most likely to respond to vitamin B6 treatment based on their genotypes. The study correlates specific gene mutations with disease severity and may help physicians prescribe treatment based on genotype.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateApr 9, 2012

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A systematic review of 94 trials found that drugs are effective in achieving continence and improving quality of life, but with small improvements and frequent side effect discontinuation. Fesoterodine was more effective than tolterodine, while solifenacin showed the lowest rates of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 9, 2012

800-year-old farmers could teach us how to protect the Amazon

A 2,000-year-old study reveals that indigenous people in the Amazon savannas farmed sustainably without using fire, conserving soil nutrients and organic matter. This labor-intensive approach to farming could be a model for modern raised-field agriculture, reducing carbon emissions and providing food security.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2012

Loyola study debunks common myth that urine is sterile

Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found bacteria in the bladders of some healthy women, challenging the common belief that normal urine is sterile. The study also revealed that standard urine collection methods can be contaminated by vaginal bacteria.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateApr 9, 2012

Moving towards a better treatment for autoimmune diabetes

Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating autoimmune diabetes using genetically modified gut bacteria, increasing the frequency of cured mice compared to traditional methods. The new approach has no adverse side effects and allows the immune system to function normally.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 9, 2012

On the move

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research found that the Arp2/3 complex is essential for forming lamellipodia, which are crucial for cell migration. The study used genetic disruption to investigate the function of Arp2/3 in fibroblast cell motility.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 9, 2012

New 'genetic bar code' technique establishes ability to derive DNA information from RNA

Researchers developed a method to derive DNA information from RNA, allowing for identification of individuals in massive research repositories. This technique raises questions about DNA and RNA data bank privacy issues, and may enable tracking of individual characteristics like age, sex, and disease risks.

Scientists forecast forest carbon loss

A recent study by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution found that development in Massachusetts could reduce forest carbon storage by 18% over the next half century. However, the researchers highlight the importance of expanding support for forestland protection to mitigate climate change.

SourceHarvard University·JournalBioScience·DateApr 6, 2012