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Science News for December 26, 2012


For pre-teens, kindness may be key to popularity

Research published in PLOS ONE found that kids who perform acts of kindness are happier and find greater acceptance among their peers. Kind acts, such as giving someone lunch or visiting a pleasant place, increased children's well-being and improved their relationships with classmates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 26, 2012

New technique catalogs lymphoma-linked genetic variations

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel approach to sorting out cancer-causing genetic mutations in cancer cells. By testing proteins produced by genes with random mutations, they created a catalog of mutants with cancer-promoting potential. This could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateDec 26, 2012

Ability to metabolize tamoxifen affects breast cancer outcomes, Mayo Clinic-led study confirms

A new study by researchers from the Mayo Clinic and Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group found that genetic differences in liver enzyme CYP2D6 play a key role in tamoxifen's effectiveness. Women with altered CYP2D6 enzyme activity had higher rates of breast cancer recurrence and death, while those with normal enzyme activi...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 26, 2012

Benefits of higher oxygen, breathing device persist after infancy

A follow-up study by the National Institutes of Health found that very preterm infants who received higher oxygen levels continued to show cognitive and motor development benefits as toddlers. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was also found to be an effective alternative to traditional respiratory therapy, without difference...

Drug shortage linked to greater risk of relapse in young Hodgkin lymphoma patients

A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a drug shortage led to a significant increase in cancer relapse rates among pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. The study revealed an estimated two-year cancer-free survival rate of 88% for patients treated with mechlorethamine, compared to 75% for those treated...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 26, 2012