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Science News for February 16, 2012


Study evaluates faster treatment for seizures

A new study has found that an autoinjector pen is a faster and more effective way to treat serious seizures, with 73% of patients becoming seizure-free upon arrival at the hospital. The treatment involves delivering medication directly into the thigh muscle via intramuscular injection, reducing precious time for paramedics.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2012

Women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus give birth to fewer children

Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus tend to have fewer children than desired due to increased infertility rates. The study also revealed that concerns about caring for children and genetic transmission of the disease may contribute to this trend.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 16, 2012

Researchers make living model of brain tumor

Researchers developed a three-dimensional living tissue model to study brain tumors and therapeutics, confirming iron-oxide nanoparticles can deliver tumstatin to blood vessels surrounding gliomas. The model allows for testing of agent characteristics in a realistic environment.

SourceBrown University·JournalTheranostics·DateFeb 16, 2012

The quest for sugars involved in origin of life

A team from the University of the Basque Country has successfully isolated ribose, a fundamental sugar, in the gas phase. This achievement provides crucial information about the structure and stability of sugars, which are essential for understanding the origins of life on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 16, 2012

When body clock runs down, immune system takes time off

Yale University researchers found that the circadian clock regulates a key immune system gene response to bacteria and viruses, suggesting that sleep patterns disruptions contribute to illnesses. The study also suggests that timing of vaccinations may be improved based on jet lag influence on immune system.

SourceYale University·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 16, 2012

Berkeley Lab researchers at AAAS

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory presented advancements in artificial photosynthesis, CAT scans for biological cells, and diagnostic microscopy with a cell phone. These discoveries aim to improve our understanding of quantum mechanics, analyze cellular structures, and develop new diagnostic tools for cancer patients.

Harvard's Wyss Institute develops DNA nanorobot to trigger targeted therapeutic responses

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a DNA nanorobot that can seek out specific cell targets and deliver molecular instructions to cause cancer cells to self-destruct. The technology uses modular components to mimic the body's immune system and has the potential to treat various diseases.

Wayne State research reveals improved method for paramedics to stop prolonged seizures

A new study by Wayne State University reveals that an autoinjector delivering midazolam can effectively stop prolonged seizures in patients, with 73% of participants seizure-free upon hospital arrival. This method is faster and more reliable than traditional intravenous treatment.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2012

Wayne State proves targeted tumor freezing therapy increases ovarian cancer survival

A study by Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers found that targeted tumor freezing therapy increases ovarian cancer survival rates, with a 56-month average survival rate reported in 98% of patients. The treatment, called cryoablation, has been shown to be cost-effective, saving an average of $26,806 per life year.

Implantable microchip delivers medicine to women with osteoporosis

A new study shows that an implantable microchip can deliver medication on command, improving bone formation and reducing the risk of bone fracture in women with osteoporosis. The device, which is roughly the size of a pacemaker, releases medication via a wireless signal and has shown to be effective and safer than traditional injections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2012

New ability to regrow blood vessels holds promise for treatment of heart disease

Researchers have developed a new and effective way to regrow blood vessels, potentially bypassing surgery and repairing damaged vessels through injection of a lipid-incased substance. This method has shown promise in treating chronic myocardial ischemia disease, affecting up to 27 million patients in the US.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2012

Fruit flies use alcohol as a drug to kill parasites

A recent study by Emory University found that fruit flies infected with blood-borne parasites consume alcohol to increase their survival rate. The researchers discovered that the toxic effects of alcohol can be protective against infectious disease and raise an important question about whether other organisms, including humans, could c...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Nanoparticles may enhance cancer therapy

A new strategy combining carbon nanoparticles with chemotherapy and radiation therapy shows significant potential in treating head-and-neck cancers. The treatment uses nanoparticles to encapsulate chemotherapeutic drugs, delivering them directly to cancer cells.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 16, 2012

When is a gene not a gene?

Researchers have developed a new catalogue of loss-of-function (LoF) variants to better understand the normal function of human genes. The study identifies over 1000 LoF variants, some of which are rare and potentially harmful, while others may not have a significant effect on health.

How the 'Quarter' Horse won the rodeo

A new study has mapped the genome of a Quarter Horse mare using next-generation sequencing, revealing genetic variants associated with sensory perception, signal transduction, and immunity. The research found that Quarter Horses have more genetic variation than Thoroughbreds, particularly in genes involved in these traits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 16, 2012

Yale paper finds arsenic supply at highest risk

A Yale University study has assessed the criticality of metals in the geological copper family, finding arsenic as the most vulnerable to long-term supply disruption. The research methodology evaluates supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability to supply restriction, highlighting the importance of considering these fact...

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 2012

OHSU discovery may someday lead to prevention and treatment of sudden infant death syndrome

Researchers at OHSU discovered glial cells, previously thought to support growth, actually regulate the growth of brainstem neurons responsible for cardiorespiratory control. This finding has profound implications for the prevention and treatment of SIDS, with potential applications in high blood pressure and other disorders.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeuroscience·DateFeb 16, 2012

Physician reminders don't improve care for kidney disease patients

A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that adding information on how to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to kidney test results did not improve care. The study included 22,092 patients with CKD and found no difference in the use of recommended medications between those who receive...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Puzzle play improves math skills

A study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that puzzle play in children aged 2-4 years significantly improves their spatial skills, which are essential for mathematics, science, and technology. Higher income parents who engaged their children in puzzle play more frequently showed a greater impact on spatial skills develo...