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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 12


Page 12 of 26

Children allergic to eggs can benefit from 'egg therapy'

A federally funded study found that oral immunotherapy can retrain the immune system to tolerate eggs in children with egg allergies. In a 10-month study, 35 of 40 children treated with escalating doses of egg powder experienced improvement, with 11 achieving complete long-term elimination of egg-related allergic reactions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2012

Hookah smoking increasingly common among first-year college women

A study by The Miriam Hospital's Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine found that nearly a quarter of first-year college women try hookah smoking for the first time during their freshman year. Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased likelihood of hookah initiation, while marijuana use predicts frequency of use.

SourceLifespan·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateJul 18, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers find potential key to new treatment for mantle cell lymphoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) can harness the immune system to eradicate residual malignant cells in drug-resistant mantle cell lymphoma. This strategy could provide a new approach for patients with therapy-resistant MCL.

New studies show spinal cord injury and ALS respond to cell transplantation

Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury promotes functional recovery. Bone marrow cell transplantation coupled with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor also shows neuroprotective and angiogenic effects in ALS animal models.

Friends with benefits

Amanita mushroom evolution shifts from decomposing to symbiotic tree relationships, resulting in lost genetic capacity, according to Harvard researchers. The study reveals the transition came at a steep price, with genes associated with breaking down cellulose being sacrificed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2012

Researchers identify mechanisms that allow embryonic stem cells to become any cell in the human body

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem identified mechanisms allowing embryonic stem cells to become any cell type by examining epigenetic pathways and chromatin structure. This discovery could lead to the creation of cells in labs for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other degenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2012

'Sifting' liquid at the molecular level

Researchers develop method for separating liquids using individual carbon nanotubes, which act as separation channels for chemically distinct molecules. This technology could prove useful in forensic studies and analyzing molecules from single cells, enabling analysis of trace evidence and invisible stains.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2012

Mammography screening shows limited effect on breast cancer mortality in Sweden

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer mortality rates in Swedish women aged 40-69 declined at a rate similar to the prescreening period, suggesting limited impact of mammography screening. Researchers note potential limitations, including obesity and population mobility biases.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 17, 2012