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Science News Archive July 2012 - Page 15


Page 15 of 26

A new target in acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers found a new pathway activated by FLT3 mutation in acute myeloid leukemia, leading to the activation of CDK1 and promoting cell differentiation. Clinical trials with CDK1 inhibitors are underway, suggesting therapies targeting this pathway may be effective for patients resistant to existing treatments.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 16, 2012

Elegant delivery

A new immunotherapy using nanolipogels (NLGs) delays tumor growth, sends tumors into remission, and increases survival rates in mice. The NLGs deliver two components: an inhibitor drug that counters TGF-β and interleukin-2 to boost the immune response.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 15, 2012

TV habits predict kids' waist size and sporting ability

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that TV habits at age 2-4 predict waist size by grade 4 and sports ability by age 10. Excessive screen time is associated with increased waist circumference and decreased athletic performance, highlighting the need for policies targeting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 15, 2012

Could a larger waistline be a result of too much TV as a child?

A new study found that young children who watched more hours of TV had worse muscular fitness and larger waist sizes by adolescence. This correlation could lead to increased risk of adult health problems if left unaddressed. Researchers recommend reducing screen time for toddlers to promote healthy physical development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 15, 2012

Giving time can give you time

A new study by Cassie Mogilner and co-authors found that spending time on others increases participants' feelings of 'time affluence.' This is because giving away time boosts one's sense of personal competence and efficiency, ultimately making people more willing to commit to future engagements despite their busy schedules.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 13, 2012

Vitamin D deficiency and poorer lung function in asthmatic children treated with steroids

A new study found that asthma treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is less effective in children with vitamin D deficiency, leading to poorer lung function. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of corticosteroids, improving outcomes for asthmatic children.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 13, 2012

Finished heart switches stem cells off

Researchers discovered a crucial switch controlling cardiac stem cell activity, enabling the growth of healthy hearts and potentially treating congenital defects. By silencing this switch, scientists hope to regenerate damaged adult hearts using lab-cultured replacement cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 12, 2012

Noninvasive imaging technique may help kids with heart transplants

Cardiologists at WashU Medicine have developed a noninvasive imaging technique to detect coronary artery disease in pediatric heart transplant patients, reducing the need for invasive tests. The technique uses contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI to assess coronary arteries and has shown promising results, although further study is needed.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateJul 12, 2012

The ecology of natural gas

Researchers study natural gas impacts on drinking water, finding high methane concentrations near fracking sites. Gas leaks also cause soil changes, affecting urban ecosystems. The session discusses policy strategies to encourage cleaner natural gas distribution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.