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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 27


Page 27 of 29

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Researchers at EMBL found that 15% of human genes influence the secretory pathway, a complex network for transporting molecules to the cell membrane. This discovery suggests cells have evolved a strategy to adapt to environmental changes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 4, 2012

Aging and breast cancer

Researchers have identified changes in adult stem cells and tumor suppressors that contribute to age-related breast cancer vulnerability. The 'HMEC Aging Resource' provides a valuable resource for studying cellular aging, allowing researchers to explore potential preventative measures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 4, 2012

Mature liver cells may be better than stem cells for liver cell transplantation therapy

Researchers found that mature hepatocytes offered better repopulation efficiency than stem/progenitor cells after transplantation into liver-injured rats. The mature hepatocytes continued to survive and proliferate for up to one year, while the stem/progenitor cells died within two months.

Depression treatment can prevent adolescent drug abuse

A five-year study of nearly 200 youths found that treating adolescents for major depression can also reduce their chances of abusing drugs later on. The study, led by John Curry at Duke University, found that only 10% of those who responded to treatment within 12 weeks later abused drugs, compared to 25% of those who did not respond.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJun 4, 2012

A new multitarget molecule designed with high potential in future treatments for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a new multitarget molecule, ASS234, which inhibits ß-amyloid protein aggregation, stimulates cholinergic and monoaminergic transmission, and crosses the blood-brain barrier. This molecule has shown promising therapeutic effects in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJun 4, 2012

Ill, older patients who rely on emergency room often live final days in hospital, study finds

A study found that half of adults over 65 made at least one ED visit in the last month of life. In contrast, those with hospice care lived longer outside the hospital. Hospice care provides symptom relief and support for patients nearing end-of-life, whereas ED visits can be expensive and contribute to high costs of care.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 4, 2012

Knowing yeast genome produces better wine

Researchers decode Dekkera bruxellensis genome, gaining insights into its impact on wine taste. The study enables wine producers to control flavor development, leading to potential cost savings and new wine tastes.

SourceLund University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJun 4, 2012

Teaching tree-thinking through touch

Researchers developed two collaborative games to teach phylogeny, a tree diagram representing evolutionary history. Phylo-Genie improved student scores on post-tests compared to pen-and-paper exercises, while Build-a-Tree demonstrated active prolonged engagement in informal museum settings.

PTSD psychotherapy is enhanced with D-cycloserine

A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that D-cycloserine augmentation enhances exposure therapy for PTSD, particularly in patients with severe symptoms. This approach may improve treatment outcomes by promoting neuroplasticity and reducing deficits in brain regions involved in emotion and memory.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 4, 2012