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Science News Archive June 2012 - Page 6


Page 6 of 29

JCI early table of contents for June 25, 2012

Scientists identify WNT signaling pathway as potential therapeutic target for obesity. Antibiotic treatment after Lyme disease shows fluorescent bacterial debris remains without causing infection. Oxidative stress contributes to parasite persistence in host tissues, opening new avenue for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drugs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2012

New tools for evaluating quality of life for cats, dogs with heart disease

Researchers at Tufts University have developed two surveys, FETCH and CATCH, to evaluate the quality of life for dogs and cats with heart disease. The tools ask owners to rank aspects of their pet's health on a scale of 0-5, allowing veterinarians to assess the animal's perceived quality of life.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJun 25, 2012

The skinny on what makes us fat

Research found that SFRP5-deficient mice showed increased metabolic activity and were resistant to diet-induced obesity, revealing the mechanism of SFRP5-mediated fat cell generation. The study suggests targeting the WNT signaling pathway could be a therapeutic approach to treat obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2012

Biological switch paves way for improved biofuel production

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have identified a biological mechanism controlling electron transport in cyanobacteria, which could lead to more efficient solar-powered biofuel production. The discovery was made by exposing cells to different light conditions and observing the changes in electron transport pathways.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2012

UCLA biologists reveal potential 'fatal flaw' in iconic sexual selection study

A classic study on male and female promiscuity has been called into question after UCLA biologists repeated the experiment using the same methods as the original. The team found that Bateman's conclusions about the relationship between mate number and offspring fitness were likely flawed due to a bias in his methodology.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2012

Vitamin D tests are inaccurate

A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that two new vitamin D test kits had poor performance, with results deviating from the gold standard method by up to 25%. This inaccuracy could lead to misdiagnoses and overtreatment of vitamin D deficiency.

Stillbirth rate twice as high among least well off in England

Research published in BMJ Open finds that stillbirth rates are twice as high among the least well-off in England, with the gap remaining constant over eight years. Socio-economic inequalities in stillbirths by cause have been evident across all causes, including bleeding before birth and congenital abnormalities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 25, 2012

Prions and cancer: A story unfolding

A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that mutant p53 protein aggregates may lead to prion-like behavior, impairing its ability to suppress tumor growth. The findings suggest that this misfolding mechanism could serve as a potential target for cancer therapy.

SourcePublicase International·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 25, 2012

Scientists struggle with mathematical details

A study by Dr Tim Fawcett and Dr Andrew Higginson found that articles with many equations are seldom referenced, highlighting the importance of clear communication between theory and experiments. The authors recommend improved mathematical training for science graduates to overcome this barrier.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2012

Mount Sinai researcher finds timing of ADHD medication affect academic progress

A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that the timing of ADHD medication impact on children's performance on standardized tests. The findings showed that starting medication within 12 months after fourth-grade test led to a decline of 0.3 percent in math compared to 9.4 percent for those who started treatment later.

Swine flu vaccination program a success in Scotland

A successful swine flu vaccination program in Scotland showed 77% protection against the H1N1 virus, while also reducing hospital admissions by 20% due to related disorders. The program's effectiveness was demonstrated through detailed data analysis, which took into account multiple conditions such as pneumonia and COPD.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 25, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for June 26, 2012 online issue

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians screen all adult patients for obesity and offer intensive behavioral interventions. While medium- to high-intensity counseling produced small short-term improvements in cardiovascular health, the task force concludes that these interventions are more effective when delive...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2012