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Science News for March 19, 2012


Penn researchers find mentoring provides health benefits for African American veterans with diabetes

A study by Penn researchers found that peer mentoring significantly improved glucose control in African American veterans with diabetes. The intervention, which included financial incentives, showed a statistically significant effect on improving HbA1c levels. The authors suggest that social support and camaraderie among veteran partic...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2012

Drug makes leukemia more vulnerable to chemo

Researchers have found that a new drug called plerixafor can help drive leukemia cells out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. In a clinical trial, 46% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia achieved complete remission after treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBlood·DateMar 19, 2012

'Look at me' toddlers eager to collaborate and learn

A Concordia University study reveals that toddlers' high-quality attention-seeking behaviors are associated with increased motivation to collaborate and learn. Parents who respond favourably to their child's needs can encourage positive expectations, leading to improved conscience development in children.

SourceConcordia University·JournalChild Development·DateMar 19, 2012

JCI early table of contents for March 19, 2012

Researchers discovered that radiation treatment inhibits monocyte entry into the optic nerve head, preventing neuronal damage in a mouse model of glaucoma. This breakthrough sheds light on a potential prevention strategy for glaucoma, which is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness worldwide.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2012

Avoiding the tragedy of overfishing

A study of 42 co-managed coral reef fisheries found that partnerships between government, conservation groups, and local fishers were successful in meeting the livelihood needs of local communities and protecting fish stocks. The research identified conditions for co-management success, providing vital guidance for conservation groups,...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Pediatricians' pain-medication judgments affected by unconscious racial bias, says UW study

A recent University of Washington study found that pediatricians who exhibit unconscious racial bias tend to prescribe better pain-management for white patients than they do for African-American patients. The study suggests that incorporating awareness of personal bias into medical education and training is necessary to avoid unintende...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2012

New genetic path for scleroderma

A genetic pathway previously known for its role in embryonic development and cancer has been identified as a target for systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, therapy. The finding reveals that the Wnt signaling pathway is abnormally activated in scleroderma patients, leading to fibrosis and tissue damage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 19, 2012

Diagnosis of ADHD on the rise

The number of ADHD diagnoses among American children has increased by 66% over the past decade, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Specialists are now treating an increasing proportion of these young patients, shifting away from primary care physicians.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMar 19, 2012

Targeted X-ray treatment of mice prevents glaucoma

Researchers found that targeted x-ray treatment can prevent glaucoma in mice by inhibiting the entry of damaging cells into the optic nerve and retina. This discovery raises hope for a new treatment approach for humans, where lower doses of radiation could be used to block cell entry and prevent blindness.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2012

A clearer understanding of glaucoma

A new study has shed light on glaucoma prevention by highlighting the impact of X-ray treatment on monocyte entry into the optic nerve. Researchers found that mice treated with a single X-ray treatment prior to glaucoma onset were protected from developing the disease, even with other risk factors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2012

Time to invest in trauma care

A recent study estimates that up to two million lives could be saved globally with improvements in trauma care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers suggest that reductions in fatality rates among seriously injured individuals could save nearly two million lives annually.

SourceSpringer·JournalWorld Journal of Surgery·DateMar 19, 2012

Smell is a symphony

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research presented a new model of olfaction, suggesting that the brain maps odors in a tunotopic manner. This approach enables the system to recognize and encode any smell, regardless of its chemical structure.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Spotting ancient sites, from space

A Harvard archaeologist developed a system to identify early human settlements based on satellite image analysis, uncovering approximately 9,000 possible sites in northeastern Syria. This technique simplifies the process of finding ancient settlements, allowing for more efficient and targeted surveys.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Solving the mystery of blood clotting

Scientists have determined the molecular 3D structure of a protein in blood platelets and a receptor that controls blood clot formation. This discovery helps understand the body's response to superbugs and potentially leads to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 19, 2012

1 solution to global overfishing found

A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that co-management is a successful solution to global overfishing, with more than half of surveyed fishermen feeling it improved their livelihoods. The approach has also been shown to protect fish stocks and improve ecosystem health.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012