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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 18


Page 18 of 32

Biomarkers: New tools of modern medicine

Recent advances in biomarker discovery highlight the potential for personalized medicine, but also pose significant challenges. Biomarkers have been identified for various diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalTranslational Research·DateMar 15, 2012

Pleurectomy/decortication proposed preferred surgical procedure

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology suggests that pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a superior approach to extrapleural pnemonectomy (EPP) for patients with early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma. P/D resulted in significantly better survival rates and lower mortality and morbidity compared to EPP.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 15, 2012

New research suggests cap and trade programs do not provide sufficient incentives for innovation

A new study by Margaret Taylor of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that successful cap and trade programs often reduce incentives for innovation, as low-cost emissions reductions lead to lower allowance prices. This has significant implications for developing more effective pollution control targets.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2012

Leading infectious diseases experts call for increased focus on protecting antibiotics

Leading infectious diseases experts call for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and combat emerging infections. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, IDSA, and PIDS position paper outlines measures to improve antibiotic use and monitor resistance.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 15, 2012

NIH brain imaging study finds evidence of basis for caregiving impulse

A recent NIH brain imaging study found that viewing images of infant faces activates specific brain circuits associated with care giving behavior. These findings suggest a biological impulse governing adults' interactions with small children, which may have implications for preventing child neglect and abuse.

Study: US tobacco-control efforts prevented nearly 800,000 cancer deaths between 1975 and 2000

A study led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that US tobacco-control efforts significantly reduced lung cancer deaths between 1975 and 2000. The researchers estimated that if all smokers had quit after the 1964 Surgeon General's report, an additional 2.5 million people would not have died from lung cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2012

In developing countries, female sex workers 14 times more likely to become infected by HIV

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that female sex workers are nearly 14 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared to the general population. The analysis of 102 previous studies representing almost 100,000 female sex workers in 50 countries revealed a significant disparity in HIV prevalence a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 14, 2012

Study finds expensive procedure no more effective than medical therapy to prevent strokes

A new international multi-site randomized study found that a catheter procedure to close a hole in patients' hearts was not more effective than medical therapy in preventing recurrent strokes. The study, led by Anthony Furlan, M.D., of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, enrolled 909 patients and showed no statistically significa...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 14, 2012

Some NHS trusts consistently outperform others on patient experience

Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that some NHS trusts deliver a consistently better experience for patients, with a strong association between Foundation Trust status and improved performance. The study identified system-wide successes and failures, highlighting areas for improvement across the healthcare system.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateMar 14, 2012

Few genes control neuronal function

Researchers at Linköping University identified seven key transcription factors that specify the creation of 34 neuron groups in a fruit fly's antenna. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that diversify neurons and keep them diverse, crucial for future nerve cell cultivation and replacement.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2012

Epigenetic signatures direct the repair potential of reprogrammed cells

A study at Tufts University has identified specific epigenetic signatures that can predict the expression of a wound-healing protein in reprogrammed skin cells. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to developing personalized tissue regeneration strategies using stem cells from patients, eliminating the need for human embryonic s...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateMar 14, 2012

How cancer cells start new tumor sites

Researchers have identified a critical link in the signaling pathway that enables cancer cells to establish tumors in distant parts of the body. A new drug targeting this molecule may help prevent cancer from spreading, offering hope for improved treatment options.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 14, 2012

Breakthroughs in Chikungunya research from A*STAR spell new hope for better treatment and protection

Scientists at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network have made significant strides in understanding Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe joint pains. Researchers discovered a direct biomarker, IgG3 antibodies, to identify patients at risk of the more severe form of the disease.