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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 27


Page 27 of 32

Study: Most weight loss supplements are not effective

A study by Oregon State University researcher Melinda Manore found that no single supplement results in significant weight loss, while many have detrimental health benefits. She emphasizes the importance of exercise and a balanced diet, such as eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

Studies show that CYP2D6 genotype does not predict tamoxifen benefit

Two studies found that CYP2D6 genotypes associated with reduced enzyme activity do not predict clinical responsiveness to adjuvant tamoxifen therapy among postmenopausal women. This challenges the conventional hypothesis that poor metabolizers experience fewer side effects and may receive less benefit from tamoxifen.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 6, 2012

Listening to the 9.0-magnitude Japanese earthquake

Researchers have converted the Tohoku-Oki earthquake's seismic waves into audio files, enabling the audience to hear pitch and amplitude changes, as well as familiar sounds like thunder, popcorn popping, and fireworks. This unique representation helps explain various aspects of the earthquake sequence, including mainshocks and aftersho...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2012

Next stop, Mount Everest

A UC Riverside Ph.D. candidate will attempt to summit Mount Everest for the second time, this time as part of his dissertation research on Himalayan mountaineering communities. His research focuses on the types of communities climbers create and the transformation of Sherpa society after decades of aiding international climbers.

Influencing stem cell fate

Scientists at Northwestern University developed a powerful analytical method called nanocombinatorics to rapidly identify the chemical and physical structures that cue stem cells to become osteocytes. The researchers successfully directed stem cell differentiation without additional chemical cues, demonstrating better control than curr...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2012

The challenges of cancer vaccines

Therapeutic cancer vaccines are being evaluated in clinical trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors and small-molecule targeted therapies to overcome immunosuppressive entities. Patients with fewer chemotherapeutic regimens respond better to vaccines, indicating a shift towards combination therapies.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 6, 2012

Surgery recommended as early intervention for some with epilepsy

A study found that 73% of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy who underwent surgery were seizure-free after two years. The procedure, called anteromesial temporal resection, also improved quality of life for those patients. Early diagnosis and referral to specialized centers are crucial for optimal treatment outcomes.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJAMA·DateMar 6, 2012

Developing health systems guidance: New series

A new series of health system guidance is needed to address challenges such as translating research in low- and middle-income countries. The authors suggest that further research is required to develop meaningful advice on health systems complexity, political systems, and contexts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 6, 2012

Cebit 2012: 3-D animations for everyone

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics have developed two computer programs that can create 3D characters in mere seconds. The software uses databases of pre-made models to simplify the creation process, allowing users to assemble and animate their own custom characters.

New depression treatment 'safe and effective'

A major Australian study of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has found up to half of depressed participants experienced substantial improvements after receiving the treatment. The largest randomized controlled trial to date confirms previous reports of significant antidepressant effects, with results showing improved atte...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 2012

2 heads are not always better than 1

A study by Julia Minson and Jennifer S. Mueller found that collaboration can exacerbate the rejection of outside information, leading to reduced judgment accuracy. Despite initial marginally higher accuracy, pairs' estimates quickly matched those of individuals after revision, highlighting the importance of considering outside input.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 6, 2012

Study finds estrogen-only HRT continues to protect women against breast cancer long after they have stopped taking the treatment

Women who used estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are less likely to develop breast cancer and die from the disease compared to those who never used HRT. The study, based on data from over 7,500 women, found a 23% reduction in breast cancer incidence and a 63% reduction in deaths from the disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMar 6, 2012

CNIO scientists discover in studies with mice that an anti-cancer gene also fights obesity

Researchers found that an anti-cancer gene can help combat obesity and age-related diseases by activating brown fat, a type of tissue that burns off excess fat. A synthetic compound with the same effect has been developed, offering hope for a new drug to boost tumour suppressors or improve nutrient metabolism.

Innovative efforts to reduce colorectal cancer disparities in Alaska Native population

A new study describes innovative efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among Alaska Natives, resulting in a 55% statewide screening rate. The pilot projects included training mid-level providers, itinerant endoscopy services, patient navigator services, and database creation to identify high-risk individuals.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMar 6, 2012

The cutting edge

Using guillotine-based experiments and computer modeling, researchers at the University of Bristol studied the efficiency of bladed tooth shapes. They found that different shaped teeth are optimized for different types of food, with V-shaped edges being similar to those found in sharks and carnivorous mammals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInterface·DateMar 6, 2012

Give your snack a national nutrition month makeover with pistachios

Consuming tree nuts like pistachios is associated with lower risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including abdominal obesity, hypertension, and elevated fasting glucose. Pistachios are also high in fiber, vitamin B6, manganese, and copper, making them a healthy snack option that can aid in weight management and support heart health.

SourceParamount Farms·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateMar 6, 2012

Galaxy cluster hidden in plain view

The team discovered the most distant cluster of red galaxies, 30 galaxies packed together, 10.5 billion light years away, and formed the earliest known 'galaxy city' in the universe. The findings revealed a conspicuous concentration of galaxies that existed three billion years ago, providing insights into galaxy evolution and assembly.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 6, 2012

New Notre Dame study examines density stratification on microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have found that density stratification has a significant impact on small organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Organisms near pycnoclines experience reduced risk of predation, affording a competitive advantage, which can lead to an accumulation of particles and alter environmental processes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2012