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Science News Archive March 2012 - Page 9


Page 9 of 32

OB/GYN screening may help detect heart disease risk

A pilot program at OB/GYN clinics screened 2,234 women for cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Cardiovascular assessment in these settings may enhance primary prevention and education to female patients. Many women are unaware of their heart disease risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 25, 2012

Inner weapons against allergies: Gut bacteria control allergic diseases

Researchers discovered that gut bacteria play a crucial role in controlling allergic inflammation by regulating basophil responses and limiting IgE production. The study's findings suggest that targeting the commensal bacterial population may be beneficial in treating allergic diseases, offering new therapeutic options for asthma and o...

Bone marrow stem cells improve heart function, study finds

A study led by Mayo Clinic researchers found that bone marrow-derived stem cells improved ejection fraction, a measure of the left ventricle's pumping ability, by 2.7% in patients with chronic heart failure. The most significant improvements were seen in younger patients and those with enriched CD34+ and CD133+ type of stem cells.

Long-term outcomes of TAVI show non-cardiac co-morbidities main cause of mortality

A Canadian study reveals that non-cardiac co-morbidities such as COPD and chronic kidney disease are the main predictors of late mortality after TAVI, emphasizing the importance of closer patient evaluation and follow-up. The study also shows that valve performance is maintained throughout the follow-up period.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 24, 2012

To get the full story you need to know the motifs

A team of researchers has developed a new tool to identify conserved motifs in the genomes of trypanosomatids, a group of parasites that include the causing agents of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. The tool, named LeischCICS, uses bioinformatics tools to pinpoint potentially functional and regulatory sequences.

SourcePublicase International·JournalMolecular and Biochemical Parasitology·DateMar 24, 2012

Seeing is believeing with clogged arteries

A study found that patients who viewed images of their coronary artery calcium scores were more likely to take statins as directed and lose weight, with compliance increasing as disease severity increased. This suggests that visualizing the extent of cardiovascular disease can motivate patients to adhere to recommended therapies.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 24, 2012

New epilepsy gene located in dogs

A new epilepsy gene has been discovered in dogs, specifically in Belgian Shepherds, which is associated with a seven-fold increased risk of epilepsy. The research also suggests that other genetic risk factors may be present in the breed, and ongoing studies aim to identify the specific gene causing epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 23, 2012

Plant DNA speaks English, identifies new species

Researchers have successfully diagnosed a new species of plant using DNA barcoding, a method that relies on short DNA sequences for identification. The study marks a significant shift towards English-language diagnoses, which will enable scientists to more easily share and verify findings.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateMar 23, 2012

Danes top international health study

A new international study on healthy heating found that Danes are most willing to accept economic interventions to promote healthy eating habits, with 70% prepared to pay more tax for healthier food. Danish consumers also show a positive attitude towards public authorities and high taxes, leading to higher support for nutritional changes.

'Bed-of-nails' breast implant deters cancer cells

Researchers have developed a breast implant with a 'bed-of-nails' surface at the nanoscale that reduces cancer cell growth and promotes healthy endothelial breast cells. The implant's unique surface features deter cancerous cells from dwelling and thriving, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceBrown University·JournalNanotechnology·DateMar 23, 2012