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Science News for October 26, 2012


Models developed from the PLCO may help identify at-risk patients for adverse smoking outcomes

Researchers developed models from PLCO data to predict smoking status, finding that relapse and continued smoking are linked to demographic and tobacco-related characteristics. The models suggest variables like longer-term smokers, recent quitters, and pipe or cigar smokers are at higher risk for relapse.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 26, 2012

Moffitt Researchers find genetic predictors of fatigue for some prostate cancer patients

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that men with prostate cancer who receive androgen deprivation therapy are susceptible to heightened fatigue if they carry specific variants of the IL6 and TNFA genes. This discovery highlights the importance of personalized medicine in tailoring therapies to a patient's genetic profile.

ESDM early intervention improves brain activity associated with social cues

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has been found to improve social skills and brain responses to social cues in young children with autism. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, showed that ESDM increased brain activity associated with recognizing and perceiving social information.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2012

Princess by proxy: When child beauty pageants aren't about the kids

A new study suggests that high-glitz child pageants are more about satisfying parents than the children's needs. Participation can lead to harm in children's health and self-esteem due to pressure for physical perfection and objectification. The author warns of 'princess by proxy' distortion where parents prioritize their own achieveme...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2012

Stimulating brain cells with light

Scientists at Lund University are using optogenetics to investigate the behavior of transplanted brain cells in a model of Parkinson's disease. The study aims to determine whether light can be used to reinforce dopamine production and improve the effectiveness of nerve cell transplantation.

Autism early intervention found to normalize brain activity in children as young as 18 months

A nationwide study found that intensive early intervention therapy can normalize brain activity, decrease autism symptoms and improve social skills in young children with autism. The therapy, called Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), was effective in improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2012