Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2012 - Page 5


Page 5 of 33

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

C'est difficile

A combination of six naturally occurring bacteria eradicates a highly contagious form of Clostridium difficile, a cause of bloating, diarrhea, and over 2,000 UK deaths in 2011. Faecal transplantation resolves symptoms and contagiousness, but the new approach aims to reduce antibiotic use.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 25, 2012

DNA's double stranded stretch

Researchers used a coupled discrete wormlike chain-Ising model to simulate DNA stretching and confirm two structural transitions at forces of around 65 pN and 135 pN. Beyond 135 pN, DNA strands peel apart into single-stranded DNAs similar to those obtained through thermal denaturation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 25, 2012