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Science News for September 21, 2012


Mount Sinai researchers identify predictors for inpatient pain

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified reliable predictors of pain in inpatients, enabling interdisciplinary teams to develop targeted intervention plans. These plans resulted in decreased pain levels and increased patient satisfaction across various departments, with reported pain levels decreasing by 3.6% per quarter.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateSep 21, 2012

New ways to protect female fertility

Researchers found that blocking the activity of PUMA and NOXA proteins may lead to new strategies to protect women's fertility. The study also showed that missing these proteins can provide protection against radiation damage, potentially delaying menopause and prolonging female fertility.

SourceMonash University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 21, 2012

Horticultural hijacking

Researchers reveal that beneficial root bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis, suppress plant immunity to control the relationship, boosting growth through nitrogen conversion. This complex interaction raises questions about the benefits and drawbacks of these symbiotic relationships.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateSep 21, 2012

New study shows providing non-caloric beverages to teens can help them avoid excessive weight gain

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adolescents who eliminated sugar-sweetened beverages for one year gained less weight than those who didn't. The study showed that providing non-caloric beverages to teens can be an effective intervention to help combat adolescent obesity.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 21, 2012

Growing corn to treat rare disease

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a novel technology to produce an enzyme used to treat lysosomal storage disease, reducing costs by up to $300,000 per year. The breakthrough uses greenhouse-grown maize seeds to manipulate messenger RNAs and control sugar processing, paving the way for more affordable treatments.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2012

'Kick-starting' male fertility

Researchers found that eggs that don't fertilise due to defective PLCz protein can be treated with human PLCz, initiating fertilisation and improving pregnancy chances. The study strengthens potential use of PLCz in treating male infertility.

SourceCardiff University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateSep 21, 2012

Documenting women's experiences with chromosome abnormalities found in new prenatal test

A new study has documented the experiences of women receiving abnormal prenatal chromosomal microarray testing results, revealing a range of negative reactions. The research highlights the importance of providing emotional support and nuanced counseling to help parents navigate the ambiguities of genetic testing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 21, 2012

Simple ovarian cancer symptom survey that checks for 6 warning signs may improve early detection

A simple three-question paper-and-pencil survey can effectively identify women experiencing symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer. The study involved 1,200 women and found that the screening tool identified 5% of women with a positive symptom score, resulting in one diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalOpen Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 21, 2012

Columbia researchers report novel approach for single molecule electronic DNA sequencing

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel approach for single molecule electronic DNA sequencing that can accurately distinguish four DNA bases using nanopores. The technique, called Nano-SBS, uses distinct chemical tags to label DNA building blocks, overcoming the challenge of small differences among the four nucleotides.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2012

Giving lithium to those who need it

New research found that lithium-responsive patients exhibit increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes like Bcl2 and IRS2, while those who don't respond show decreased Bcl2 levels. This study provides insight into personalized treatment for bipolar disorder.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBiology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders·DateSep 21, 2012