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Science News Archive September 2012 - Page 22


Page 22 of 27

University of Alberta medical scientists first in the world to look at structure of vital molecule

University of Alberta medical scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the structure of molybdenum, a critical metal in human health. The research reveals two forms of the molecule with distinct functions, providing new insights into diseases such as metabolic and respiratory disorders.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2012

Changes in water chemistry leave lake critters defenseless

A new study found that changes in lake water chemistry, caused by acid rain and logging, are leaving small water organisms like plankton without adequate armor, making them easy prey for predators. The researchers warn that this could have significant consequences for the entire ecosystem.

SourceYork University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2012

Improving diagnosis of thyroid nodules

Researchers developed a Bayesian Artificial Neural Network model to analyze gene expression levels from over 90 FNA samples. The model identified eight biomarkers capable of distinguishing between malignant and benign tumours with high accuracy. This approach could potentially reduce the number of people with benign nodules undergoing ...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateSep 6, 2012

Protein critical to gut lining repair

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified Wnt5a as a critical protein for reconstructing glands in the intestinal lining, which is key to repairing damaged gut tissue. The study provides new insights into the process of gut regeneration and potential therapeutic targets for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2012

Rust never sleeps

Electron mobility in iron oxide is crucial for understanding chemical reaction mechanisms, including uranium groundwater reactions and low-cost solar energy devices. The study reveals the rates of electron transport vary depending on iron oxide structure, with rates ranging from a single hop to five hops per nanosecond.

Childhood sexual abuse linked to later heart attacks in men

A new study by the University of Toronto found that men who experienced childhood sexual abuse are three times more likely to have a heart attack than men who were not sexually abused as children. The researchers also noted that the pathways linking childhood sexual abuse to physical health outcomes in later life may be gender-specific.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateSep 6, 2012

Predicting how patients respond to therapy

A new study found that brain scans can predict patients' responses to cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder. The researchers measured brain activity while patients looked at faces before treatment and found those with greater activity in high-level visual processing areas showed the most improvement after therapy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2012

Deep-sea crabs grab grub using UV vision

Researchers discovered that deep-sea crabs can detect shorter wavelengths of light, including ultraviolet and blue light, allowing them to identify toxic corals and distinguish between edible plankton. This sensitivity may enable the crabs to color-code their food using UV vision.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 6, 2012

The Lancet series on universal health coverage

A Lancet series examines the social, political, and economic issues surrounding universal health coverage. The evidence suggests that progress towards UHC leads to substantial improvements in population health, particularly for the poorest people. However, countries relying predominantly on out-of-pocket payments have not achieved UHC....

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 6, 2012

Hispanic lung cancer patients have higher survival than non-Hispanic white patients

A study of 14,829 Hispanic lung cancer patients from the California Cancer Registry found that foreign-born Hispanics have an even lower risk of death due to improved socio-economic factors and neighborhood conditions. This contradicts the traditional 'Hispanic paradox' by highlighting the positive impact of social factors on survival.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 6, 2012

Modeling sepsis in newborns

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have created a model to study sepsis in newborns, identifying diagnostic markers and potential treatments. The model has shown that even at the earliest hours of life, newborns can mount a robust inflammatory response to bacterial challenge.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2012