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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 65


Page 65 of 352

Understanding DNA damage

Researchers have devised a model of DNA's close environment under threat from low-energy electrons, revealing their effects on DNA in natural conditions. The study aims to improve current uses of radiation, such as in cancer treatments and diagnostic procedures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 25, 2013

Nano-dwarves turn tumor assassins

Researchers from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed nanoparticles that selectively deliver doxorubicin to cancer cells, reducing side effects. In laboratory tests, encapsulated doxorubicin was found to be 5 times more effective than unencapsulated form in eliminating malignant cells.

Expert panel issues recommendations for 'Dyspnea Crisis'

The American Thoracic Society expert panel recommends that patients work with their providers to develop individualized action plans to prevent 'dyspnea crisis' episodes. These plans can include alternative relaxation and breathing techniques, medications, and oxygen therapy to ease symptoms.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateOct 25, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 25, 2013

Researchers found ionizing radiation exposure promotes formation of fusion oncogenes in papillary thyroid cancers. In another study, the origin of lethal prostate cancer was traced back to a small, low-grade focus in the primary tumor. Additionally, reduced reactive oxygen species production in diabetic kidneys may contribute to diseas...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Ionizing radiation exposure promotes fusion oncogene formation

Researchers identified chromosomal rearrangements that result in fusion oncogenes in post-Chernobyl radiation-induced thyroid cancers. These events promote upregulation of MAPK signaling, a common cancer-associated pathway. The study offers new understanding into how ionizing radiation exposure contributes to cancer development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Measuring blood sugar with light

Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive method to measure blood sugar levels using photoacoustic spectroscopy and infrared laser light. The technology has the potential to make diabetes management easier and more reliable without pricking or using test strips.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 25, 2013

Surprises discovered in decoded kiwifruit genome

The decoded kiwifruit genome shows significant genetic similarities with other plant species like potatoes and tomatoes, highlighting two major evolutionary events that occurred millions of years ago. The study provides valuable resources for kiwifruit research and breeding programs to improve fruit quality and disease resistance.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2013

BUSM researchers identify molecule that could aid lung cancer detection, treatment

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a regulatory molecule, miR-4423, that is less abundant in people with lung cancer and inhibits lung cancer cell growth. This molecule may aid in diagnosing lung cancer in earlier stages and treating the disease when at healthy levels.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2013

No longer a man's race

A Northwestern University study analyzed data from over 400,000 runners in 10 large 10km road racing events. The top groups of men and women appear to be getting faster, with more sub-hour finishers among women. An increasing percentage of finishers are completing races in more than one hour.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateOct 25, 2013

Young obese women could reduce their stroke risk

A recent study published in the Lancet found that young obese women with metabolic disorders are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which can increase their likelihood of having a stroke. In contrast, young women who are overweight or obese without metabolic disorders do not have an incr...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2013

Proteins in one of the world's main biodiesel plants have been mapped -- and it does not look good

A team of researchers has successfully mapped 1875 castor bean proteins using proteomics, revealing the presence of toxic allergens and ricin. The findings suggest that eliminating these substances may be difficult due to their concentration in mature beans, making it hard to harvest beans before they reach full maturity.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateOct 25, 2013

Itch maintains regulatory T cell stability

Researchers found that Itch maintains the stability of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which promotes Th2 inflammatory responses and severe airway inflammation in mice. This study highlights the importance of Itch in regulating immune responses and preventing allergic diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2013

Social service barriers delay care among women with abnormal cancer screening

A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that women with multiple social barriers to healthcare faced longer delays in cancer screening follow-up. The study, which looked at 1,493 subjects enrolled in the Boston Patient Navigation Research Program, showed that social barriers were a significant obstacle ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2013

Loss and damage from climate change

Research papers from nine vulnerable countries reveal four loss and damage pathways caused by climate stressors, including insufficient coping measures and negative economic impacts. The study highlights the need for ambitious mitigation and adaptation to prevent loss and damage that undermines sustainable development.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Warming·DateOct 25, 2013

Hope of new treatment for severe asthma patients

A new study from RIKEN and Keio University reveals that Pimozide can restore steroid effects on natural helper cells in severe asthmatic patients. Researchers found that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) induces corticosteroid resistance in these cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2013

Lou Gehrig's disease: From patient stem cells to potential treatment strategy in one study

A team of doctors and scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center used stem cell technology to create neurons from patients' skin cells and block the damaging effects of a defective gene. The study provides proof of concept for a new therapeutic strategy, suggesting a potential future therapy for Lou Gehrig's disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 25, 2013

Green algae move to the beat

Max Planck researchers demonstrate how the green alga Chlamydomonas synchronizes its two flagella using a resourceful rocking movement. The resulting mechanism is based solely on the coupling of the two movements, with no special sensors or chemical signals required.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2013

Reading ancient climate from plankton shells

Researchers have discovered that plankton shells contain growth bands that record daily variations in magnesium chemistry, providing a proxy for past ocean temperature. This breakthrough allows scientists to study short timescale changes in ocean temperatures hundreds of millions of years ago.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateOct 25, 2013