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Science News for August 27, 2013


Hybrid screening strategy emerges for colorectal cancer

A new study suggests a hybrid screening strategy that combines annual or biennial fecal immunological tests with a single colonoscopy at age 66 may reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality while lowering costs. This approach can deliver health benefits comparable to current strategies, making it an attractive alternative.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 27, 2013

Genetic variant identified that may increase heart disease risk among people with type 2 diabetes

A study led by Harvard School of Public Health identified a novel genetic variant associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. The finding suggests that the genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be different among those with and without diabetes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateAug 27, 2013

Generational shift in attitudes among young footballers towards gay teammates

A recent study has found that attitudes towards gay athletes among young British players have shifted significantly over the past decade. Young footballers on the verge of becoming professionals are now more likely to be supportive of gay teammates, with all participants openly accepting one of their colleagues coming out.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport·DateAug 27, 2013

Tennessee high school students publish in top science journal

Two Tennessee high school students, Dalton Chaffee and Hayes Griffin, published their research on mate choice in the journal Evolution, shedding new light on how mate selection is influenced by sexual imprinting. The study revealed that females' ability to identify preferred mates affects the evolution of sexual imprinting.

Calcium supplements may not prevent bone loss in women with breast cancer

A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology found that calcium and vitamin D supplements do not prevent bone mineral density loss in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Women with breast cancer experience a higher rate of bone loss than healthy counterparts, increasing their risk of fractures.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCritical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology·DateAug 27, 2013

Contagious savings

Researchers found that commercial Alternative Quality Contract programs reduce spending and improve quality for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. Providers in these plans implement systemic changes that result in higher-value care for all patients, not just those covered by the plan.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateAug 27, 2013

A strategy for combating drug-resistant cancers

Researchers have identified a compound, I-Lys, that disrupts the interaction between CASP7 and XIAP in drug-resistant cancer cells, leading to activation of cell death and reduction in malignancies. The study suggests a promising approach for combating drug-resistant cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

UTHealth, Swedish researchers uncover mystery in blood clotting disorder

Researchers from UTHealth and Lund University have discovered a genetic variant in the Factor V gene causing an abnormal form of the protein FV-Short, leading to excessive TFPI formation and uncontrolled bleeding. The study provides insight into the clotting process and offers potential treatment possibilities for the rare condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

Review outlines best practice standards for coordinator-based fracture liaison services

The report provides 13 key standards for effective coordinator-based FLS services, which have been shown to close the treatment gap and manage high-risk patients. Implementing these standards can help healthcare providers identify and treat patients at risk of secondary fractures, reducing future fracture risk and associated costs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateAug 27, 2013

Investigational oral regimen for hepatitis C shows promise in NIH trial

A new all-oral drug regimen has been found to be highly effective in clearing the hepatitis C virus and well tolerated in patients who historically have had unfavorable prognoses. The study showed a cure rate of about 70 percent using regimens without interferon, offering hope for those with chronic HCV infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateAug 27, 2013

Dating violence impedes victims' earnings

A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that dating violence in adolescence leads to lower education levels and reduced earnings. The study, which analyzed survey data from over 500 single mothers, suggests that victims of dating violence are more likely to drop out of school or have limited career opportunities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 27, 2013

How quickly can a bacterium grow?

E. coli bacteria produce at most six times more heat than needed to meet thermodynamic constraints, suggesting they could grow faster and still obey the second law of thermodynamics. This finding has implications for synthetic biology applications and may support the hypothesis that RNA evolved before DNA.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 27, 2013

Anchoring ABL for a better fate

Researchers uncover how ABL regulatory unit controls cell fate in CML, with implications for cancer treatment. The study finds that anchoring ABL on the cell membrane is essential for apoptosis, highlighting a potential target for novel therapies.

SourcePublicase International·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2013

Origin of a hereditary east Texas bleeding disorder

A genetic mutation in coagulation factor 5 is identified as the cause of a severe hereditary bleeding disorder in East Texas. The mutation leads to the production of a truncated form of FV, which forms a complex with tissue factor pathway inhibitor-α that inhibits coagulation pathways.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 27, 2013

Researchers have identified a link between the tight junction protein TRIC and cochlear hair cell preservation, as well as a potential mechanism for combatting drug-resistant cancers. Additionally, studies have found that donor tissue can lead to cancer formation in transplant recipients, highlighting the importance of careful screening.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 27, 2013

Why are some cells more cancer prone?

Researchers discovered 10 specialized subregions within the midgut of fruit flies, each with unique stem cell functions. These regional differences may explain why some organs generate cancer frequently while others rarely. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between tissue organization and stem cell function.

Existence of new element confirmed

Researchers confirm existence of new element with atomic number 115, gaining insight into super-heavy atomic nuclei. The discovery was made using calcium ions to measure photons in connection with the element's alpha decay.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2013

Combination drug regimen may benefit patients with hepatitis C

A combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin achieved high sustained virologic response rates in patients with unfavorable treatment characteristics, including advanced liver disease and high baseline HCV RNA levels. The regimen was well-tolerated and safe, with a lower relapse rate compared to traditional interferon-based therapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 27, 2013

An alga stressed by the light

Excessive sunlight inhibits algae growth, leading to yellowish coloration and stress. The study found a direct relationship between solar radiation, antioxidant activity, and C:N ratio in the alga.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Sea Research·DateAug 27, 2013

The extraordinary evolution of REVs

Researchers discover REVs originated in mammals and spread to birds through medical intervention, revealing an unusual evolutionary history. The study suggests REVs were introduced into poultry and subsequently into avian cell culture systems, impacting wild birds and domestic poultry.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 27, 2013