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Science News for February 8, 2013


Comparing mechanical clot removal and standard medical therapy for severe stroke

A new randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of mechanical clot removal with standard medical therapy in treating severe strokes. The study, led by Georgetown University Medical Center, found that removing blood clots within eight hours of stroke symptoms improved survival outcomes and reduced disability levels.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2013

Physicians' belief about obesity causes impacts advice and care

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that physicians who believe overconsumption of food contributes to obesity are more likely to advise patients to modify nutritional habits. The study analyzed data from 500 US primary care physicians and found a significant correlation between physician beliefs and counse...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2013

Rooting out recurrent breast cancer

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that TGF-β is highly expressed in triple negative breast cancer cells after chemotherapy. In a mouse model, blocking TGF-β prevented tumor recurrence and enhanced chemotherapy action against triple negative breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2013

Villain stomach bug may have a sweet side

Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered that Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium blamed for health issues like gastritis and gastric cancer, helps balance the stomach's ecosystem and control body weight and glucose tolerance in mice. The findings suggest that H. pylori may provide important metabolic traits required to combat diabetes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 8, 2013

Studies reveal that blocking TGF-β can prevent tumor recurrence in mice with triple negative breast cancer. Additionally, targeting specific subsets of immune cells, such as CD8+ regulatory T-cells, may provide a new approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2013

Imaging acute ischemic stroke patients' brains did not lead to improved outcomes

A recent NIH-funded study found that using advanced imaging shortly after an acute ischemic stroke did not identify a subgroup of patients who could benefit from clot removal procedures. The study, MR RESCUE, tested an invasive clot removal strategy in patients with large clots blocking major brain arteries.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2013

Pitt/UPMC team describes findings from BCI study in spinal cord-injured man in PLoS One

Researchers at Pitt/UPMC successfully used brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to enable a paralyzed man to control a computer cursor and robot arm with his thoughts. The study, published in PLoS ONE, demonstrates the potential for BCI technology to help individuals regain independence after spinal cord injuries.

Support needed for children losing parent at early age

A study exploring the impact of early parental death found that individuals experiencing bereavement as children are more likely to experience low self-esteem, loneliness, and isolation in adult life. Researchers recommend providing essential practical support and maintaining social networks to mitigate these effects.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2013

Targeting T cells in rheumatoid arthritis

A subset of regulatory T cells has been identified that can remove pathogenic T cells, inhibiting disease progression in RA-like conditions. Small proteins have also been found to induce more of these beneficial T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2013

New brain-test app

A new study by researchers at the University of Bergen found that an iPhone app, iDichotic, produces as reliable results as laboratory tests. The app measures brain function in language processing and attention, opening up new possibilities for psychological research and remote testing.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2013