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Science News Archive February 2013 - Page 9


Page 9 of 28

Data pooling in biobanks: The BIOPOOL project

The BIOPOOL project aggregates data from European biobanks to facilitate faster and more accurate cancer diagnoses. This initiative enables clinicians to compare biopsy images of patients with those of numerous other patients, reducing the need for invasive tests and improving treatment outcomes.

Study shows long-term efficacy of minimally invasive therapy for patients with Barrett's esophagus

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that minimally invasive therapies can effectively remove damaged cells from patients with Barrett's esophagus, reducing cancer progression. In over two-thirds of cases, patients had no signs of disease return for years.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateFeb 20, 2013

Study advances LSUHSC research, shows fish oil component reduces brain damage in newborns

Researchers discovered a novel use of a fish oil component that reduced brain trauma in newborn mice by about 50%. The study found that injecting docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within two hours of ischemic stroke significantly decreased neonatal brain damage. DHA provided protection while other omega-3 fatty acids did not.

A self-healing protective coating for concrete

Scientists have developed a self-healing protective coating for concrete cracks that can repair itself using sunlight. The coating contains microcapsules loaded with a material that seals cracks upon cracking, providing an environmentally friendly solution to protect infrastructure from deterioration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 20, 2013

Bracelet-like device controls chronic acid reflux, study finds

A new device encircles the esophagus valve to control chronic acid reflux, easing symptoms in 92% of patients and allowing 87% to stop using acid-suppressing drugs. Installation is minimally invasive, taking one to two hours, and patients experience significant improvement with 94% satisfaction.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2013

Signaling pathway linked to fetal alcohol risk

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a signaling pathway that may determine genetic susceptibility for the development of FASD. The study found that phosphorylation events inside cells can render L1 adhesion molecules more vulnerable to alcohol's inhibitory effects, providing new targets for diagnosis and therapy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2013

New taxonomy of platinum nanoclusters

Researchers have catalogued the structural diversity of metallic nanoclusters into families using a new numerical simulation method. This breakthrough enables tailoring of specific properties and has potential applications in nanocatalysis and magnetic storage.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 20, 2013

UCLA life scientists identify drug that could aid treatment of anxiety disorders

A new study suggests that scopolamine can help boost the effectiveness of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders by disrupting contextual processing. Researchers found that administering scopolamine to rats during anxiety-extinction led to fear-recovery being thwarted, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventing relapse.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 2013

Prescription problems for vets on reflux drug

A new Northwestern University study found that US veterans diagnosed with GERD are frequently prescribed high doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and kept on the drug for too long. The researchers evaluated over 1,600 patients and found that nearly 25% were given high total daily dose prescriptions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2013

Preclinical study shows potential of new technologies to detect response to cancer therapy earlier

A preclinical study uses ultrasonic molecular imaging and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Perfusion Imaging to measure response to pancreatic cancer therapy. The study reveals that these new technologies can detect molecular signs of tumor response after just 2 days, improving the early identification of therapeutic response.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalTechnology in Cancer Research & Treatment·DateFeb 20, 2013

'I'm not just fat, I'm old!'

A study published in Journal of Eating Disorders found that women's conversations about weight, known as 'fat talk,' were more prevalent during younger years. In contrast, discussions about aging, or 'old talk,' increased with age and were less frequent. Women who engaged in both types of talk tended to have a more negative body image.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateFeb 20, 2013

Using millions of gigs of data to improve human health

The National Institutes of Health is launching a $700 million project to develop a common data-sharing framework for biomedical research. This framework aims to integrate millions of gigabytes of data from various disciplines, enabling researchers to tap into a gold mine of information and improve disease treatment and cure rates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 20, 2013

New findings on debated authorship

New findings from a 10-year project led by Professor Derek Abbott reveal that the US Federalist Papers are written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay with some collaboration. The Letter to the Hebrews is attributed to Saint Paul but shares similarities with other authors like Luke and Barnabas.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2013

The brainless origin of our head

Researchers discovered that ancient sea anemones use the same genes to form their heads as humans and other animals, providing insight into brain evolution. The study found that these 'head genes' control development of sensory centers in both sea anemones and higher animals.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 20, 2013

Increasing evidence links high glycemic index foods and dairy products to acne

A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found a significant association between high glycemic index diets and dairy consumption with acne. Medical nutrition therapy is recommended as an adjunct treatment for acne treatment. The study suggests that diet may influence or aggravate acne, rather than causing it.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateFeb 20, 2013