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Science News Archive January 2013 - Page 6


Page 6 of 27

First guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's released

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published the first guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's disease, providing a framework for healthcare practitioners to determine when to order this test. The guidelines emphasize that amyloid PET imaging should be used judiciously, particularly among elderly indi...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 28, 2013

Dual-hormone artificial pancreas is a step closer for patients with Type 1 diabetes

A randomized trial shows that the dual-hormone artificial pancreas system improved glucose levels and reduced hypoglycemia compared to conventional pump treatment in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The system delivered insulin and glucagon using continuous glucose sensor readings and an intelligent dosing algorithm.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 28, 2013

New research uncovers the neural mechanism underlying drug cravings

Researchers found that the lateral and orbital regions of the frontal cortex interact during drug-related cues, suggesting that addiction may result from abnormal brain circuitry. The study's findings suggest that a therapeutic approach for addiction could be developed by targeting this neural circuit.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

Bioinspired fibers change color when stretched

Researchers at Harvard University have developed color-changing photonic fibers inspired by nature, which can pass through a full rainbow of colors as they're stretched. The fibers' superior mechanical properties make them versatile for various applications, including smart sports textiles and sensors.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 28, 2013

New technique sheds light on RNA

A new technique called Bru-Seq allows researchers to label newly created RNA, enabling them to analyze the synthesis and stability of RNA in cancer cells. This breakthrough has the potential to provide deeper insights into gene expression and identify early warning signs of disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

Clinical trials with nonblinded outcome assessors have high observer bias

A systematic review of 24 randomized clinical trials found significant observer bias in nonblinded outcome assessment, favoring a more beneficial treatment effect. The study recommends using blinded assessors to remove this bias and suggests that conscientious nonblinded assessors may overcompensate for expected biases.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 28, 2013

Study finds taking the stairs, raking leaves may have same health benefits as a trip to the gym

A study of over 6,000 American adults found that incorporating short bursts of physical activity into daily life can be beneficial for improving health outcomes such as metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. Researchers suggest making movement a way of life by adding activity to everyday tasks like walking or raking leaves.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJan 28, 2013

A safer way to vaccinate

Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of vaccine-delivery film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins, potentially overcoming safety risks and improving effectiveness. The film is implanted under the skin using microneedles and degrades over time, releasing the vaccine over days or weeks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 28, 2013

Researchers find genes behind aggressive endometrial cancer

Researchers at Yale University have defined the genetic landscape of uterine serous carcinoma (USC), a chemo-resistant form of endometrial cancer. The study identifies three previously unknown genes that play a role in tumor growth and development, offering new avenues for personalized therapy.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2013

New study shows stable fisher population in the Southern Sierra Nevada

A recent study by the USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station has found that fisher populations in the southern Sierra Nevada are stable. The research, which monitored fisher distribution across a 7,606-square-mile area over eight years, found no increase or decrease in population numbers.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalJournal of Fish and Wildlife Management·DateJan 28, 2013

Stem cells aid recovery from stroke

A study published in BioMed Central's Stem Cell Research & Therapy journal found that stem cells from bone marrow or fat improved brain and nerve repair after stroke in rats. The treated animals showed significant functional recovery, even without the stem cells migrating to the damaged area.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateJan 27, 2013

Singapore scientists led by A*STAR's GIS identify 4 mechanisms that contribute to gastric cancers

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore discovered four processes that cause mutations in gastric cancer, including one triggered by bacterial infection. These findings pave the way for diagnostics and targeted therapy, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.

Rice technique points toward 2-D devices

Rice University scientists develop a technique to combine single-atom-thick graphene and hexagonal boron nitride into sheets with controlled patterns. The new method enables the creation of fully functional devices with circuits on the same scale as current semiconductor fabrication.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 27, 2013

Quantum communication: Each photon counts

A new single-photon detector has been developed, achieving a previously unattained detection efficiency of 91% and low error rate. The detector's high performance enables reliable detection of single photons, crucial for optical data transmission and quantum computation.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 25, 2013

Researchers found that stress accelerates prostate cancer development in mice, while a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene disrupts a cellular complex essential for hearing. Combining green tea extract with vardenafil enhances anti-cancer effects in a mouse model of multiple myeloma.

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

Prostate cancer cells thrive on stress

A recent study found that stress can accelerate prostate cancer development in mice, with adrenaline blocking cancer cell death. Conversely, drugs that inhibited adrenaline signaling ablated the effect of stress on prostate cancer. This suggests that beta-blockers could enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies.

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