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Science News Archive October 2014 - Page 11


Page 11 of 35

Herbal medicines could contain dangerous levels of toxic mold

A recent study found that 43% of medicinal plants in Pakistan were naturally contaminated with toxins produced by moulds. The levels exceeded permissible limits in 70% of the samples, and 31% produced harmful toxins. This highlights a need for stricter regulation to protect people using herbal medicines.

SourceElsevier·JournalFungal Biology·DateOct 23, 2014

Dartmouth study measures breast cancer tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

A Dartmouth study found that Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Tomography (DOST) imaging can accurately predict which patients will respond well to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, enabling earlier and more effective treatment. This breakthrough could significantly improve disease-free survival rates for breast cancer patients.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 23, 2014

The Lancet: The hidden truth about the health of homeless people

A new series on homelessness in high-income countries highlights the alarming health risks faced by homeless individuals, including higher rates of tuberculosis and depression. The series also notes that despite an expansion of services, the risk of death among homeless people has remained similar over the past 20 years.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 23, 2014

Teens whose parents exert more psychological control have trouble with closeness, independence

A new longitudinal study found that teens whose parents exerted more psychological control at age 13 had problems establishing friendships and romantic relationships with balanced closeness and independence. The study suggests that parents' use of psychological control can hinder teens' development of autonomy in relationships.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 23, 2014

Gene identified for immune system reset after infection

Researchers at Duke University have discovered a key gene that regulates the immune system's transition from high alert to recovery after an infection. The finding, published in PLOS Genetics, highlights the importance of cellular homeostasis in repairing tissue damage and eliminating bacterial toxins.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 23, 2014

Expert recommendations for diagnosing pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome

A consensus statement from leading clinicians and researchers recommends a systematic approach to evaluating youngsters with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. The guidelines aim to clarify diagnostic boundaries, develop evaluation strategies, and identify urgently needed studies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateOct 22, 2014

When heart cancer hides in the brain

Two patients with cardiac lymphoma presented with brain metastasis, highlighting the need for identifying prognostic factors that predict brain relapse. Cardiac lymphoma is a rare condition often overlooked due to its potential for central nervous system metastasis.

Sourceecancermedicalscience·Journalecancermedicalscience·DateOct 22, 2014

Cooling with molecules

Researchers at Bielefeld University and colleagues successfully cooled to minus 272.15 degrees Celsius using magnetic molecules, surpassing absolute zero. The discovery could provide an alternative to helium-based refrigerants and has implications for various applications such as transparent magnets and nano data memoires.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2014

Early intervention could boost education levels

Researchers found that progressive educational interventions can improve school entry academic skills and later educational outcomes, leading to a potential 5% increase in population-level academic achievement. The study suggests that pre-school education is crucial in setting children on the right path, with the potential to reduce so...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalChild Development·DateOct 22, 2014

Molecule could suppress immune system's 'friendly fire'

Researchers have discovered a molecule, IGF-1, that can induce the production of T-reg cells, suppressing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The findings confirm IGF-1's direct action on T-reg cells, making it a promising therapeutic option for conditions like type-1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

SourceMonash University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 22, 2014

UTMB researchers uncover powerful new class of weapons in the war on cancer

Researchers at UTMB have discovered three small-molecule compounds that activate Bax and induce high levels of cell death in lung cancer cells without harming noncancerous tissues. These findings represent a new class of anticancer drugs with a unique therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers expressing Bax, including lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2014

Two families of comets found around nearby star

The study reveals two distinct families of exocomets in the Beta Pictoris system: old and recent ones. The old family has weak activity with low gas production rates, while the second family is more active and likely originates from a single object's breakup.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2014

BJOG releases MPT special supplement

A new supplement in BJOG explores the potential of broad-spectrum prevention methods that can prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. The research highlights the need for funding to spur innovation and close gaps in development.

SourceCAMI Health·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateOct 22, 2014