Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Genome Research
Lice genomes: Pieces of a new puzzle
Parents and school nurses take note. Lice are a nuisance and vectors of serious diseases, such as epidemic typhus, in developing regions. New research indicates that lice may be quite unique in the animal world. In a study published online in Genome Research, scientists analyzed the mitochondrial genome of the human body louse and discovered that it is fragmented into pieces -- a remarkable finding in animals that will spark discussion about how it evolved.
Australian Research Council, University of Queensland
Contact: Peggy Calicchia
calicchi@cshl.edu
516-422-4012
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Functional Ecology
Aussie meat ants may be invasive cane toad's Achilles' heel
Ecologists in Australia have discovered that cane toads are far more susceptible to being killed and eaten by meat ants than native frogs. Their research -- published in the British Ecological Society's journal Functional Ecology -- reveals a chink in the cane toad's armor that could help control the spread of this alien invasive species in tropical Australia.
Contact: Melanie Thomson
melanie.thomson@wiley.com
44-186-547-6270
Wiley-Blackwell
Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Society for General Microbiology Spring Meeting
Handwashing more important than isolation in controlling MRSA superbug infection
Regular handwashing by hospital staff and visitors did more to prevent the spread of the MRSA superbug than isolating infected patients. The rates of cross infection with MRSA when patients were not moved to single rooms or nursed in separate MRSA bays were compared to the periods when patients were moved. There was no evidence of increased transmission of infection when patients were not moved.
Contact: Dianne Stilwell
d.stilwell@sgm.ac.uk
44-795-720-0214
Society for General Microbiology
Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Society for General Microbiology Spring Meeting
Colon cancer and the microbes in your gut
A typical Western diet, rich in meat and fats and low in complex carbohydrates, is a recipe for colon cancer, Professor Stephen O'Keefe from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, told the Society for General Microbiology meeting. He described an expanding body of evidence to show that the composition of the diet directly influences the diversity of the microbes in the gut, providing the link between diet, colonic disease and colon cancer.
Contact: Dianne Stilwell
d.stilwell@sgm.ac.uk
44-795-720-0214
Society for General Microbiology
Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting
Study shows that allergic reactions to Plavix can be treated with steroids and antihistamines
A clinical study of cardiac patients who suffered an allergic reaction to the widely-prescribed drug clopidogrel, also known by the pharmaceutical name Plavix, found that treatment with a combination of steroids and antihistamines can alleviate the allergic reaction symptoms thereby allowing patients to remain on the drug.
Contact: Rick Cushman
richard.cushman@jefferson.edu
215-955-2240
Thomas Jefferson University

Optimal Running Speed Associated With Evolution Of Early Human Hunting Strategies
Science Daily
Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Study of cat diet leads to key nervous system repair discovery
Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats have discovered a surprising ability of the central nervous system to repair itself and restore function.
Contact: Ian Duncan
duncani@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
608-263-9828
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Proceedings of the Russian Academy of Sciences
New theory on largest known mass extinction in the history of the earth
The largest mass extinction in the history could have been triggered off by giant salt lakes, whose emissions of halogenated gases changed the atmospheric composition so dramatically that vegetation was irretrievably damaged. At least that is what an international team of scientists have reported in the "Proceedings of the Russian Academy of Sciences". At the Permian/Triassic boundary, 250 million years ago about 90 percent of the animal and plant species ashore became extinct.
European Commission, Ministry of Education and Research, National Foundation for Research, Russian Foundation for Basic Research, others
Contact: Tilo Arnhold
presse@ufz.de
49-341-235-1635
Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
'Polypill' brings benefit of five drugs for the hassle of one
A pill containing a variety of drugs to treat cardiovascular disease could slash the risk of heart attack and stroke in healthy people
17:55 30 March 2009Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Pain
Oxycodone effective against shingles pain
The painkiller oxycodone is effective at treating the acute pain of shingles, an illness that often causes severe pain which can become long-lasting and sometimes even permanent. Good treatment is crucial. It's possible that the pain of shingles is more likely to become a long-term problem if the pain is not adequately treated initially.
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Novartis, Pfizer
Contact: Tom Rickey
tom_rickey@urmc.rochester.edu
585-275-7954
University of Rochester Medical Center
Subsurface ice on Mars exposed by recent impacts
Several small space rocks that hit Mars in 2008 blasted away topsoil to reveal a layer of water ice lying just below the planet's surface
19:22 30 March 2009
Public Release: 30-Mar-2009
Acta Paediatrica
Time of conception linked to birth defects in United States
A study in the April 2009 issue of Acta Pædiatrica is the first to report that birth defect rates in the US were highest for women conceiving in the spring and summer. The researchers also found that this period of increase risk correlated with increased levels of pesticides in surface water across the US.
Indiana University School of Medicine
Contact: Cindy Fox Aisen
caisen@iupui.edu
317-274-7722
Indiana University
Early humans may have cared for disabled young
An ancient human skull shows signs of a disorder that might have caused mental retardation – and the child's age suggests it had been looked after for years
14:03 31 March 2009
Public Release: 31-Mar-2009
Journal of Neuroscience
Rigorous visual training teaches the brain to see again after stroke
By doing a set of vigorous visual exercises on a computer every day for several months, patients who had gone partially blind as a result of suffering a stroke were able to regain some vision. The work shows a remarkable capacity for "plasticity" in damaged, adult brains.
Research to Prevent Blindness, Pfeiffer Foundation, Schmitt Foundation, NIH/National Eye Institute
Contact: Tom Rickey
tom_rickey@urmc.rochester.edu
585-275-7954
University of Rochester Medical Center
How infection may spark leukaemia
Scientists show how some common infections could trigger childhood leukaemia by perturbing the immune system.
Public Release: 31-Mar-2009
 Genes may time loss of virginity
Although social factors play their part, the age at which people first have sexual intercourse is affected by genes, a study in separated twins suggests
14:36 31 March 2009
Public Release: 31-Mar-2009
Journal of Clinical Nursing
Multi-colored uniforms improve perceptions of hospital nurses among children and parents
Putting hospital nurses in brightly colored, unconventional uniforms makes children more comfortable and parents more confident. 112 children were surveyed before and after nurses on two pediatric wards started wearing colorful new uniforms designed by children as part of a national competition. The children were more likely to use positive words about the nurses after the introduction of the new uniforms and the parents also awarded the nurses higher marks when it came to issues like reassurance.
Contact: Annette Whibley
wizard.media@virgin.net
Wiley-Blackwell
Basics
The Biggest of Puzzles Brought Down to Size
With a bit of reasoning (and a cocktail napkin), you too can crack math’s imponderables.
* Interactive Quiz: Test Your Estimation Abilities
By NATALIE ANGIER
Public Release: 31-Mar-2009
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
Bad mix of bacterial remnants and genetics leads to arthritis
Here's another reason to hate leftovers. A research study appearing in the April 2009 issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology sheds light on one cause of arthritis: bacteria. In the study, scientists from the United States and The Netherlands show that a specific gene called NOD2 triggers arthritis or makes it worse when leftover remnants of bacteria cell walls, called muramyl dipeptide or MDP, are present.
Contact: Cody Mooneyhan
cmooneyhan@faseb.org
301-634-7104
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Observatory
Near-Complete Fossil Offers Insight on Early Fish
Scientists describe a well-preserved and practically complete fish fossil that is 418 million years old.
* Depending on Context, Bird Couples Sing in Harmony or Discord
* Exquisitely Tipped Teeth Let Sea Urchin Carve a Home From Stone
By HENRY FOUNTAIN
Q & A
More Than Skin Deep
My mother used to tell me that the white stuff sticking to orange segments was good for me. Is it?
By C. CLAIBORNE RAY
Public Release: 31-Mar-2009
Annals of Emergency Medicine
Blood test for brain injuries gains momentum
A blood test that can help predict the seriousness of a head injury and detect the status of the blood-brain barrier is a step closer to reality, according to two recently published studies involving University of Rochester Medical Center researchers.
National Institutes of Health, American Geriatrics Society
Contact: Leslie Orr
Leslie_Orr@urmc.rochester.edu
585-275-5774
University of Rochester Medical Center
Public Release: 31-Mar-2009
3-D printing hits rock-bottom prices with homemade ceramics mix
A new, not-so-secret recipe uses artist-grade ceramics powder for 3-D printing. Ceramics objects can now be printed for about three percent the cost of commercial printing mixes.
Contact: Hannah Hickey
hickeyh@u.washington.edu
206-543-2580
University of Washington
Public Release: 1-Apr-2009
IADR 87th General Session & Exhibition
The more oral bacteria, the higher the risk of heart attack, UB study shows
Several studies have suggested there is a connection between organisms that cause gum disease, and the development of heart disease, but few studies have tested this theory. A study conducted at the University at Buffalo now has shown that two oral pathogens in the mouth were associated with an increased risk of having a heart attack, but that the total number of germs, regardless of type, was more important to heart health.
NIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Contact: Lois Baker
ljbaker@buffalo.edu
716-645-5000 x1417
University at Buffalo
 Aircraft could be brought down by DIY 'E-bombs'
Equipment and instructions for building electromagnetic pulse weapons capable of frying aircraft electronics are available on the internet, say experts
FEATURE:  18:00 01 April 2009
Public Release: 1-Apr-2009
Journal of Biological Psychiatry
Drug commonly used for alcoholism, drug addiction, curbs urges of compulsive stealers
It appears that a drug commonly used to treat alcohol and drug addiction has a similar effect on the compulsive behavior of kleptomaniacs -- it curbs their urge to steal, according to new research at the University of Minnesota.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health, University of Minnesota
Contact: Nick Hanson
hans2853@umn.edu
612-624-2449
University of Minnesota
Our complex brains thrive on the edge of chaos
Operating in a state that is neither ordered nor random may help drive our brain's astonishing capabilities
IN BRIEF:  11:36 01 April 2009
Public Release: 1-Apr-2009
Hepatology
New studies examine elimination of hepatitis B and C
Two new studies in the April issue of Hepatology explore the ways that hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus can be cleared from patients' bodies. Hepatology is a journal published by John Wiley & Sons on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The articles are also available online at Wiley Interscience.
Contact: Sean Wagner
medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.com
781-388-8550
Wiley-Blackwell
Public Release: 1-Apr-2009
Nutrition Reviews
Health benefits, consequences of folic acid dependent on circumstances
For the past several decades, evidence has shown that greater dietary intake of the B-vitamin, folate, offers protection against the development of certain common cancers and reduces neural tube defects in newborns, opening new avenues for public health interventions that have a great impact on health. However, folate's central role as an essential factor in DNA synthesis also means that abundant availability of the vitamin can enhance the development of pre-cancerous and cancerous tumors.
Contact: Amy Molnar
professionalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
201-748-8844
Wiley-Blackwell
Public Release: 1-Apr-2009
Brain Research Reviews
Einstein scientists propose new theory of autism
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have proposed a sweeping new theory of autism that suggests that the brains of people with autism are structurally normal but dysregulated, meaning symptoms of the disorder might be reversible.
Contact: Deirdre Branley
dbranley@aecom.yu.edu
718-430-2923
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Public Release: 1-Apr-2009
Journal of Experimental Medicine
New evidence explains poor infant immune response to certain vaccines, says MU researcher
For years, researchers and physicians have known that infants' immune systems do not respond well to certain vaccines. Now, in a new study from the University of Missouri, one researcher has found an explanation for that poor response. In the study, the MU scientist found evidence that the immune systems of newborns might require some time after birth to mature to a point where the benefits of vaccines can be fully realized.
Contact: Christian Basi
BasiC@missouri.edu
573-882-4430
University of Missouri-Columbia
Public Release: 1-Apr-2009
Genes & Development
Ali Shilatifard and colleagues aim to clarify the definition of 'epigenetics'
Ali Shilatifard, Ph.D., Investigator, has joined with a team of colleagues to propose an operational definition of "epigenetics" -- a rapidly growing research field that investigates heritable alterations in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA sequence.
Contact: Marie Jennings
mfj@stowers.org
816-926-4015
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Did the 'Rx' symbol for prescription medicine evolve from the  Eye of ancient Egypt?
VOA News
Listen Here
Fake company gets approval for risky trial
An elaborate "sting" operation has confirmed fears that US companies may be rubber-stamping risky clinical trials without proper scrutiny
UPFRONT:  10:22 02 April 2009
Public Release: 2-Apr-2009
Psychoneuroendocrinology
Autism linked with stress hormone levels
Some of the symptoms of the autistic condition Asperger Syndrome, such as a need for routine and resistance to change, could be linked to levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggests new research led by the University of Bath.
Contact: Vicky Just
v.j.just@bath.ac.uk
44-012-253-86883
University of Bath
Public Release: 2-Apr-2009
Sex Roles
Parents' sexuality influences adoption choices
A couple's sexual orientation determines whether or not they prefer to adopt a boy or a girl. Gay men are more likely to have a gender preference for their adopted child whereas heterosexual men are the least likely. What's more, couples in heterosexual relationships are more likely to prefer girls than people in same-gender relationships, according to Dr. Abbie Goldberg from Clark University. These findings are published online in Springer's journal Sex Roles.
Contact: Joan Robinson
joan.robinson@springer.com
49-622-148-78130
Springer
Public Release: 2-Apr-2009
Current Biology
Bird can 'read' human gaze
We all know that people sometimes change their behavior when someone is looking their way. Now, a new study reported online on April 2 in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, shows that jackdaws -- birds related to crows and ravens with eyes that appear similar to human eyes -- can do the same.
Contact: Cathleen Genova
cgenova@cell.com
617-397-2802
Cell Press
Titan's squashed shape hints at soggy interior
The shape of Saturn's hazy moon Titan has been measured for the first time – its stout shape suggests it may hide vast amounts of liquid methane beneath its surface
19:21 02 April 2009
Hobbit brain small, but organized for complex intelligence
Science News
Oldest Stone Blades Uncovered
Science Now
Heart Muscle Renewed Over Lifetime, Study Finds
The finding upends a medical myth and suggests new therapies for heart attack patients may be possible.
By NICHOLAS WADE April 2, 2009
The first cocktail arose in Mesopotamia 5,000 years ago-A sort of grog was probably drank by Etrurians, a population that knew vine before than Greek arrived in Italy
Teatro Naturale International
Public Release: 6-Apr-2009
Cancer Prevention Research
Gutsy germs succumb to baby broccoli
A small, pilot study in 50 people in Japan suggests that eating two and a half ounces of broccoli sprouts daily for two months may confer some protection against a rampant stomach bug that causes gastritis, ulcers and even stomach cancer.
Contact: Maryalice Yakutchik
myakutc1@jhmi.edu
443-287-2251
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Bacterium eats electricity, farts biogas
With the help of a novel bacterial trick, electricity from power plants can be used to turn CO₂ into methane – it could help solve reliability problems with wind and solar power
17:45 05 April 2009