SciNews20080519

Public Release: 12-May-2008
Archives of Neurology
New MRI technique developed at UT Southwestern detects subtle but serious brain injury
A new technique for analyzing magnetic resonance imaging data, developed by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center, can reveal serious brain injury missed by current tests and help predict a patient's degree of recovery.
National Institute on Disability, Disability and Rehabilitation Research, National Institutes of Health
Contact: Aline McKenzie
aline.mckenzie@utsouthwestern.edu
214-648-3404
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Public Release: 12-May-2008
Archives of Neurology
Anti-inflammatory drugs do not improve cognitive function in older adults
The anti-inflammatory drugs naproxen and celecoxib do not appear to improve cognitive function in older adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease, and naproxen may have a slightly detrimental effect, according to an article posted online today that will appear in the July 2008 print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Contact: Tim Parsons
410-955-7619
JAMA and Archives Journals
Public Release: 12-May-2008
Texting costs are 'out of this world'
University of Leicester space scientist says texting is at least four times more expensive than receiving scientific data from space.
Contact: Dr. Nigel Bannister
44-011-622-31043
University of Leicester
Public Release: 12-May-2008
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Ancient protein offers clues to killer condition
More than 600 million years of evolution has taken two unlikely distant cousins -- turkeys and scallops -- down very different physical paths from a common ancestor. But University of Leeds researchers have found that a motor protein, myosin 2, remains structurally identical in both creatures.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Contact: Peter Knight
p.j.knight@leeds.ac.uk
44-113-343-4349
University of Leeds
Public Release: 12-May-2008
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
When following the leader can lead into the jaws of death
International study of animal behavior has important implications for human decision-making.
Natural Environment Research Council
Contact: Paul J. B. Hart
44-011-625-23348
University of Leicester
Public Release: 12-May-2008
Nature
Arsenic-based therapy shown to help eradicate leukemia-initiating cells
In a paradoxical discovery, a research team led by investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has found that a tumor suppressor protein known as PML appears to be the factor that enables leukemia initiating cells to maintain their quiescence -- the inert state that protects them from being destroyed by cancer therapies.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Bonnie Prescott
bprescot@bidmc.harvard.edu
617-667-7306
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Public Release: 12-May-2008
American Naturalist
Human vision inadequate for research on bird vision
The most attractive male birds attract more females and as a result are most successful in terms of reproduction. This is the starting point of many studies looking for factors that influence sexual selection in birds. However, is it reasonable to assume that birds see what we see? In a study published in the latest issue of American Naturalist, Uppsala researchers show that our human vision is not an adequate instrument.
Contact: Anders Odeen
Anders.Odeen@ebc.uu.se
46-070-301-5262
Uppsala University
Invention: Anti-scar bandage
This week's new patent applications include bandages that keep a wound tightly closed to avoid scarring, a high-pressure spray to blast teeth clean, and a way of pulsing light into the brain to reveal neuron activity.
16:35 12 May 2008
Public Release: 13-May-2008
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
PET imaging may not improve diagnostic accuracy in early head and neck cancer
Positron emission tomography with a radioactive tracer (18F-FDG PET) may not improve the detection of small metastases in patients with head and neck cancer who have no clinical evidence of disease in neighboring lymph nodes, according to a meta-analysis published online May 13 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Contact: Liz Savage
jncimedia@oxfordjournals.org
301-841-1287
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Public Release: 13-May-2008
JAMA
Adding ultrasound to mammography may improve breast cancer detection in high-risk women
The addition of an ultrasound examination to mammography for women at high-risk of breast cancer resulted in a higher rate of cancer detection, but also increased the number of false-positive results, according to a study in the May 14 issue of JAMA.
Contact: Kathy Wetzel
410-583-2703
JAMA and Archives Journals
Public Release: 13-May-2008
Journal of National Cancer Institute
Girls, young women can cut risk of early breast cancer through regular exercise
Mothers, here's another reason to encourage your daughters to be physically active: Girls and young women who exercise regularly between the ages of 12 and 35 have a substantially lower risk of breast cancer before menopause compared to those who are less active, new research shows.
NIH/National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society
Contact: Caroline Arbanas
arbanasc@wustl.edu
314-286-0109
Washington University School of Medicine
Public Release: 13-May-2008
PLoS ONE
Shrimps see beyond the rainbow
Dr Sonja Kleinlogel and professor Andrew White have shown that mantis shrimp not only have the ability to see colors from the ultraviolet through to the infrared, but have optimal polarization vision -- a first for any animal and a capability that humanity has only achieved in the last decade using fast computer technology. The findings are published this week in the journal PLoS ONE.
Contact: Dr. Sonja Kleinlogel
Sonja.Kleinlogel@mpibp-frankfurt.mpg.de
Public Library of Science
Public Release: 13-May-2008
Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Mayo Clinic study shows acupuncture and myofascial trigger therapy treat same pain areas
Ancient acupuncture and modern myofascial pain therapy each focus on hundreds of similar points on the body to treat pain, although they do it differently, says a physician at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville who analyzed the two techniques.
Contact: Cynthia Nelson
nelson.cynthia1@mayo.edu
904-953-2299
Mayo Clinic
Public Release: 13-May-2008
Rensselaer student invents alternative to silicon chip
Even before Weixiao Huang received his doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, his new transistor captured the attention of some of the biggest American and Japanese automobile companies. The 2008 graduate's invention could replace one of the most common pieces of technology in the world -- the silicon transistor for high-power and high-temperature electronics.
Contact: Gabrielle DeMarco
demarg@rpi.edu
518-276-6542
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Public Release: 13-May-2008
British Journal of Cancer
OHSU Cancer Institute researchers pinpoint how smoking causes cancer
Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute researchers have pinpointed the protein that can lead to genetic changes that cause lung cancer. Researchers discovered the production of a protein, FANCD2, is slowed when lung cells are exposed to cigarette smoke. Low levels of FANCD2 leads to DNA damage, triggering cancer. Cigarette smoke curbs the production of 'caretaker' proteins, like FANCD2, which prevent cancer by fixing damages in DNA and causing faulty cells to die.
Contact: Christine Decker
deckerch@ohsu.edu
503-494-8231
Oregon Health & Science University
Public Release: 13-May-2008
Gene Regulation and Systems Biology
Chemical compound prevents cancer in lab
A chemical compound derived from vitamin A prevents cancer from forming and is being developed by the National Cancer Institute as a daily preventive pill.
NIH/National Cancer Institute
Contact: Diane Clay
diane-clay@ouhsc.edu
405-271-2323
University of Oklahoma
Virtual telescope brings the cosmos to your desktop
A free Microsoft program called WorldWide Telescope lets users zoom in on cosmic images from the world's best observatories
16:01 13 May 2008
More on Inca Skull Surgeons Were 'Highly Skilled,' Study Finds
National Geographic
The Claim: If You’re Hyperventilating, Breathe Into a Paper Bag
By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Like a bandage for a cut or a crutch for a broken leg, the brown paper bag is a symbol for hyperventilation. But does it help?
Global Update
Fake Malaria Drugs Emerging in Vulnerable Countries in Africa
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
A recent study suggests that an epidemic of fake malaria drugs are spreading to Africa.
* Health Guide: Malaria »
Oral Cancer in Men Associated With HPV
By NICHOLAS BAKALAR
Researchers are discovering that a large percentage of oral cancers in men as associated with HPV.
Public Release: 14-May-2008
European Stroke Conference
Researchers fine-tune clot-busting treatment for bleeding in brain
A multicenter study led by Johns Hopkins doctors has fine-tuned the dosage and timing for administering clot-busting tissue plasminogen activator to patients with strokes caused by bleeding within the brain.
FDA Orphan Drug Program, Genentech
Contact: Christen Brownlee
cbrownlee@jhmi.edu
410-955-7832
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Public Release: 14-May-2008
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention
Tooth loss strongly linked to risk of esophageal, head and neck, and lung cancer
Studying thousands of patients, Japanese researchers have found a strong link between tooth loss and increased risk of three cancers -- esophageal, head and neck, and lung. They suggest that preservation of teeth may decrease risk of developing these diseases.
Contact: Jeremy Moore
Jeremy.moore@aacr.org
267-646-0557
American Association for Cancer Research
Wild sloths are no sleepyheads after all
The first study to analyse sloth sleep patterns in the wild has profound implications for the understanding of sleep in both animals and humans
00:01 14 May 2008
Public Release: 14-May-2008
American Journal of Gastroenterology
New treatment for hepatitis C
A statin drug used to lower cholesterol found to stop hepatitis C, especially in patients resistant to standard treatment.
US Veterans Administration, University of Oklahoma College of MedicineContact: Diane Clay
diane-clay@ouhsc.edu
405-271-2323
University of Oklahoma
Public Release: 14-May-2008
Journal of Comparative Neurology
Researchers find first conclusive evidence of Alzheimer's-like brain tangles in nonhuman primates
Researchers have discovered the first conclusive evidence of Alzheimer's-like neurofibrillary brain tangles in an aged nonhuman primate. They also discovered deposits of beta-amyloid protein in plaques and blood vessels of the chimp's brain tissue, although these changes were infrequent compared to Alzheimer's in humans. The finding could move the scientific community closer to understanding why age-related neurodegenerative diseases are uniquely human and seem to never fully manifest in other species, including our closest evolutionary relative, the chimpanzee.
National Institutes of Health, James S. McDonnell FoundationContact: Emily Rios
erios@emory.edu
404-727-7732
Emory University
Public Release: 15-May-2008
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Green tea compounds beat OSA-related brain deficits
Chemicals found in green tea may be able to stave off the cognitive deficits that occur with obstructive sleep apnea, according to a new study published in the second issue for May of the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.Contact: Keely Savoie
ksavoie@thoracic.org
212-315-8620
American Thoracic Society
Public Release: 15-May-2008
Cognitive Science
Crystal (eye) ball: Study says visual system equipped with 'future seeing powers'
Catching a football. Maneuvering through a room full of people. Jumping out of the way when a golfer yells "fore." Most would agree these seemingly simple actions require us to perceive and quickly respond to a situation. Assistant professor of cognitive science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Mark Changizi argues they require something more -- our ability to foresee the future.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Amber Cleveland
clevea@rpi.edu
518-276-2146
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Public Release: 15-May-2008
Journal of General Internal Medicine
New study casts further doubt on risk of death from higher salt intake
Contrary to long-held assumptions, high-salt diets may not increase the risk of death, according to investigators from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. They reached their conclusion after examining dietary intake among a nationally representative sample of adults in the U.S. The Einstein researchers actually observed a significantly increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease associated with lower sodium diets. They report their findings in the advance online edition of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Contact: Karen Gardner
kgardner@aecom.yu.edu
718-430-3101
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Public Release: 15-May-2008
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
How small molecule can take apart Alzheimer's disease protein fibers
Researchers have shown, in unprecedented detail, how a small molecule is able to selectively take apart abnormally folded protein fibers connected to Alzheimer's disease and prion diseases. Finding a way to dismantle misfolded proteins has implications for new treatments for a host of neurodegenerative diseases.
NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Alzheimer's Association, Kurt and Johanna Immerwahr Fund for Alzheimer Research, DuPont-MIT alliance, American Heart Association
Contact: Karen Kreeger
karen.kreeger@uphs.upenn.edu
215-349-5658
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Insecticides in pet shampoo may trigger autism
Two studies suggest a link between different classes of insecticides and autism spectrum disorders, but a genetic factor is also likely, say experts
12:17 15 May 2008
Public Release: 16-May-2008
American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Annual Conference
New drug combination brings 1-2 punch against acute leukemia
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a drug combination that kills leukemia cells by shutting down their energy source and hastening cell starvation.
Contact: Sara Farris
sfarris@mdanderson.org
281-467-1337
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Public Release: 16-May-2008
Experts tackle shipment issues for beneficial radiation sources
Delays and denials of shipments involving regulated radioactive materials used in medicine and industry are of growing concern to safety and industry experts. Meeting in Rome this week at an IAEA workshop, they agreed on an action plan for the Mediterranean region that seeks to ease hardships for hospitals, research centers and organizations that rely on timely delivery of beneficial radiation sources.
Contact: Giovanni Verlini
G.VERLINI@iaea.org
43-126-002-1281
International Atomic Energy Agency
Global biodiversity slumps 27% in 35 years
The biggest survey yet of vertebrate populations shows an overall decline, despite government initiatives to conserve species
00:01 16 May 2008
Man-made 'defensin' rips resistant bacteria apart
A mimic of a potent compound used by immune cells could provide an alternative to antibiotics, which bacteria can become resistant to
17:15 16 May 2008
Houston Journal
A Pest Without a Name, Becoming Known to Ever More
By RALPH BLUMENTHAL
A previously unknown variety of ant, with a staggering propensity to reproduce and no known enemies, is flourishing in Texas.
Galaxies Twice as Bright as They Seem, Study Finds
By DENNIS OVERBYE
New results, which indicate galaxies are twice as luminous as they appear to us in the sky, resolve a longstanding problem with the energy budget of the cosmos.
Whales are 'cheetahs of the deep'
By Matt Walker BBC
Super-fast pilot whales have been observed sprinting after prey, likely to include giant squid.
Ancestors had leg-up to trees
The ancestors of humans, apes and monkeys may have taken to the trees because of their small body size.
Public Release: 18-May-2008
Cancer Prevention Research
New data show benefit of finasteride in preventing prostate cancer
A comprehensive re-evaluation of the largest prostate cancer prevention study ever completed produced new findings suggesting that men and their doctors should consider a more aggressive approach that includes finasteride to prevent the development of prostate cancer.
Contact: Jeremy Moore
Jeremy.moore@aacr.org
267-646-0557
American Association for Cancer Research
Public Release: 19-May-2008
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Men experience domestic violence, with health impact
Domestic violence can happen to men, not only to women. Phone interviews with 420 randomly sampled adult male Group Health patients surprised study leader Robert J. Reid, MD, PhD of Group Health. He and his colleagues found 5 percent of the men had experienced domestic violence in the past year, 10 percent in the past five years, and 29 percent over their lifetimes.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; and Group Health Center for Health Studies
Contact: Rebecca Hughes
hughes.r@ghc.org
206-287-2055
Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies
Monkey made to treat Huntington's disease
The first transgenic primate with a human disease has been made, boosting hopes for treating the neurodegenerative illness
18:00 18 May 2008
Women 'face raised whiplash risk'
The researchers want changes to crash dummy testing
Women drivers are three times more likely than men to suffer whiplash injuries if their car is hit from behind, Swedish researchers say.