October 27, 2008
Large-Scale
Genetic Study Sheds Light on Lung Cancer
In the largest effort of its kind, scientists have charted the
genetic changes involved in the most common form of lung cancer,
implicating more than a dozen new genes.
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Artificial
Connections Restore Movement to Paralyzed Limbs
For the first time, researchers have shown that a direct artificial
connection from the brain to muscles can restore movement in
monkeys whose arms have been temporarily anesthetized.
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Novel
Type of Antibody Inhibits HIV Infection
Scientists have identified a small antibody fragment that is
highly effective at neutralizing the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). The finding may lead to new treatments against HIV and
other viruses.
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October 20, 2008
Scientists
Analyze Genome of Relapsing Malaria Parasite
Scientists have deciphered the complete genetic sequence of the
parasite Plasmodium vivax, the leading cause of relapsing
malaria. The distinctive genetic features of P. vivax may
lead to new tools for preventing and treating relapsing malaria.
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Office-Based
Treatment Best for Childhood Vision Disorder
Children with convergence insufficiency, a common eye-muscle
disorder, responded better to treatments that included weekly
office visits to a trained therapist than to strictly home-based
regimens, which are more often prescribed.
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Insights
into Immune Cell Matchmaker Protein
Scientists have identified a protein that plays matchmaker between
2 key types of immune cells, T and B cells, enabling them to
establish long-lasting immunity after an infection.
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October 6, 2008
New
Genes Linked to Gout
Researchers have identified 2 new genes—and confirmed the role
of a third—that are associated with increased risk of higher
levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout, a common,
painful form of arthritis.
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Rethinking
Metastasis
Most cancer deaths result from metastasis, the spread of cancer
from a tumor to other parts of the body. Researchers have long
thought that metastasis comes at a late stage of cancer. A new
study suggests the process may start long before that.
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Making "Safer" Stem
Cells
Scientists have developed a new technique to convert adult liver
and other cells into versatile stem cells. By using a common
cold virus, it sidesteps the cancer-causing potential of a previously
developed method using a different kind of virus.
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September 29, 2008
Pelvic
Floor Disorders Affect Almost a Quarter of U.S. Women
According to a new analysis, nearly a quarter of U.S. women are
affected by pelvic floor disorders, a cluster of health problems
that causes physical discomfort and limits activity.
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Bisphenol
A Blocks Growth of Brain Connections in Monkeys
Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical widely used to make plastic food
containers, can prevent connections from forming between nerve
cells in the brains of monkeys, a new study suggests.
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Gut
Microbes Protect Against Type 1 Diabetes in Mice
Research in mice has found that the trillions of microbes living
in the gut can blunt the immune system attack that causes type
1 diabetes. The discovery may shed light on rising rates of type
1 diabetes in developed countries.
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September 22, 2008
Gene
Variations Linked to Kidney Disease in African Americans
For the first time, researchers have identified genetic variations
that are strongly associated with kidney diseases disproportionately
affecting African Americans.
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Virtual
Colonoscopies Rival Accuracy of Standard Ones
An advanced imaging technique called virtual colonoscopy can
detect most of the large precancerous and cancerous polyps that
can be found by the more invasive standard colonoscopy.
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Activated
Protein Can Reduce Heart Damage
Researchers have identified a protein that, when activated, protects
against injury to rat hearts. The discovery may lead to treatments
for preventing heart damage during procedures such as coronary
bypass surgery.
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