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New study: Swine flu transmission is most intensive between children of same class

Boys predominantly pass on flu to other boys and girls to girls, according to a new study of how swine flu spread in a primary school during the 2009 pandemic, published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The results also suggest that flu transmission is most intensive between children of the same class, but that sitting next to an infected person does not significantly increase a child's risk of catching flu.

1 Feb 2011

MRI T2 can determine iron overload in beta-thalassemic patients

Iron overload is a common and serious problem in thalassemic major patients. As iron accumulation is toxic in the body's tissues, accurate estimation of iron stores is of great importance in these patients to prevent iron overload by an appropriate iron chelating therapy.

1 Feb 2011

Researchers study peripheral blood Tregs as disease marker of gastric cancer

T-regulatory lymphocytes are a subset of T lymphocytes that are involved in the mechanism of immunotolerance to self- and allo-antigens. Activity of these cells is one of the mechanisms of immune evasion of tumors, which inhibits the antitumor activity of effector cells.

1 Feb 2011

Histamine can be an important molecule to develop new treatments for MS

If you think histamines are your nemesis during allergy season, here's something that might change your perspective. New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology shows that histamine could be an important molecule to developing new treatments for multiple sclerosis.

1 Feb 2011

National Jewish Health scientists identify signaling pathway for ALI

Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a signaling pathway that is crucial to the devastating effects of acute lung injury. The data, obtained from cells, animals and ALI patients, suggest several potential therapeutic targets. Experimental blockade of one of the targets significantly reduced flooding of the lungs that is the hallmark of ALI.

31 Jan 2011

New nicotine addiction mechanism revealed

A new discovery has shown why some people cannot give up tobacco and may lead to new anti-smoking treatments. The researchers have found a brain pathway which when defective leads to an uncontrollable desire to smoke. This is a “sub-unit” of a receptor protein sensitive to nicotine.

31 Jan 2011

Warwick research opens new strategy in vehicle design for drug release

The ability of some forms of plankton and bacteria to build an extra natural layer of nanoparticle-like armour has inspired chemists at the University of Warwick to devise a startlingly simple way to give drug bearing polymer vesicles (microscopic polymer based sacs of liquid) their own armoured protection.

31 Jan 2011

New study: Super Bowl loss is linked to increased death rates in older individuals

A new study published in the journal Clinical Cardiology reveals that a Super Bowl loss for a home team was associated with increased death rates in both men and women and in older individuals.

31 Jan 2011

Omega-3 deficieny may play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders: Study

Researchers from Inserm and INRA and their collaborators in Spain collaboration, have studied mice fed on a diet low in omega-3 fatty acid. They discovered that reduced levels of omega-3 had deleterious consequences on synaptic functions and emotional behaviours.

30 Jan 2011

Scientists convert adult skin cells into cardiomyocytes using direct reprogramming strategy

Scripps Research Institute scientists have converted adult skin cells directly into beating heart cells efficiently without having to first go through the laborious process of generating embryonic-like stem cells. The powerful general technology platform could lead to new treatments for a range of diseases and injuries involving cell loss or damage, such as heart disease, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease.

30 Jan 2011

Research shows nestin regulates formation of neuromuscular junction

In a study published in the Jan. 30, 2011, advance online edition of Nature Neuroscience, Salk Institute of Biological Studies investigators led by Kuo-Fen Lee, PhD., show that nestin has reason for being in a completely different cell type--muscle tissue.

30 Jan 2011

ESC believes stress management programmes may reduce recurrent CVD events

Following the results of a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showing that cognitive behavioural therapy produces a 41% reduction in fatal and non-fatal first recurrent CVD events, the European Society of Cardiology believes stress management programmes should be made more widely available across Europe for patients with coronary artery disease.

29 Jan 2011

HPN President announces gift to UCLA to advance research for Neural Regeneration

Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO of Heritage Provider Network, and the Merkin Family Foundation announce the generous gift to the UCLA Department of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA to advance research for Neural Regeneration.

29 Jan 2011

Research Project's efficient solution for early cancer detection receives Leonardo da Vinci Prize

International philanthropists are challenging the world to provide a Cancer Research Project offering the most efficient solution in Particle Physics for early cancer detection with the highest potential to reduce premature cancer death.

29 Jan 2011

$Later puberty results in lower bone mass, increases risk of fracture: Study$

Later puberty results in lower bone mass, increases risk of fracture: Study

A team of researchers led by Vicente Gilsanz, MD, PhD, director of Clinical Imaging at The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, determined that the onset of puberty was the primary influence on adult bone mineral density, or bone strength. Length of puberty did not affect bone density.

29 Jan 2011

ISU researchers study parasites that cause NTDs in humans

Richard Martin, DVM, PhD, a biomedical sciences professor at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, has devoted his 35-year career to studying nematode parasites. These parasites infect approximately one-quarter of the world population, producing debilitating symptoms that devastate the lives and economies of many of the world's underdeveloped and impoverished areas.

29 Jan 2011

Research sheds light on role of helping in addiction recovery

Participating in community service activities and helping others is not just good for the soul; it has a healing effect that helps alcoholics and other addicts become and stay sober, a researcher from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine reports.

29 Jan 2011

Genetic study helps investigators solve medical mysteries

The mystery began in 1976. Adolfo Pampena was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that caused a strange combination of symptoms and was associated with the occurrence of multiple tumours in his stomach and colon. His medical team was stumped and was unable to answer the most important questions for him and his family: the cause of his disease and the risk for future generations.

29 Jan 2011

BGU, PTT sign R&D collaboration agreement for commercial development of green algae strain

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the PTT Chemical Public Company Ltd. in Thailand have signed a research and development collaboration agreement for commercial development of BGU's proprietary green algae strain.

29 Jan 2011

Scientists use full genome sequencing to identify precise steps in molecular evolution of S. pneumoniae

Despite penicillin and the dozens of antibiotics that followed it, streptococcus bacteria have remained a major threat to health throughout the world. The reason: the superb evolutionary skills of this pathogen to rapidly alter its genetic makeup.

29 Jan 2011