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Science News Archive 2001 - Page 31


Page 31 of 47

Synthetic antifreeze could prevent ice growth

Scientists have created a synthetic antifreeze protein that mimics the natural defense mechanism of Arctic and Antarctic fish, which can prevent ice growth in living organisms. The new compound has potential applications in frost protection for crops, preservation of human organs, and elimination of freezer burn.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateAug 19, 2001

Vaccination following spinal cord injury: Innovative Weizmann Institute approach limits paralysis

Weizmann Institute scientists propose a novel vaccination method to prevent secondary degeneration after partial spinal cord injury, leading to significant recovery of movement in rats. The treatment protected nerve fibers and showed potential effectiveness in other central nervous system disorders.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 17, 2001

UCSD’S Center for Wireless Communications awarded $1.5 million in California matching funds for corporate research projects

The Center for Wireless Communications has been awarded $1.5 million in California matching funds to complement corporate funding for five separate research projects. The grants will support Ph.D. students performing wireless research on key issues such as achieving higher data rates and lowering wireless access costs.

New insight into diet and colon cancer

Researchers found that a fish oil-rich diet protects against colon cancer, while a corn oil-diet appears to promote it. The scientists also discovered how cancer spreads among cells in the colon, with a new understanding of cell damage varying from bottom to top within crypts.

Girls make twin brothers heavier (p 560)

A Belgian study of non-identical twins found that female twins prolong gestation by 0.4 weeks, resulting in a higher birthweight for their male co-twin. Birthweights of unlike-sex twins were also compared, with female twins having similar weights to same-sex twins but male twins weighing an average of 78g more.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 16, 2001

Aging brain

Research by University of Michigan cognitive neuroscientist Patricia Reuter-Lorenz found that older adults activate both hemispheres of the brain to perform memory and information processing tasks. This bi-hemispheric processing may help compensate for age-related short-term memory and mental speed declines.

Giving cannibalism a human face

Cannibalism is reevaluated as a complex practice with positive meanings among the Wari' people of the Amazon rainforest. The study reveals that funerary cannibalism was an act of affection, respect, and coping mechanism for grief, helping survivors to reconcile with their deceased loved ones.

Poorer lung function in workplace passive smokers

A study of over 300 employees found that workplace passive smoking significantly adversely affected lung function, with a 5-10% reduction in lung function at the highest levels of exposure. Non-smokers exposed to passive smoke at home or in public places showed no similar decline.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 15, 2001

Integrins and signaling in psoriasis

Researchers investigate integrin signaling in psoriasis, discovering altered expression of key proteins involved in immune responses. This study sheds light on potential therapeutic targets for treatment of the chronic skin condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2001

Postraumatic vaccination for spinal cord injury

Researchers are exploring postraumatic vaccination as a potential treatment for spinal cord injuries, showing promise in promoting neural regeneration and recovery. Early studies suggest that this approach may improve functional outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2001

NHLBI-funded emphysema study finds certain patients at high risk for death following lung surgery

Researchers have identified scientifically based selection criteria for patients seeking lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) as a potential treatment for advanced emphysema. High-risk patients with severe lung damage and poor outcomes after surgery are no longer being enrolled in the study, but will continue to receive medical treatment.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 14, 2001

Negative perception of NRA, controversial organizations helps many maintain a positive identity, says O.R. study

Researchers found that individuals who separate their identity from negatively perceived organizations are more likely to maintain a positive distinctiveness and distance themselves from those stereotypes. This phenomenon, called disidentification, often leads to action against the organization.

The medium and the message: Eyes and ears understand differently, Carnegie Mellon scientists report in the journal Human Brain Mapping

A recent study by Carnegie Mellon scientists discovered that reading and listening to identical sentences produce systematically different brain activation patterns. The right hemisphere was less active during reading, while the left-hemisphere's pars triangularis region showed increased activation in listening comprehension. This sugg...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateAug 14, 2001