Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2001 - Page 3


Page 3 of 9

In groundbreaking research, Yale and Salk Institute scientists reveal the structure of a key component that makes cells move

Researchers have determined the atomic structure of the Arp2/3 complex, a protein responsible for initiating actin filament growth in moving cells. This discovery provides insights into cellular movement mechanisms and has implications for understanding various biological processes, including immune responses and neural development.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2001

Sociodemographic factors affect the nutritional status of HIV-infected adults

A study of 633 HIV-positive participants found that sociodemographic factors significantly affect their nutritional adequacy. Gay men, those with higher household incomes and educational attainment, were more likely to meet the Recommended Daily Allowances for nutrients. In contrast, individuals with lower incomes, fewer children at ho...

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 2001

'Oliver Twist' is a textbook of child abuse

The novel depicts institutional and domestic abuse against children, including Oliver's mistreatment in a workhouse and Nancy's abuse by her pimp Bill Sykes. Dickens identifies recognized parental risk factors for abuse, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health problems, which are now acknowledged by modern research.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 21, 2001

Peptide identified as natural antibiotic providing first line of defense against bacterial infection

Researchers at UCSD and VA San Diego Healthcare System discovered a natural antibiotic peptide called cathelicidin, which inhibits microbe growth and plays a crucial role in mammalian innate immunity. The study provides hope for developing new treatments and a blood test to identify individuals susceptible to bacterial infections.

Hopkins researchers develop potential new screening test for prostate cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a potential new screening test for prostate cancer by measuring the level of GSTP1 methylation in tissue samples. High levels of methylation were detected in 91.3% of early-stage cancers and 53.6% of precancerous lesions, suggesting its potential as an early diagnostic marker.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 20, 2001

Evidence of martian life dealt critical blow

A team from Arizona State University has questioned the evidence for bacterial life in a Martian meteorite, citing limitations in microscope technology and data selection. The researchers argue that the shapes of magnetite crystals found in the meteorite are not uniquely identifiable with bacteria.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2001

Study first to confirm acupuncture's effect

Researchers measured the force required to overcome tissue-needle connection during acupuncture needling, finding a significant pullout force when needles were rotated. The study suggests that layers superficial to muscle may be involved in the body's response to acupuncture, with future research focusing on connective tissue's role.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 19, 2001

All food energy improves memory in elderly, study says

A new study from the University of Toronto shows that consuming carbohydrate, fat and protein drinks of equal calories improves verbal recall in elderly individuals. The positive effects on memory are explained by an evolutionary perspective, suggesting specific types of food energy enhance specific aspects of brain function.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 19, 2001

Drowsy fruit flies illuminate first molecular pathway, in any species, known to regulate rest and wakefulness

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have identified a gene called CREB that plays a role in regulating rest's rejuvenating effects. The study found that CREB activity is inversely related to the physiological urge for sleep and that blocking this activity increases the need for sleep after a period of wakefulness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2001

Blood vessels grown in live animals

Researchers at the University of Michigan successfully grew new, mature blood vessels in live animals by implanting scaffolds that delivered critical growth factors. The innovative approach, reported in Nature Biotechnology, has potential medical applications for alternatives to heart bypass surgery and treatments for vascular disease.

SourceWhitaker Foundation·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 19, 2001

Adelaide scientists make HIV a safe aid in gene therapy

Researchers at Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide have developed a way to safely use Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) to transfer therapeutic genes into human cells. This method has wide applicability for various human genetic diseases and is currently being tested on animal models before moving to human trials.