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Science News for September 28, 2001


Columbia Presbyterian researchers show prostate cancer drug significantly arrests tumor growth with minimal side effects

Exisulind, a new selective apoptotic anti-neoplastic drug, delays disease progression in men with recurrent prostate cancer by slowing the rise of PSA levels. The study also found significant inhibition of tumor growth in mice, suggesting potential as a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateSep 28, 2001

Rush University College of Nursing among first nursing colleges awarded grant to teach nurses about complementary and alternative therapies

The Rush College of Nursing will integrate information on CAM therapies into undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula and develop continuing education programs for faculty and practicing nurses. The program aims to equip nurses with expertise to assess CAM use, critically appraise therapy safety, and provide patient guidance.

Protein tied to Alzheimer’s also plays key role in honeybees

Researchers found that forager bees have lower activity levels of a protein called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in their brains, which may lead to enhanced cognitive performance. A study led by Gene E. Robinson at the University of Illinois showed that reducing AChE activity improved learning abilities in foragers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Molecular Neuroscience·DateSep 28, 2001

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for September (second issue)

Researchers discovered that fathers' cigarette consumption levels impact children's lung function, with higher levels associated with greater deficits. Non-asthmatic girls showed the greatest declines in pulmonary function tests, suggesting a potential link between paternal smoking and childhood respiratory health.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 28, 2001

Two genes are better than one: Combination approach selectively kills pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a combination of two genes that selectively kill pancreatic cancer cells in test tube experiments. The mda-7 protein and K-ras antisense DNA combination prevents tumor growth in animals, offering a potential new treatment option for this aggressive disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2001