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Science News for July 18, 2002


Science to publish UAF glaciologist findings

Researchers have calculated that Alaska glaciers contribute significantly to global sea-level rise, with most glaciers losing mass over the past four decades. The study found that Alaska's glaciers raise the level of Earth's oceans by more than one-tenth of a millimeter each year.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2002

Gene may bias amygdala response to frightful faces

A study found that subjects with one or two copies of a short gene variant experienced greater activation of the amygdala when shown pictures of scary faces. This variation in the serotonin transporter gene may influence an individual's temperament and anxiety traits.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2002
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ACE inhibitor drug used to delay heart failure as effective in blacks as whites

A retrospective analysis of 4,054 study participants found that enalapril, an ACE inhibitor commonly given to patients with heart failure, is effective in both black and white populations. Despite equal response rates, black patients still had increased rates of progression to heart failure.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 18, 2002

Japanese shore crabs invade Penobscot Bay, Maine

Cornell University marine biologists have found Japanese shore crabs in Penobscot Bay, a species that poses a direct threat to soft-shell clams, mussels, and lobsters. The discovery means the bay has become the most-northern point along the Atlantic seaboard where these invasive crabs have been spotted.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 18, 2002

New metabolic 'switches' discovered

Researchers identified a novel class of G proteins in yeast that could play a role in sensing unique signals important for health and disease. The discovery offers potential for developing new drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors, which are involved in various diseases.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 18, 2002
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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Enzyme could aid cancer fight

Researchers have found that a gene repair mechanism called MBD4 enzyme can reduce gene mutations in mice, which are up to three times more common without the enzyme. This discovery may aid in understanding how cancer develops and finding new treatments.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2002

Adolescents with inattention problems more likely to smoke

A new study found that adolescents with ADHD symptoms are more likely to smoke, highlighting the potential for targeting tobacco control efforts towards high-risk youth. The researchers also suggest that nicotine may help manage ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2002

Mouse model mimics natural development of epilepsy

Researchers created a new mouse model that mimics the natural development of epilepsy, revealing the crucial role of astrocytes in seizure disorders. The study, led by David H. Gutmann and Kelvin Yamada, found that mice lacking TSC1 in astrocytes developed abnormal neuronal organization and seizures.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 18, 2002

Researchers develop mouse model of Rett syndrome

Researchers created a mouse model of Rett syndrome to study the gene MECP2 and its role in fine-tuning the developing nervous system. The study may improve understanding of the disorder and lead to potential treatments for patients.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJul 18, 2002
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Researchers produce motor neurons from embryonic stem cells

Scientists have made a breakthrough in growing functioning motor neurons from embryonic stem cells, a crucial step towards regenerating nerve tissue lost to disease or trauma. The success of the experiments suggests that human motor neurons can be grown using the same approach.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 18, 2002

Study identifies protein in human brain development

Researchers discovered beta catenin's role in regulating cortical growth, which may be associated with brain diseases such as mental retardation. The study also found that overexpressing beta catenin in neural precursor cells caused the cerebral cortex to grow dramatically, leading to a wrinkled appearance similar to humans.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2002
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