Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2002 - Page 4


Page 4 of 8

Early statin use refined

A new analysis suggests that early statin use after a heart attack is only effective in patients with high cholesterol levels above the recommended guidelines. The study found no difference in mortality rates between those who received early statins and those who did not.

Breast cancer mortality may be tied to prolonged exposure to low dose radiation

A study of female radiologic technologists found that prolonged exposure to low dose radiation is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer mortality. Women who started working as radiologic technologists before 1940 were nearly three times more likely to die from breast cancer than those who began working in 1960 or later.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2002

Molecular 'stop signs' may hold secret of nerve regeneration

Scientists have identified brain chemicals that can stimulate nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury, providing a potential new target for intervention. By understanding how these chemicals interact with inhibitors, researchers hope to develop treatments to repair damaged nerve cells and improve outcomes for patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2002

Genetic manifestation of melanoma linked to geographic location

A study found that genetic mutation penetrance for melanoma varies by geographic location, with higher risks in countries like the US and Australia. Researchers suggest environmental factors contribute to this variation, contradicting previous assumptions about gene mutations and their impact on disease expression.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2002

'Sloppy genes' behave like their neighbours

Researchers found over 200 groups of adjacent and similarly expressed genes in Drosophila melanogaster, accounting for approximately 20% of the genome. The 'sloppy' regulation may reflect chromatin's packaging and influence gene expression more by accident than design.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateJun 18, 2002

Tomato packs more cancer-fighting punch

Researchers at Purdue University and the USDA have developed tomatoes with significantly higher levels of lycopene, a key cancer-fighting antioxidant. The genetically modified tomatoes contain up to 3.5 times more lycopene than conventional varieties, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 18, 2002

Experience alters how we perceive emotion

A recent study by Seth Pollak found that children who have experienced physical abuse categorize facial expressions differently than non-abused children. Abused children identified more faces as being 'angry' rather than fearful or sad. This suggests that experience can shape how people perceive and understand emotions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2002

UNC study: Americans getting obese earlier, ethnic groups put on weight at different rates

A new UNC study finds that Hispanic men become obese 2.5 times faster than U.S. men of European ancestry, while black women become obese more than twice as fast as white women. The study also shows that the prevalence of obesity in U.S. adults doubled over 40 years, with 61% now classified as obese or overweight.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2002

Improving water use in growing corn possible, study shows

Researchers developed a formula to accurately determine water-use efficiency in typical soils, showing that no-till techniques can improve crop yields while reducing runoff and drainage losses. Soils with higher clay content and greater capacity to retain water produce better results, highlighting the importance of soil type management.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 17, 2002

Hair loss syndrome created in mice

Researchers created a mouse model of hair loss syndrome, which sheds light on the complex interactions between genes and their effects on human diseases. The study found that genetic background plays a significant role in determining the severity of the condition, and could potentially inform gene therapy approaches.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2002