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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 14


Page 14 of 108

Epstein-Barr virus contributes to Burkitt's lymphoma

Researchers found that a specific protein expressed by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is crucial for tumor cell proliferation and survival in Burkitt's lymphoma. Developing small molecules that target this protein could lead to effective therapies with minimal side effects, offering hope for patients with EBV-associated tumors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2003

Patients' anaesthesia concerns reviewed

Despite improvements in reported pain after surgery, patients continue to express concerns about anaesthesia, including fear of not waking up or experiencing nausea and vomiting. The authors note that developments in technology and training have improved anaesthetic practice, but challenges remain to improve patient comfort.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 13, 2003

Thought for food

A recent study published in The Lancet found that global obesity rates among children have more than doubled between 1975 and 2003. This significant increase poses serious health risks for the millions of children affected by childhood obesity worldwide.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 13, 2003

Investigational cancer drug prevents abnormal brain growth, reverses seizures in lab mice

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the anti-cancer drug CCI-779 can prevent abnormal brain growth and reverse seizures in lab mice lacking the Pten gene. The researchers used a mouse model to demonstrate that mTor plays multiple roles in the brain, driving cell growth and signaling pathways.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2003

Natural selection in a nutshell

Researchers found that genes influence offspring growth, while quality of care from mothers is the primary factor. The study suggests that there are both "super moms" and "dud moms", with success determined by environmental conditions like food supply.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 12, 2003

Teaching hospital physicians report trouble obtaining specialty services for the uninsured

A recent survey of US academic health centers found that physicians struggle to access specialty care for uninsured patients, with significant problems reported at both public and private hospitals. The study highlights the limitations of the nation's safety net and suggests broadening reimbursement funds as a possible solution.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 12, 2003

Hearing aid research gets federal boost

Binghamton University has received a $10 million grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to develop more effective hearing aids. The project aims to dramatically improve speech intelligibility in noisy environments, benefiting over 28 million Americans with hearing loss.

NIA statement on IOM testosterone report

The NIA is concerned about the growing use of testosterone replacement therapy without sufficient scientific information. Short-term studies are recommended to determine potential risks and benefits for symptomatic older men with low testosterone levels. Longer term trials will assess risks and benefits for these conditions, such as fr...

Salk news: Diabetes first steps

Scientists discovered a chemical relay that controls whether the body burns sugars or fats for energy. The discovery may help design better treatments for insulin resistance and ultimately prevent adult-onset diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2003

Caregivers for patients with dementia need more support before patient dies, less after

A new study suggests that caregivers of patients with end-of-life dementia experience high levels of depressive symptoms while caring for their loved ones, but exhibit clinically lower depression after the patient's death. The research also found that caregivers report feeling relieved when their loved one passes away.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2003

Visualizing Alzheimer's disease

A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery by visualizing damaged nerve connections in living mice and tracking them over time. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of the underlying processes involved in Alzheimer's disease and potentially unlock new treatments.

Observing a burst with sunglasses

A team of astronomers studied the polarisation properties of GRB 030329's afterglow over 38 days, detecting significant variability in strength and orientation. The data reveal a unique diagnostic tool for gamma-ray burst studies, challenging existing theories.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2003

News tips for Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003

Cardiac researchers report improved blood flow to ischemic heart muscle using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a potential new treatment for intractable ischemia. Meanwhile, ICD patients may be safer with vigorous exercise, while daytime sleepiness significantly affects the quality of life of angina patients.

Hello, will you be my friend?

The nTag device uses infrared links and RFID chips to connect people with common interests, alerting them to potential matches. Despite some initial issues, most delegates were impressed with the service, exchanging over 3,600 business cards during the event.

Stents combined with clot-busting drugs effective in limiting impact of deadly form of stroke

Researchers found that four out of six patients treated with stents and tPA experienced permanent improvement in neurologic symptoms, while two critically ill patients died due to large clots. The study suggests a combined treatment approach may offer superior results for most patients with acute vertebrobasilar ischemic strokes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateNov 11, 2003