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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 40


Page 40 of 108

Appreciation of humor doesn't change with age

A Canadian study found that appreciation and emotional reactiveness to humor doesn't change with age. However, the ability to comprehend more complex forms of humor diminishes in later years due to decreased cognitive abilities. Older adults still enjoy a good laugh but struggle with understanding nuanced humor.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateAug 25, 2003

MicroRNAs - Tiny molecules shape up plants

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs play a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development by regulating cell division and leaf shape. The study found that a specific microRNA called "Jaw" targets messenger RNAs involved in preventing excessive cell division, leading to abnormal leaf shapes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2003

From diagnostic tool to cancer therapy

A team of researchers has discovered that injecting radioactive glucose can selectively kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. The treatment exploits the fact that cancer cells use more glucose than normal tissue, allowing for targeted delivery of radioactivity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateAug 21, 2003

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found that losartan significantly reduced sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to atenolol. The results showed a nearly 50% risk reduction in sudden death for losartan-treated patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 21, 2003