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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 44


Page 44 of 108

Salk news: gene therapy for Lou Gehrig's disease

Researchers found that injecting a gene producing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) into muscles delayed disease onset by 31 days, preserved nerve cells, and reduced muscle wasting. This study may lead to a new, gene-based treatment for ALS affecting over 30,000 Americans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2003

The key in the catalyst

Researchers discover new method to produce acetic acid directly from methane, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The breakthrough uses a palladium-based catalyst, but further development is needed to achieve commercial viability.

Anxiety hits women harder after heart attack

A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that women have higher levels of anxiety after a heart attack compared to men. The researchers also discovered that both men and women under age 60 reported higher anxiety levels, while older individuals experienced lower anxiety due to their expectation of illness.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateAug 6, 2003

Professorial Fellowships announced

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has announced the selection of nine Professorial Fellows, renowned scholars in their field, to pursue groundbreaking research. The fellowships aim to free these top researchers from administrative duties, allowing them to focus on producing high-quality research.

HRT fails to stall atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with pre-existing coronary artery lesions

A recent study published in NEJM found that hormone replacement therapy does not effectively slow down the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women who already have cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that estrogen and progestin may not be effective in treating established coronary artery disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 6, 2003

Name that tune

Researchers found that specific cells in the bird's brain become 'tuned' to what the bird is learning, responding strongly to familiar songs and motifs. The study suggests that experience modifies the brain to highlight important motifs, allowing birds to recognize individual songs.

Nearly 3.2 million American women 50 and older suffer from debilitating dry eye syndrome

A study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that nearly 3.2 million women aged 50 and older in the US suffer from debilitating dry eye syndrome, which can lead to scarring, ulceration, and loss of vision. The disease is more common in women than men, with Hispanic and Asian women experiencing more severe symptoms.

SourceSchepens Eye Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 6, 2003

Other highlights in the August 6 issue of JNCI

Consuming phytoestrogens found in plant foods like soy is associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. Imiquimod has been shown to induce apoptosis in skin cancer cells, while an integrin polymorphism may increase cancer progression. The study on breast cancer survivors also found increased numbers of circulating T lymphocytes.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 5, 2003

Is erosion helping Himalayas to grow?

Researchers from Lehigh University and other institutions have found evidence suggesting that erosion and tectonic processes are contributing to the growth of the Himalayas. The study uses short- and long-term measurements, including seismological, geomorphic, and GPS data, to understand the geological processes at play.

Drought

The presentation highlights the impacts of major water restrictions and efforts toward community communication during severe droughts. Researchers explore the management of freshwater inflow criteria for affected regions, examining vulnerability to aquatic resources and allocation of water resources in South Africa.

Optical control technique could enable microfluidic devices powered by surface tension

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an optical control technique that can enable the production of new types of microfluidic devices without etching channels. By using lasers to create complex patterns of varying-intensity light on a substrate material, differential heating can be achieved, resulting in thermocapillary action an...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 5, 2003

Eliminating hunger in a world of plenty

The American Dietetic Association asserts that access to adequate nutrition is a fundamental human right, and that hunger continues to affect millions worldwide. The organization supports programs combating hunger and malnutrition, promoting food security and self-sufficiency.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateAug 5, 2003

Purdue scientists discover why we're all lefties deep down

Recent research by Purdue University scientists suggests that the first building blocks of life were left-handed and that a single amino acid called serine set the standard eons ago. This led to all living things evolving using only amino acids of the left-handed variety, forcing other biological molecules to follow suit.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 5, 2003

Pigeonholing quantum phase transitions

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the behavior of materials at quantum critical points, a stage where materials change phases. The new classification system has shed light on the relationship between quantum criticality and high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 5, 2003

The matrix, seismically loaded

Scientists tested a synthetic earthquake on a half-real building with conventional and simulated steel support columns. The experiment, called the 'Multi-Site Online Simulation Test,' used grid-linked machines to create a realistic simulation of an earthquake, producing a profusion of real-time data.

Living together before marriage: Now common but still risky

A new study from Penn State found that couples who lived together before marriage reported less happiness and more marital conflict than those who did not. The researchers suggest that personal characteristics and cohabitation experience play important roles in predicting marital quality and stability.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateAug 4, 2003

Gene mutation found for eye disease that mimics macular degeneration

Researchers have discovered a gene mutation associated with an eye disease that resembles age-related macular degeneration. The study, led by Michigan Medicine scientists, has found that the mutation in RDS can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, affecting central vision and leading to permanent loss of vision.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateAug 4, 2003