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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 45


Page 45 of 108

Women most effective leaders for today's world

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 45 leadership studies found that women tend to use transformational leadership styles, which produce better worker performance and effectiveness. Women scored higher than men on one measure of transactional leadership and were more likely to be mentors and empower workers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateAug 4, 2003

Mutation may help cause acute myeloid leukemia

Research suggests that a mutation in a tyrosine kinase receptor gene, when combined with aml1-eto gene mutation, can cause acute myeloid leukemia in mice. This discovery raises the possibility of new treatments targeting these genes to control the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2003

'Pachinko chances'

A new theory suggests that human metabolism operates like a pinball machine, influencing drug toxicity and disease development. The researchers used metabonomics to study global human metabolism and its interactions with drugs, environment, and gut microflora.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateAug 1, 2003

Stress leads kids to unhealthy diets

A recent study of 4,320 schoolchildren found that stress leads to unhealthy dietary habits, including a preference for fatty foods and snacks, while ignoring recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. This could have long-term consequences, such as increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 1, 2003

Protect and serve

A lawyer warns US physicians that treating detainees labeled as 'unlawful combatants' may go against their ethical code. The 1949 Third Geneva Convention entitles these prisoners to basic human rights, but the US government's label is unrecognized in International Humanitarian Law.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Ethics·DateAug 1, 2003

JCI table of contents, 1 August 2003

Researchers found that 8 out of 20 commonly used NSAIDs can selectively lower Abeta42 levels in mice, with flurbiprofen showing the most promise. Additionally, studies revealed increased T cell reactivity to Abeta protein in older humans and patients with Alzheimer's disease, which could inform the design of future vaccines.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2003

Vitamin C may protect against ulcer-causing bacteria, study finds

A large study of nearly 7,000 American adults found that higher vitamin C levels were associated with a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection. The researchers suggest that adequate vitamin C intake may reduce the risk of peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this association.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2003

Mirrors can make women feel worse about working out

A study found that exercising in front of a mirror reduces women's energy, relaxation, and positivity. This effect persists even among those with good body image, suggesting mirrors may hinder physical activity motivation. The findings have implications for exercise promotion guidelines and the use of mirrors in workout centers.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateAug 1, 2003

Designer proteins

Researchers at Duke University have successfully redesigned sensor proteins that can detect a range of molecules, including explosives like TNT and neurotransmitters. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies for monitoring diabetes and locating underwater robots.

Stem cell death gives clue to brain cell survival

Researchers at UGA have identified a lipid-protein duo causing massive stem cell death during brain development, but also hinting at potential recovery mechanisms for devastating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study reveals that this 'deadly couple' leads to the survival of cells destined to form neurons.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 31, 2003

Risk of Hepatitis E from consumption of deer?

A study in Japan found that consuming raw Japanese deer meat may transmit Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a rare liver disease. The infected deer meat tested positive for HEV RNA, suggesting an animal route of transmission. This discovery adds the Sika deer to the list of foods with a risk of transmitting HEV.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 31, 2003

Waiter, there's a shark in my soup

Researchers have developed a DNA-based test to accurately distinguish great white sharks from other species, even when only dried fins or meat are available. This new test will help conservationists and fisheries managers better regulate and protect great whites, a species that has declined by up to 79% in the northwestern Atlantic.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Genetics·DateJul 31, 2003

How old mice get bright again

Max Planck researchers found that reducing SK3 channel production in the hippocampus of aged mice prevented learning and memory deficits. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline and suggests a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 31, 2003

Salk news: Understanding gene function

The Salk Institute's latest study, led by Joseph Ecker, provides a detailed map of Arabidopsis genes and their functions. The team has also identified key molecular pathways involved in ethylene gas signaling, which is crucial for plant growth, yield, and drought tolerance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

Congress is not so easily 'bought'

A study published by the American Sociological Association finds that campaign contributions and lobbying have limited impact on policy, with party lines and ideology playing a greater role. The average PAC donation to candidates is $1,700, which is not enough to win significant influence.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateJul 31, 2003

Animal studies show CA4P suppresses development and induces regression of ocular neovascularization

Researchers used transgenic mice to study CA4P's effect on choroidal neovascularization, finding it suppressed development and induced partial regression of established CNV. CA4P joins a growing list of drugs with potential as prophylactic agents for retinal and/or choroidal neovascularization.

SourceSharon Merrill Associates, Inc.·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 31, 2003

Researchers solve structure of key drug target

A research team led by H. Ronald Kaback solved the three-dimensional structure of the bacterial membrane transport protein lacose permease (LacY), shedding light on its mechanism and function. The resulting structure revealed intricate interactions between amino acids, sugars, and protons, providing crucial insights into membrane trans...

Lengthening achilles tendon reduces recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers

A study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that lengthening the Achilles tendon can reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers by up to 75% after seven months. The procedure, which involves stretching the tendon and immobilizing the foot for six weeks, also requires caution to prevent increased stress on the heel.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 31, 2003