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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 57


Page 57 of 108

Study finds direction of enzymes affects DNA repair

A new study found that repair enzymes can 'distinguish' between various positions on the DNA strand, varying in effectiveness depending on their orientation relative to the nucleosome. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of DNA repair and its role in preventing diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2003

Reading disabilities can develop quite suddenly after the primary grades

Researchers found that late-identified reading deficits can manifest differently among students, with some having difficulty comprehending text or identifying printed words. The study highlights the need for schools to use varied assessments and tailored intervention programs to address individual students' strengths and weaknesses.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJun 22, 2003

Cancer could be caught before it develops

Researchers Jules Berman and Donald Henson developed a classification system for cancer precursors, identifying 568 distinct concepts with over 4700 terms. This database is designed to be fully searchable and linked to other databases, providing a potential breakthrough in early detection and treatment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making·DateJun 20, 2003

Born shy, always shy? Temperamental differences may last throughout life, brain study suggests

A recent brain study suggests that individual differences in temperament may be associated with persistent differences in brain activity related to emotion and novelty detection. Inhibited children showed a relatively high level of activity in the amygdala when shown unfamiliar faces, whereas uninhibited children showed less activity.

UCLA physicists create nanoscale sensor

Giovanni Zocchi's team has created a nanoscale sensor that can detect specific genetic markers in DNA or RNA molecules with high sensitivity. The sensor uses evanescent wave scattering to analyze the conformational changes caused by target molecule binding, allowing for precise detection of single molecules.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2003

Mental disorders in postconflict communities

Postconflict psychiatric research reveals high prevalence of common mental disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder. Exposure to violence is a potent risk factor for various disorders, with comorbidity analyses showing complex relationships between disorders.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 19, 2003

Pulsating chemistry

Scientists at Fritz-Haber Institute find mechanical oscillations in catalytic foil during chemical reactions, leading to precise measurement of heat created. Mathematical models and computer simulations reveal delicate interplay between thermo-chemistry and thermo-mechanics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 19, 2003