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Science News Archive 2003 - Page 59


Page 59 of 108

Millions of Americans suffer from major depression

A recent study by Harvard Medical School found that millions of Americans suffer from major depressive episodes (MDE), with the majority being severe cases. The researchers measured the severity and duration of depression in over 9,000 Americans and found that only one in five received adequate treatment for their condition.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2003

Mayo Clinic finds key digestive role for 'silent killer'

Researchers found that carbon monoxide helps regulate smooth-muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling precise movement of food through the stomach and bowels. This discovery suggests potential clinical applications for carbon monoxide as a therapeutic agent in treating motility disorders.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

JCI table of contents, 16 June 2003

Sandra McLachlan and her team reveal that cleavage of the TSHR A subunit can induce or amplify the immune response to the TSHR, resulting in autoantibodies that stimulate thyroid hormones. This finding increases understanding of why autoantibodies arise specifically to the TSHR, leading to Graves hyperthyroidism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 16, 2003

Some 400 'fragile regions' of genome more vulnerable to evolutionary breaks

Scientists have identified 400 'fragile regions' in the human genome that are more susceptible to genetic rearrangements, which could lead to a better understanding of cancer and other diseases. The study's findings contradict previous theories on genomic breakage, suggesting that these regions are like fault lines in the genome.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

Birds do it. Bugs do it. But why don't we?

Research by University of Michigan biologist Jianzhi Zhang found that humans lost pheromone signals after a gene duplication event around 23 million years ago. This duplication allowed for the development of color vision, making pheromones unnecessary as a channel for sexual signaling.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

Transplantation tolerance: Of mice and men

A recent study by Christian Larsen and colleagues reveals that a specific threshold of memory cells is necessary to promote rejection, while CD8+ central memory cells mediate rejection. The authors suggest testing for potential cellular sensitization against donors prior to tolerance protocols to increase human transplantation success.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 16, 2003

U of T scientists build a bridge for new bone

A team of University of Toronto researchers has created a biodegradable scaffold that accelerates bone healing rates by providing a building structure for bone growth. The scaffold, similar in structure to a dish sponge, eventually dissolves, eliminating the need for expensive chemicals called bone growth factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJun 16, 2003

A rare find

Scott Oliver has been awarded a $500,000 NSF career grant to develop a new class of cationic microporous inorganic materials with unprecedented potential applications. These materials can trap anionic pollutants and are stable under high temperatures or acidic/basic conditions.

SARS death rate lower in countries responding aggressively to initial outbreak

Researchers analyzed data from the World Health Organization and found that countries with quicker control measures had lower fatality rates and slower epidemics. The study suggests that better control measures, such as rapid hospitalization and isolation of cases, are more effective than differences in infectivity or virulence.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 12, 2003

IV infustions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells benefit rodents with ALS, spinal cord injury

Researchers found that intravenous infusions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells delayed ALS disease progression by at least two to three weeks and improved survival in mice. The cells also circulated to organs outside the central nervous system, suggesting an immune-protective mechanism.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Hematotherapy & Stem Cell Research·DateJun 12, 2003