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Science News for April 21, 2003


Scientists discover unique source of stem cells

Researchers have identified a new source of stem cells in human teeth, known as SHED (Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth), which can grow rapidly in culture and differentiate into specialized cells. This discovery may lead to breakthroughs in tooth repair, bone regeneration, and neural injury treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2003

New brain imaging pinpoints areas of brain most crucial for normal functioning

Researchers have developed a new brain imaging technique called Voxel-based Lesion-Symptom Mapping (VLSM), which pinpoint areas of the brain most crucial for normal functioning. The method uses structural MRI scans and compares them to functional brain imaging data, allowing for more accurate mapping of brain damage and behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 21, 2003
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Living with schizophrenia

A new virtual reality device re-creates hallucinations associated with schizophrenia, helping patients better understand their condition and adhere to medication. The technology also offers healthcare professionals a tool to assess treatment effectiveness, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

SourceD S Simon Productions, Inc.·DateApr 21, 2003

U of MN study finds bile acid reduces apoptosis

A University of Minnesota study has found that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) significantly reduces injury associated with hemorrhagic strokes in rats. The bile acid crosses the blood-brain barrier and induces survival pathways while inhibiting destructive ones, leading to a 50% decrease in lesion volume.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2003

A kindler, gentler cut for LASIK

A new LASIK procedure uses femtosecond lasers to create precise, high-precision cuts in the human cornea, reducing complications and improving reliability. The technology has been safely used in over 30,000 procedures, offering a bladeless alternative to traditional microkeratome-based methods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Refractive Surgery·DateApr 21, 2003

Snoring linked to headaches

Chronic snorers are more than twice as likely to experience chronic daily headaches as those with occasional headaches. Researchers suggest that treating snoring could help alleviate headaches in some individuals.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 21, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Black water turns the tide on Florida coral

A 2002 NASA study found a significant decline in coral cover and species diversity after the 'black water' event, which was caused by a bloom of microscopic marine plants. The dark water reduced sunlight absorption, affecting the ecosystem.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 21, 2003

Rice study identifies sources of Houston smog particulates

A Rice University study found that diesel engines are the primary contributors of fine particles to Houston's air, followed by gasoline-powered vehicles and road dust. The researchers also discovered that fuel oil combustion from industrial plants produced significant amounts of particulate matter.

SourceRice University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 21, 2003

Texas A&M, Ecor Corp. sign deal to produce health-related proteins

A Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientist has developed a method of producing collagen and other health-related proteins from plants, replacing human or animal sources. The process involves introducing collagen proteins into sugarcane callus, transforming the cane to produce both sugar and collagen protein in cane stems.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateApr 21, 2003

Genetic abnormalities found in some ALS patients

Researchers identified chromosomal abnormalities in 5.9% of ALS patients, suggesting a previously unknown risk factor for the disease. The study highlights the need for systematic genetic analysis of patients with ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 21, 2003
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Study sheds light on Chlamydial pathogens

A new study by The Institute for Genomic Research found close similarity among the DNA sequences of Chlamydiae pathogens, including C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. muridarum, which cause human diseases such as blindness and pneumonia. Nearly 800 genes discovered in C. caviae were also found in these other bacteria.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 21, 2003

Cholesterol-lowering drugs shown to decrease predictor of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that participants taking statins lowered their brain cholesterol levels by 21.4 percent, potentially reducing amyloid plaque formation and severity of Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Dr. Gloria Vega, showed no adverse side effects in patients with normal cholesterol levels.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 21, 2003