Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 28, 2003


UNC study: Trails, places to excercise, streetlights can boost activity levels

The UNC study found that residents with access to trails, sidewalks, and well-lit streets were more likely to meet the recommended physical activity levels. Notably, blacks, American Indians, and those with lower education and income levels reported less favorable neighborhood environments and reduced access to exercise spaces.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateAug 28, 2003

Sage improves memory, study shows

A study published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour found that sage oil improved word recall test performance in healthy young adults. Sage is being investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's Disease due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Study seeks genetic keys to exercise success

A new study is investigating the role of genetics in exercise response, seeking to identify genes that influence body composition and fitness. The project aims to develop personalized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, which could lead to improved weight loss and reduced obesity-related risks.

Dartmouth bioengineers develop humanized yeast

Researchers at Dartmouth College and GlycoFi have developed a technology to produce human-like glycoprotein structures in yeast, offering improved quality and quantity of pharmaceutical proteins. This breakthrough has the potential to increase patient access to life-saving drug therapies by overcoming production capacity bottlenecks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2003

New studies demonstrate importance of offering range of treatment options to elderly cancer patients

Two new studies found that elderly lung cancer patients benefit equally from aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment, contradicting common assumptions. Fit elderly patients should be fully briefed on treatment options, including potential risks and benefits. The studies suggest presenting the full range of treatment options to ...

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 28, 2003

Wrist bands can ease cancer nausea, especially for patients who expect them to work

Researchers found that wrist bands with acupressure or stimulation applied to an acupuncture point on the wrist reduced nausea in breast cancer patients by 15% compared to no band. Patients who expected the bands to ease their nausea experienced even greater relief, reporting a 25% decrease in nausea severity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateAug 28, 2003

Body scanners for lab animals

Researchers at UC Davis have developed an advanced PET scanner, MicroPET II, that can resolve a volume of one cubic millimeter, significantly improving detection of small cancer cells in experimental animals. The non-invasive imaging technology allows researchers to gain more information and use fewer animals in studies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateAug 28, 2003