Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2003 - Page 3


Page 3 of 8

MicroRNAs - Tiny molecules shape up plants

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs play a crucial role in controlling plant growth and development by regulating cell division and leaf shape. The study found that a specific microRNA called "Jaw" targets messenger RNAs involved in preventing excessive cell division, leading to abnormal leaf shapes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 22, 2003

From diagnostic tool to cancer therapy

A team of researchers has discovered that injecting radioactive glucose can selectively kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. The treatment exploits the fact that cancer cells use more glucose than normal tissue, allowing for targeted delivery of radioactivity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateAug 21, 2003

Decreased diabetic cardiac death from losartan?

A post-hoc analysis of the LIFE study found that losartan significantly reduced sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy compared to atenolol. The results showed a nearly 50% risk reduction in sudden death for losartan-treated patients.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 21, 2003

How AIDS destroys immunity

Researchers found that the HIV vpr gene exploits the normal repair process of cells to stop vital white blood cells from replicating, thus disabling the immune system. The study suggests a possible treatment for AIDS-related immune-system damage using medicines that prevent the human ATR gene from being activated by HIV's vpr gene.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 20, 2003

Salk News: Social behavior genes

A study at the Salk Institute found that children with Williams syndrome exhibit unique social behavior patterns, including high scores on tests measuring social interactions. Genetic screening revealed that one gene may be responsible for this hyper-sociability in some individuals, suggesting a potential genetic link to the disorder.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateAug 20, 2003

Borneo elephants: A high priority for conservation

Research reveals Borneo's elephants are genetically distinct from other Asian elephants, suggesting they may have parted ways 300,000 years ago. This classification changes the focus of their conservation, as their habitats are increasingly disrupted by human expansion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 19, 2003