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Science News for December 15, 2003


Surgical technique may reduce pain after tonsillectomy

Researchers found that postoperative pain was less on days three, four, and five following surgery for patients in the microdissection group compared to those in the standard electrocautery group. The study suggests that microdissection needle cautery may be a more effective method for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 15, 2003

Risk factors determine need for colonoscopy

Researchers developed a risk index to identify people at higher risk of finding advanced precancerous growths in the upper colon. The study found that older age, being male, and having certain types and sizes of polyps in the lower colon were associated with an increased probability of finding these growths.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2003

New project will develop cancer maps for Pennsylvania

The Penn State project aims to create interactive maps of cancer rates in specific geographic areas, enabling better planning and evaluation of cancer interventions. Based on prostate and colorectal cancers, the model can be expanded to other states, utilizing available screenings and interventions to reduce cancer burden.

Brain tumor growth requires abnormal neighbors

Researchers developed a mouse model of neurofibromatosis 1 to study brain tumor growth, finding that tumors require permissive environments. Astrocytes with both copies of the Nf1 gene lacking in surrounding cells were found to develop into tumors, highlighting the importance of location in cancer development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 15, 2003

A first glance at global genetic networks

The study found functionally related genes were co-expressed across six distantly related organisms, including bacteria, yeast, and human. The researchers discovered conserved transcription modules that provide clues to the evolutionary building blocks generating diversity in cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 15, 2003

Shyness can be deadly

A study by UCLA researchers found that individuals with shy personalities tend to have higher viral loads and faster disease progression, even on antiretroviral therapy. This suggests that high-stress individuals may be more susceptible to HIV replication due to their heightened nervous system response.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 15, 2003

Stroke may increase risk of Alzheimer disease

Researchers found a significant association between stroke and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older patients. Patients with a history of stroke were 60% more likely to develop AD, with the risk highest among those with established vascular risk factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateDec 15, 2003

Autophagy active in tumor suppression

A study found that heterozygous disruption of the beclin 1 autophagy gene promotes tumorigenesis. Autophagy has been shown to have a tumor suppressor role, and this study highlights its importance in cancer development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2003

Columbia University presentations at AGU

Researchers at Columbia Climate School presented various studies, including predicting earthquakes to urban heat island effects. One study found that human activities may have significantly raised seismicity levels in stable continental regions during the last half-century. Another study examined the impact of climate change on air pol...

JCI table of contents, December 15 2003

A study on beclin 1 autophagy gene reveals its role in tumor suppression. In another study, researchers found that obese fatty tissue is characterized by inflammation, which may contribute to insulin resistance. These findings suggest that autophagy and inflammation play crucial roles in cancer biology and obesity-related diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2003

'Suicide proteins' contribute to sperm creation

Researchers found that multiple caspases and regulators are required for proper sperm formation in fruitflies, highlighting a non-apoptotic process. This discovery could provide insights into male infertility and suggest possible treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 15, 2003