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Science News for December 9, 2003


Common airborne substance makes asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites: study

A new study from the University of North Carolina Health Care found that exposure to ozone and endotoxin can make asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites, worsening their symptoms. The research involved 14 participants with mild asthma who inhaled low levels of endotoxin, followed by an allergen challenge test.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 9, 2003

Ebola virus-like particles prevent lethal Ebola virus infection

Researchers at USAMRIID have developed Ebola virus-like particles (VLPs) that induce both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in mice, providing 100% protection against lethal challenge. The VLPs, resembling infectious viral particles without genetic material, offer a promising vaccine platform for Ebola and other viruses.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2003

Online support for people with depression

A cross-sectional survey of over 2000 users of Internet depression communities found that major depression was most common in the UK and Sweden, with significant numbers not receiving treatment. The study also showed that online communities can reduce feelings of isolation and lead to seeking professional help.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2003

American black cherry tree overruns Europe by playing dirty

A study by Indiana University researchers suggests that European soil microbes help the invasive American black cherry tree grow, while inhibiting native species. The research found that in Dutch greenhouses, sterilized soil led to poor growth of native cherry trees, but non-sterilized soil allowed the invasive species to thrive.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 9, 2003

Future medical leaders have shorter futures, study says

A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that doctors with leadership roles tend to have a shorter lifespan. The study compared the life expectancies of 1,521 doctors who graduated from U of T over the past century. On average, these leaders lived 50 years after graduation, whereas their peers lived for 52 years.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 9, 2003

On the tip

USC neuroscientist Emily Liman founds that calcium acts as a bridge for taste cells to send signals to the brain about what's been tasted. The study reveals new details on how the sense of taste works and could lead to the development of better artificial sweeteners or additives.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2003

Rice engineers make first pure nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created continuous fibers of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes using a new processing method involving superacids. This breakthrough enables the industrial production of pure carbon nanotube threads, cables, and sheets, with potential applications in materials science and aerospace.

SourceRice University·JournalMacromolecules·DateDec 9, 2003

Complementary medicine use high for prostate cancer

A study found that 29.8% of Ontario men diagnosed with prostate cancer used complementary medicine, highlighting the need for awareness and discussion among clinicians. The most commonly used products were natural health supplements like vitamin E, saw palmetto, and selenium, which may interact with conventional therapies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalUrology·DateDec 9, 2003