An eye for scent marks
Research suggests that rodents' UV vision helps them detect fresh urine marks, improving localization and social organization. This adaptation may have driven the retention of UV vision in these animals.
Science News for June 10, 2003
Chemists unlock secret to activating tumor suppressor gene
Researchers discover that PTEN can be activated by phosphorylation, a process that counterbalances cell growth and suppresses tumor growth. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapy for cancers associated with PTEN gene mutations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2003
Aspirin as effective as Ticlopidine in African American stroke prevention
The study shows that aspirin is likely a better choice than ticlopidine for recurrent stroke prevention in African Americans, who face higher stroke risks. Aspirin is readily available and inexpensive, while ticlopidine has serious side effects and is more difficult to use.
New herbal drug therapy effective in treating vascular dementia
Researchers found that a Chinese herbal medicine called gastrodine compound granule significantly improved memory and behavioral scores in patients with mild to moderate vascular dementia. The study showed a 51.43% improvement rate, compared to 52% for the standard medication Duxilâ.
Ensuring the safety of first responder gas masks
Scientists will conduct live agent testing of masks at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, simulating mustard blistering and nerve gas sarin exposure. The tests aim to establish a maximum penetration rate and fit testing methods for gas masks worn by first responders.
Study shows restricted activities predict decline; UNC physician urges acceptance of the inevitable
A study by Yale University found that older adults' disability scores worsen by 11.2% for every month of curtailed activity. The association between restricted activity and functional decline differs significantly in risk groups, with adjusted disability scores increasing by 18.7% and 7.5% for low- and intermediate-risk groups, respect...
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2003
Atmospheric mercury has declined -- But why?
Researchers have observed a steady decline in atmospheric mercury levels since the mid-1990s, with concentrations remaining relatively constant. The findings highlight the need for further research on the sources of mercury emissions, including both natural and manmade components.
Tooth, heal thyself
Researchers at NIST have invented composites that can promote re-growth of natural tooth structures efficiently. These bioactive, biocompatible materials can be used to stimulate the repair of defective teeth, minimizing decay under orthodontic braces and potentially in root canal therapy.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPublic Administration Journal of Research·DateJun 10, 2003
Fosrenol (TM), first non-calcium phosphate binder, demonstrates long-term benefit in ESRD patients
Long-term data show effective control of serum phosphate levels, with 71.7% achieving target levels after one year and 68.9% after three years. Low incidence of hypercalcaemia is also maintained throughout the study period.
Navigating the e-mail labyrinth
Researchers at USC created a new tool, eArchivarius, to organize and visualize electronic mail collections. It uses advanced search software to detect important relationships between messages and people, creating vivid and intuitive visual interfaces.
Miniature mix-ups to speed materials research
Researchers at NIST are developing tiny lab-on-chip devices to automate material formulation testing, reducing trial-and-error exercises. The project aims to improve paints, shampoos, and other emulsions with real-time image measurement techniques, extending microfluidic system capabilities.
Off-pump bypass results in fewer complications
Researchers found a significant reduction in micro-emboli during off-pump coronary bypass surgery compared to traditional pump-assisted procedures. This decrease was associated with lower rates of neurological complications and cognitive decline after surgery.
Deciphering how arteries contribute to hypertension
Researchers are investigating the role of arterial stiffness in hypertension by analyzing the elasticity, strength, and stiffness of rat and calf arteries. They found that hypertensive tissues are stiffer and less responsive to pressure changes.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPublic Administration Journal of Research·DateJun 10, 2003
Cracking the nanonewton force barrier
Researchers create device that measures forces as small as tens of nanonewtons and ties those measurements to larger forces based on the kilogram. The instrument achieves accuracy to a few parts in 10,000 and aims to extend its resolution to piconewtons.
Ultra-cold substance shows stripes -- behavior explained
Researchers have developed a method to control the behavior of ultra-cold substances, which could lead to significant advancements in quantum computing and precise time measurements. By manipulating the material's density and vortex patterns, scientists can create unique flow patterns that defy traditional solid or liquid states.
Premenopausal breast cancer linked with place of birth, residence at time of menarche
A new study links premenopausal breast cancer to where women were born and lived during early life. Researchers found clustering of cancer patients based on their place of birth and residence at the time of menarche in Western New York's Erie and Niagara counties.
Triple-drug HIV therapy doesn't raise total and LDL lipids, say Pittsburgh researchers
Researchers analyzed lipid levels of HIV patients before and during HAART and found that average total and LDL cholesterol levels remained stable over three years. After initiation, cholesterol levels rose but returned to pre-infection levels after a year. However, triglyceride and HDL levels were higher than in similar-aged men.
U-M study: Physicians perceive health care cost savings line pockets of insurance companies
A study found that physicians prioritize profits over patient benefits when considering cost savings. More than half of responding physicians believed money saved would go to insurance executives rather than patients or improved services. The study highlights the disconnect between doctor perceptions and long-term societal benefits.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 10, 2003
Close communication between identical twins helps them live longer
Identical twins who communicated once a month or more lived significantly longer than those with less frequent contact, outliving fraternal twins by nearly two years. Frequent social interaction among identical twins appears to contribute to their longevity.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateJun 10, 2003
Researchers identify shift towards more treatable AIDS-related lymphoma
Researchers found that AIDS-related lymphomas responding well to chemotherapy have high levels of proteins indicating rapid growth and multidrug resistance. The study also showed that suspending antiretroviral therapy during lymphoma treatment is safe and allows for high overall survival.
Barrel structure in globular proteins may transport small molecules
Researchers discovered that globular proteins can utilize their barrel structure to transport small molecules like ammonia, improving chemical reactions. This process, known as substrate channeling, allows for efficient delivery of reactants and enhances reaction rates.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2003