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Science News Archive June 2003 - Page 5


Page 5 of 10

Movement brings computer images to life

Researchers have developed a new method called kinetic visualization that uses colored dots and motion to present three-dimensional scientific or medical data. This technique allows computers to display data in a different way, providing shape information and attracting attention to important areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateJun 18, 2003

Donor cells from new source ignored by the immune system

Kansas State University researchers successfully transplanted umbilical cord matrix stem cells from a pig into the brain of a live rat without triggering an immune response. The recipient cells survived for over six weeks and began to differentiate into nervous system cells, suggesting a new therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease.

SourceKansas State University·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateJun 18, 2003

The mechanical switch in the ear

Sensory hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical signals through transduction channels. A new report identifies NompC as a vertebrate homologue of a previously known channel, required for mechanosensation in zebrafish and possibly other animals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2003

Millions of Americans suffer from major depression

A recent study by Harvard Medical School found that millions of Americans suffer from major depressive episodes (MDE), with the majority being severe cases. The researchers measured the severity and duration of depression in over 9,000 Americans and found that only one in five received adequate treatment for their condition.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2003

Mayo Clinic finds key digestive role for 'silent killer'

Researchers found that carbon monoxide helps regulate smooth-muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling precise movement of food through the stomach and bowels. This discovery suggests potential clinical applications for carbon monoxide as a therapeutic agent in treating motility disorders.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

JCI table of contents, 16 June 2003

Sandra McLachlan and her team reveal that cleavage of the TSHR A subunit can induce or amplify the immune response to the TSHR, resulting in autoantibodies that stimulate thyroid hormones. This finding increases understanding of why autoantibodies arise specifically to the TSHR, leading to Graves hyperthyroidism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 16, 2003

Some 400 'fragile regions' of genome more vulnerable to evolutionary breaks

Scientists have identified 400 'fragile regions' in the human genome that are more susceptible to genetic rearrangements, which could lead to a better understanding of cancer and other diseases. The study's findings contradict previous theories on genomic breakage, suggesting that these regions are like fault lines in the genome.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

Birds do it. Bugs do it. But why don't we?

Research by University of Michigan biologist Jianzhi Zhang found that humans lost pheromone signals after a gene duplication event around 23 million years ago. This duplication allowed for the development of color vision, making pheromones unnecessary as a channel for sexual signaling.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

Transplantation tolerance: Of mice and men

A recent study by Christian Larsen and colleagues reveals that a specific threshold of memory cells is necessary to promote rejection, while CD8+ central memory cells mediate rejection. The authors suggest testing for potential cellular sensitization against donors prior to tolerance protocols to increase human transplantation success.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 16, 2003