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Science News Archive June 2003 - Page 6


Page 6 of 10

U of T scientists build a bridge for new bone

A team of University of Toronto researchers has created a biodegradable scaffold that accelerates bone healing rates by providing a building structure for bone growth. The scaffold, similar in structure to a dish sponge, eventually dissolves, eliminating the need for expensive chemicals called bone growth factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJun 16, 2003

A rare find

Scott Oliver has been awarded a $500,000 NSF career grant to develop a new class of cationic microporous inorganic materials with unprecedented potential applications. These materials can trap anionic pollutants and are stable under high temperatures or acidic/basic conditions.

SARS death rate lower in countries responding aggressively to initial outbreak

Researchers analyzed data from the World Health Organization and found that countries with quicker control measures had lower fatality rates and slower epidemics. The study suggests that better control measures, such as rapid hospitalization and isolation of cases, are more effective than differences in infectivity or virulence.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 12, 2003

IV infustions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells benefit rodents with ALS, spinal cord injury

Researchers found that intravenous infusions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells delayed ALS disease progression by at least two to three weeks and improved survival in mice. The cells also circulated to organs outside the central nervous system, suggesting an immune-protective mechanism.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Hematotherapy & Stem Cell Research·DateJun 12, 2003

A different antiviral for treating SARS

Researchers at Frankfurt University Medical School have assessed the antiviral potential of five drugs against the SARS coronavirus. Glycyrrhizin, an antiviral agent proven to treat HIV-1 and hepatitis C, is the most active compound in inhibiting replication, with increased nitric oxide synthesis contributing to its effectiveness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 2003

Changing global nitrogen cycle impacting human health, says Colorado University-led study

A recent study by Colorado University-led researchers highlights the growing health risks associated with changes in the global nitrogen cycle. The excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers has led to increased crop production in poor nations but poses significant environmental and health concerns for humans worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 12, 2003

The Plasti-Bone

Acer's process creates a micro-porous calcium phosphate coated polymer 'bone' that allows natural bone growth, reducing recovery time to 18 months. The technology, funded by the Navy Small Business Technology Transition program, has shown success in animal testing and tissue cultures.

Study finds statins would cut heart attacks and strokes by a third in people with diabetes

A UK multi-centre randomised trial found that statins reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes or revascularisation operations by about a third in diabetic patients, irrespective of their cholesterol levels. This could prevent at least 10,000 heart attacks, strokes and revascularisation operations each year worldwide.

Imaging technique tracks nerve growth and repair

A new imaging technique, using second harmonic generation microscopy, allows for the observation of microtubule polarity in living brain tissue. This enables researchers to study neuronal development and repair, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2003

An image of success

Dr. Zhang's research focuses on improving indexing, retrieval, and use of images based on algorithms that rely on the semantics of the images themselves. His recent invention disclosure reveals a novel fuzzy logic-based indexing scheme and user relevance feedback algorithm for content-based image retrieval.

Noninvasive optical biopsies on the horizon

Researchers demonstrate noninvasive microscopy scans producing images of diseased tissue at the cellular level, rivaling traditional histopathology methods. The technique uses natural fluorescence and multiphoton microscopy to enable optical biopsies on living animals or humans without surgical intervention.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2003