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Science News for March 24, 2003


Redheaded women respond better to painkilling drug

A new study by McGill University found that redheaded women respond better to a painkilling drug due to a genetic variation in the Mc1r gene. This gene is associated with pigmentation and variants cause red hair and fair skin, leading to a heightened response to kappa-specific analgesics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2003

New study reveals that only men are at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by smoking

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in men. However, female smokers do not face a higher risk, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests pre-menopausal women may block the link between smoking and RA development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 24, 2003

Porous ceramic can sort proteins magnetically

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to incorporate iron oxide particles into porous ceramic structures, enabling size exclusion and magnetic interactions. This enables the separation of single proteins from thousands found in blood serum, with potential applications in catalytic conversion.

SourceCornell University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 24, 2003