Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 4, 2003


Hibernating black bears shed light on treatments for osteoporosis

A study of wild black bears found that they recover from bone loss caused by inactivity through a mechanism involving increased bone formation during remobilization. This suggests that hibernating bears may minimize bone loss and completely recover lost bone, providing potential insights for treating osteoporosis.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateMar 4, 2003

JCI table of contents, March 3, 2003

Scientists have discovered a possible acceleration of type 1 diabetes in proinsulin 2-deficient non-obese diabetic mice, while promoting lymphangiogenesis as a potential treatment for lymphedema. Additionally, researchers found that CD44 is involved in the binding and uptake of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggesting its role in tubercu...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2003

Other highlights of the March 5 JNCI

A study found that higher plasma folate levels were associated with lower risk of breast cancer, while higher plasma vitamin B6 levels increased breast cancer risk. Plasma vitamin B12 levels inversely associated with breast cancer risk among premenopausal women. Cystic fibrosis patients may have an increased risk of digestive tract can...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 4, 2003

Current theory on cause of kidney stones refuted

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have localized the original mineral deposit site for most common stone formers and determined the composition of calcium phosphate crystals. This discovery refutes current theories on kidney stone formation, shedding new light on the disease's complex physiology.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2003

The elusive preeclampsia factor discovered?

Scientists found that elevated levels of sFlt1 protein mediate the progression to preeclampsia by reducing angiogenic factors. Reducing VEGF-A in kidney cells also caused similar kidney disease, suggesting a plausible scenario for preeclampsia

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2003

In elderly patients, combination chemotherapy no more effective than individual drugs

A Phase III randomized trial found that a combination of vinorelbine and gemcitabine did not improve overall and progression-free survival in elderly NSCLC patients. However, the study suggests that certain chemotherapy combinations, particularly cisplatin-based regimens, may be more effective than single-agent therapy. The results als...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 4, 2003

New hints into development of osteoporosis

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that M-CSF and alphaV beta3 integrin collaborate to regulate osteoclast differentiation. The discovery brings scientists closer to understanding the mechanisms behind osteoporosis, a condition affecting 50% of Caucasian and Asian women after age 65.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 4, 2003