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Science News Archive March 2003 - Page 9


Page 9 of 10

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

$1.4 million NSF grant to study turbulent flows

A team of Cornell physicists and engineers are developing an instrument that can track hundreds of particles simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of turbulent flows. The technology has the potential to improve climate models and predict how pollutants disperse in air or water.

Rice University tissue engineers set sights on meniscus

Researchers at Rice University are working on growing replacement cartilage for the meniscus, a kidney-shaped wedge of cartilage that cushions stress in the knee joint. By developing methods to simulate mechanical conditions and grow tissue in precise shapes, they aim to create more effective treatments for osteoarthritis.

On the nose

A new USC study suggests that humans lost the ability to detect pheromones due to a gene essential for vomeronasal organ function. The study found that mutations in this gene occurred around 40 million years ago, leading to the disappearance of the gene and subsequent loss of vomeronasal organ function in primates.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2003

Ramipril use in Canada

The number of ramipril prescriptions for elderly Ontario residents increased significantly after the release of HOPE's results, peaking at 304/100 000 in May 2000. This surge in prescribing was attributed to widespread media coverage of the study's success.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 3, 2003