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Science News for May 1, 2003


Key gene in orchestrating embryo development also fine tunes organization of the retina

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a critical role for the gene Prox1 in regulating the development of the retina, ensuring proper formation and organization of complex tissue. The study found that Prox1 directs progenitor cells to stop multiplying, resulting in a precise ratio of horizontal cells to r...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 1, 2003

A possible mechanism for pre-eclampsia?

A study by Makrina Savvidou and colleagues found that impaired placental blood flow precedes pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Raised concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are strongly associated with reduced arterial dilation and increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 1, 2003

Molecular defect may lead to osteoporosis

A study found that mice genetically engineered to lack a molecule called Stem Cell Antigen-1 (Sca-1) experienced normal bone development but exhibited decreased bone mass and brittle bones as they aged. The researchers believe that defective maintenance of stem cells may contribute to age-related osteoporosis in humans.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2003

Estrogen regulates key factor in wound healing

MIF is a crucial intermediary in uncontrolled inflammation and impaired wound healing. In estrogen-deficient mice, MIF expression increased, leading to excessive inflammation and delayed healing. Therapeutics that inhibit MIF may accelerate wound healing.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2003

Recooking the recipe for prebiotic soup: Scripps professor revisits the Miller experiment

A Scripps Institution of Oceanography professor and his colleague revisit the famous Miller experiment to recreate a prebiotic soup that may have been present on early Earth. The report traces the history of the experiment and highlights its significance in transforming the study of life's origin into a respectable field of inquiry.

JCI Table of Contents, May 1, 2003

Researchers have successfully used syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to prevent autoimmune diabetes in mice, providing a promising new approach for treating genetic disorders. This breakthrough is made possible by the discovery of natural gene therapy mechanisms that can reverse mutations causing rare inherited diseases...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2003