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Science News Archive November 2003 - Page 9


Page 9 of 10

New findings help predict soil production and erosion

New study by Benjamin Burke and Arjun Heimsath predicts future soil production and erosion in similar landscapes, supporting previous research on chemical weathering's role. The researchers studied three sites in Australia and California, finding variability in chemical and physical weathering processes across small areas.

Study: growth hormone-deficient young adults need larger replacement doses than older adults

Researchers found that younger adults with growth hormone deficiency require higher doses of the hormone to maintain healthy bones and reduce the risk of heart disease. The study's findings could change clinical practice in the US and abroad, suggesting that treatment should be restarted at a lower dose for older adults.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 5, 2003

Summa Health System improves stroke care using ace model of care

Summa Health System's ACE model of care enhances stroke care by focusing on comprehensive assessment, function-oriented patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary team management. The system's dedicated 34-bed stroke unit discharges nearly 1,000 patients annually, making it the largest provider of stroke care in Northeast Ohio.

SourceSumma Health System·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 4, 2003

Natural disasters illuminated by B-movie clips

The Penn State Earth 101 course uses B-movie clips to engage students in learning about natural disasters, promoting critical thinking and science-based decision-making. Students work on projects such as public affairs manuals for cities with earthquake histories, debating topics like government response to natural disasters.

Dietary supplement many not lower prostate cancer risk

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that a diet rich in whole tomatoes, but not supplements, was associated with longer survival rates and reduced risk of prostate cancer. The study also showed that energy restriction did not offer additional benefits over a balanced diet.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 4, 2003

Anti-platelet drug blocks bone metastases in mice

Researchers found that an anti-platelet drug, ML464, blocked bone metastases and reduced new tumor development in mice. The study provides a promising start to exploring the use of anti-platelet drugs as potential therapies for breast and prostate cancer.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2003

Sand ripples taller on Mars

Ripple features on Mars have been found to be almost 20 feet high, much taller than those on Earth, with the exact heights and grain sizes still unknown. The dimensions of these Martian ripples are likely influenced by lower gravity and may reveal insights into local and regional weather patterns.

JCI Table of Contents, November 3, 2003

Researchers successfully used gene-modified dendritic cells to induce apoptosis in collagen-specific T cells, reducing arthritis incidence and severity. Additionally, stem cell factor was found to drive hepatocyte proliferation after liver resection, while VLA-1 expression is crucial for T cell memory of previously encountered antigens.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2003

Variants of BMP2 gene as genetic risk factors for osteoporosis

A study identified variants of the BMP2 gene as genetic risk factors for osteoporosis, approximately tripling the likelihood of developing the disease. The findings were replicated in an independent cohort, suggesting a strong association between the gene's variants and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 3, 2003

GAD2 as a candidate gene for obesity

Researchers found a genetic link between GAD2 variants and obesity. The study suggests that overexpression of the GAD2 gene may increase GABA levels in the hypothalamus, leading to increased orexigenic effects and overeating.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 3, 2003

Physics tip sheet #38 - November 3, 2003

A new semiconductor material can lead to solar cells with higher efficiency, while a study on magnetic memory devices suggests they could speed up by a factor of 1000. Researchers also found that certain interactions between molecules can create negative friction, which could have applications in fields like photosynthesis and nanoscal...

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 3, 2003