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Science News Archive October 2003 - Page 3


Page 3 of 10

A tale of mice and men and how brains develop

A new study has identified a crucial connection between genes involved in brain development and human diseases such as epilepsy, mental retardation, and schizophrenia. The findings have significant implications for understanding the causes of these conditions and potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 26, 2003

Bad Mileage: 98 tons of plants per gallon

A study by ecologist Jeff Dukes calculates that 98 tons of plants per gallon are needed to produce modern fossil fuels. The research found that the amount of carbon in ancient plant matter required to form coal, oil, and gas is equivalent to all the plant growth on Earth over 13,300 years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalClimatic Change·DateOct 26, 2003

Study identifies risk factors for refractive surgery malpractice lawsuits and claims

A study published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology identified high patient volume as the greatest risk factor for increased chances of incurring malpractice claims or lawsuits. Other risk factors included prior claims or lawsuits, male surgeon gender, advertising, time spent with patients, and co-management with optometrists.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateOct 23, 2003

Poor prognosis linked to BRCA1 mutations

Women with BRCA1 mutations have a poorer prognosis for breast cancer compared to those without the mutation. However, chemotherapy may improve survival rates for these patients. The study suggests that physicians should consider BRCA1 mutation status when making treatment decisions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateOct 23, 2003

Amber waves of grain on a mission to Mars

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and NASA have developed a process to convert inedible wheat grass into activated carbon, absorbing nitrogen oxides and producing fertilizer. This technology could support a crew of six astronauts on a three-year Mars mission by recycling waste and conserving materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateOct 23, 2003

Laser therapy offers hope for acne sufferers

A new study published in The Lancet found that pulse-dye laser therapy (PDL) was effective in reducing acne symptoms by half at three months. PDL treatment was also well-tolerated and showed the largest effect within four weeks, suggesting it could be a promising alternative to daily conventional pharmacological treatments.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 23, 2003

Green mineral indicates red planet is dry

The USGS has discovered a vast area of green mineral olivine on Mars, suggesting that the planet's surface has been dry and free from recent water activity. This finding is significant as it implies that the Martian surface has not experienced significant chemical weathering due to liquid water.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2003

Experimental hantavirus vaccine elicits strong antibody response in primates

Researchers at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases have developed a hantavirus vaccine that elicited a potent neutralizing antibody response in rhesus macaques. The vaccine, which uses a naked DNA approach, also provided protection against hamster infection when administered after exposure.

November's Ophthalmology journal

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has published several new studies on various eye conditions, including amblyopia, glaucoma, and corneal surgery. Researchers have explored the effectiveness of patching regimens for treating severe amblyopia in children and found promising results.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateOct 22, 2003

Inequality rules today's public schools

Researchers at the University of Washington found that existing school systems perpetuate inequality through hidden special treatment and segregation. The study suggests expanding overcrowded schools could alleviate abuses, contradicting warnings about school choice programs increasing racial segregation and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEducation Policy Analysis Archives·DateOct 22, 2003