Virginia Tech, University of Texas to create wireless simulator
Researchers at Virginia Tech and UTA develop software simulator for future wireless networks. The project involves six faculty members and 15 students.
Science News for September 18, 2003
Pet scans could provide insight into HIV-1 progression
Researchers found distinct lymphoid tissue activation patterns in patients with acute, mid-stage, and late HIV-1 disease. PET scans showed predictable sequence of lymph node involvement, suggesting potential for treatment interruptions during active node removal.
Genes discovered that regulate blood stem cell development
Researchers found that zebrafish mutants with severe anemia had a mutation in the cdx4 gene, which led to improved blood cell development when hox genes were injected. This study provides insights into normal blood formation and may lead to more effective treatments for devastating blood disorders like leukemia.
UCR engineer awarded EPA grant to study air pollution
The UCR engineer will measure particulates in air to improve measurement methods and determine the source of fine particle air pollution. The researcher will use special instruments to quantify and minimize errors in results, aiming to provide more accurate data on air pollution.
Zebrafish studies provide insight into blood-cell formation
Researchers found that eliminating or overexpressing the cdx4 gene affected blood-cell formation and Hox gene expression in zebrafish. The study's findings could help reveal how cdx4 fusions disrupt normal hematopoiesis and contribute to human leukemias.
Florida study shows surgical mishaps more likely in physician offices than surgery centers
A Florida study found that ambulatory surgery centers have a significantly lower rate of death and injury compared to physician offices. The researchers analyzed data from 182 incident reports and found a 10-fold increase in adverse incidents in office settings, with higher rates of death and injuries.
Faster radiotherapy more effective in head and neck cancer, trial shows
A new trial has shown that faster radiotherapy can improve head and neck cancer treatment outcomes, with a 60-70% benefit in tumour control and better voice conservation. The study found that accelerated treatment was linked to high EGFR expression and good tumour differentiation.
NSF awards $12.5 million to Cal-(IT)²
The National Science Foundation has awarded $12.5 million to Cal-(IT)², a two-campus science and innovation institute at the University of California, Irvine, to develop innovative information-sharing tools and organizational strategies for first responders in urban crisis situations. The project aims to provide critical tools to early...
Adult stem cell research
Researchers have found that adult rat hearts contain cardiac progenitor cells capable of repairing damaged tissue. The study, published in Cell, used these cells to regenerate new myocytes and other functional cells in ischemic hearts.
Different approaches required for monitoring suicide trends
A new approach to monitoring suicide trends suggests that favourable overall rates may hide increasing rates of years lost due to suicide among young people. This analysis of English and Welsh data reveals a potential decline in life expectancy for this age group.
Saving dirt: Pristine soils losing out to agriculture and development
The study found that 31 soils are effectively extinct due to agricultural and land use, while six states have more than half of their rare soil series in an endangered state. The researchers argue for preserving rare and unique soils, which support rare plants and animals.
Hormones and drugs that control blood pressure also control malaria infection
Researchers identified a key process in malaria infection involving G proteins in red blood cells, which can be blocked with beta-blockers to prevent parasite entry. By targeting this process, new approaches for treating malaria may be developed using existing drugs.
Built-in eyeshade offers clue to prehistoric past
Researchers have discovered a complete specimen of phacopoid trilobite Erbenochile, featuring giant eyes with unique lobes that resemble lens shades or baseball hat brims. This finding provides new insights into the evolution and behavior of these ancient creatures.
Guinea-zilla? World's largest rodent identified as ancient sibling to guinea pigs
The giant rodent, Phoberomys pattersoni, weighed about 1,545 pounds and was a semi-aquatic species that foraged along riverbanks. It is believed to have gone extinct due to its slow speed, which made it vulnerable to predators.
Accelerated radiotherapy more effective for treating head and neck cancer
A randomised controlled trial found that accelerated radiotherapy improved five-year tumour control by 10% compared to standard radiotherapy, with benefits also seen in patients with laryngeal cancer. The treatment was associated with a small increase in disease-specific survival, but also more acute morbidity.
Male injecting-drug users at greater risk of drug-related death
Male injecting-drug users are at greater risk of drug-related death than females. Older users (over 34 years) are two to six times more likely to die than younger users.
Have the police hijacked our DNA?
The use of DNA fingerprinting in criminal cases is a growing concern due to its potential for misidentification. In New York City, the DNA itself will be charged with an offense, ignoring the statute of limitations and raising questions about fairness and accuracy.