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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 104


Page 104 of 135

Physics tip sheet #41 - April 5, 2004

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in carbon nanotubes, with the smallest diameter yet found. Additionally, negative refraction has been observed in liquid surface waves, while a new form of high-density water has been discovered at the interface between ice and silicon dioxide.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 5, 2004

Female gluttony blamed on male tick

Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Cultural sensitivity crucial when seeking organ donors

Organ donations from living donors are less common in Canada due to cultural variations. Non-Western cultures perceive death as a more integrated state than Western societies do, making organ donation challenging for some individuals. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these differences and provide respectful care.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d anesthésie·DateApr 5, 2004

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, April 6, 2004

A new study of people with newly diagnosed Alzheimer disease found that median survival period was significantly shorter than similar-aged individuals. The severity of cognitive impairment and other factors were strongly associated with decreased survival. Meanwhile, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for alcoho...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Stretching the imagination

These materials have potential uses in lasers, drug detection, and sensors, offering new possibilities for applications with minimal energy cost. Professor Warner's research has increased interest in liquid crystal elastomers, which could lead to further discoveries.

Too good eyes for living below ground

Researchers found that African mole-rat eyes have anatomically well-developed retinas and a surprisingly high proportion of cones, which is unusual for blind animals. The density of rods, used for night vision, is also lower than expected in subterranean mammals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateApr 5, 2004

UCSD study cites lack of vigorous exercise as primary factor in adolescent obesity

A UCSD study found that adolescents who engaged in less vigorous physical activity were more likely to be overweight or at risk for obesity. The researchers also discovered that fiber intake was closely linked to weight, with normal-weight teens consuming more fibrous foods like whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateApr 5, 2004

Amazon drought now measured from space

Scientists have determined for the first time how drought conditions can be quantified over large forest areas in the Amazon rainforest from space. Using a combination of ground-based and space-based tools, they found that satellite imaging can measure the physiology of the rainforest canopy with high accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2004

Why passive smoking hinders healing

Research finds that passive smoking hinders healing by changing the arrangement of fibroblast cells' cytoskeleton, making them less mobile and more prone to abnormal scarring. This can lead to slower wound closure rates in smokers compared to non-smokers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cell Biology·DateApr 4, 2004

Scars of 9/11 linger with NYC firefighters

A recent study by Cornell University found that NYC firefighters experience high levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety after the 9/11 attacks. The study also highlights the importance of open communication, teamwork, and employee involvement in decision-making to improve firefighter well-being.

Monitoring macrophages detects dementia

Researchers have successfully used PET imaging to detect dementia in macaque models. The study utilized the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor to identify macrophage activity, which is linked to neurodegeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2004

JCI table of contents, 2 April 2004

A specific mutation in the KCNMB1 gene is associated with lower blood pressure, according to a study published in JCI. Researchers found that individuals with this mutation had lower diastolic blood pressure compared to those without it. The study suggests that targeting the beta1 subunit may have therapeutic potential for treating hyp...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2004

Hypertension tamer

A gain-of-function mutation in the KCNMB1 potassium channel subunit is associated with a lower prevalence of diastolic hypertension. The beta1 subunit of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel protects against hypertension, as outlined in an accompanying commentary.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2004

Favorite liquid revisited

A team of scientists has found that water molecules in liquid form clump much more loosely than previously believed, challenging 20 years of research. This discovery reopens the hunt for a better understanding of water's unique properties and potential applications in fields like biology.

Bim notes in the neuronal executioner's song

A new study has found that Bim regulation plays a crucial role in determining hippocampal vulnerability after injurious seizures and in temporal lobe epilepsy. The researchers suggest that understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating these conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2004

The APCs of autoimmune disease

Activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by microbial products leads to the breakdown of self-tolerance in the immune system. This breakdown induces autoimmune disease, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 2, 2004