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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 18


Page 18 of 135

New gene mutation found to cause 'bubble boy disease'

Researchers identified a complete deficiency in the CD3 epsilon chain of the T cell receptor causing SCID, leading to normal B cells but no T cells. Early diagnosis via bone marrow stem cell transplantation can result in a survival rate as high as 97% for patients with this mutation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2004

Jefferson scientists reveal how some types of rabies invade the brain

Jefferson scientists discovered that certain parts of the silver-haired bat rabies virus, specifically its glycoprotein cover, enable it to infect the brain rapidly. The researchers found that this type of rabies is capable of evading the immune system more effectively than other strains, making it a key factor in viral pathogenesis.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2004

Yale environmental journal translated into Chinese

The Yale Environmental Journal has been translated into Chinese to promote high-quality scientific research and communication on the global environment. The 'circular economy' is a crucial aspect of China's environmental policy, emphasizing loop closing and recycling to achieve sustainable economic growth.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateNov 12, 2004

Lyme disease receptor identified in tick guts

A Yale University study identified a tick gut receptor used by spirochete bacteria to colonize ticks, which the bacteria use to survive. Blocking this receptor disrupts the bacteria's life cycle, opening up new strategies for improving Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 2004

Vegetable lovers should be viewed as different from fruit aficionados

A study by Brian Wansink found that vegetable enthusiasts eat more spicy foods, drink wine with dinner, and cook elaborate meals. Fruit lovers prefer sweets, are less adventurous in the kitchen, and eat desserts after dinner. Tailoring healthy eating recommendations to these groups can be more effective.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateNov 12, 2004

Water makes a splash

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that most liquid water molecules interact with only two other water molecules, contrary to the traditional picture of four hydrogen bonds per molecule. The study used a unique experimental technique and measured the energy required to distort hydrogen bonds in solid and liquid water.

Uncoupling proteins in human heart

Researchers found increased levels of uncoupling proteins (UCP2 and UCP3) in the hearts of patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This suggests a possible mechanism linking heart failure to energetic abnormalities. The study's findings may lead to new treatment approaches to correct these energy defects.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 11, 2004

Lessons learned from complex emergencies

The Lancet publishes a series of articles on public health in complex emergencies, highlighting progress made in responding to health consequences of such events. Despite improvements, renewed focus is required on major causes of death in conflict-affected societies, including acute respiratory infections and malnutrition.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 11, 2004

Generic anti-inflammatory causes significantly fewer GI complications than branded medications

A new study published in Gastroenterology found that generic anti-inflammatory drug etodolac reduces rates of gastrointestinal complication by more than 60% compared to naproxen, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and cost savings. This significant finding has led the Pharmacy Benefits Management Strategic Healthcare Group for the Vet...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 11, 2004

New software improves database security

QFilter uses non-deterministic finite automata (NFA) to filter out parts of queries asking for unauthorized access, significantly improving query-response time. The technology offers a practical solution to the ongoing problem of database access controls without requiring substantial changes to existing databases.

Trading places nanostyle

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a way to transform nanocrystals into other materials with different physical and chemical properties through cation exchange reactions. This process is faster and more reversible than previously thought, opening up new possibilities for the development of nanotechnology.