Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2004 - Page 46


Page 46 of 135

Changes in home environment can reduce asthma symptoms in inner-city children

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing allergens and tobacco smoke in the home can significantly reduce asthma symptoms in African-American and Hispanic children. The research involved over 900 children aged 5-11, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 8, 2004

Smac-ing back at cancer cells

A new class of compounds has been discovered to mimic the function of a protein called Smac, which promotes apoptosis in cancer cells. The compounds, known as Compound 3, were found to be effective at extremely low concentrations and showed potential as an anti-cancer therapy.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 8, 2004

New research shows air pollution can reduce children's lung function

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that air pollution can significantly reduce lung function in children between ages 10 and 18. Researchers tracked air pollutant levels in Southern California communities and found a correlation between poor air quality and decreased forced expiratory volume.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 8, 2004

Exploring the noisy nature of atoms

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a method to exploit spin noise in magnetic atoms to perform detailed magnetic resonance imaging. By using laser-based Faraday rotation, the scientists measured the spectrum of spin noise in rubidium and potassium atoms, revealing their complete magnetic structure.

Popular magazines don't inform men about prostate and colon cancer screening

A recent study found that popular magazines rarely provide in-depth information on prostate and colon cancer screening. Key points such as risk factors, early screening benefits, and potential harms are often missing from magazine articles. This lack of information may contribute to the public's misperception about cancer risks.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 8, 2004

Early detection hope for eye disease

A new technique using spectral imaging allows doctors to detect and chart eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma with high accuracy. The method uses liquid crystal tuneable filters and cooled digital cameras to take images at specific wavelengths, revealing the oxygenation state of blood vessels in the eye.

New genetic hypothesis for the cause of autism

A new genetic hypothesis proposes that most cases of autism can be explained by a complex model for genetic malfunction, involving both inherited and de novo genetic factors. The study suggests epigenetic components, including genetic imprinting, play a major role in the etiology of autism.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateSep 8, 2004

The birth of reproductive health: A difficult delivery

The Cairo Conference's 20-year plan for reproductive health is under threat from conservative and liberal ideological battles, international funding shortfalls, and the HIV pandemic. The situation has resulted in 60 million unwanted pregnancies, 19 million unsafe abortions, and half a million maternal deaths annually.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 8, 2004

UK scientist gambles on gravitational waves

Professor Jim Hough of the University of Glasgow believes that gravitational waves will be detected in the near future due to advancements in instrument technology. The UK's GEO 600 device has shown promising results, and its innovations are being considered by LIGO for implementation.

Hunting illusive signs of natural selection

A study by Penn State researchers found a cluster of four genes that appear to be heavily selected in the European-American population, suggesting adaptation to new environmental pressures. In contrast, the African-American population shows signs of natural selection for milk tolerance due to changes in TRPV6 and TRPV5 genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 8, 2004

AGU Journal Highlights - 8 September 2004

Researchers found that El Nino climate changes contribute to Antarctic cooling through atmospheric circulation shifts. Deep-sea islands stir and fertilize the upper ocean by mixing cold waters with the surface layer, while Siberian forest fires produced hazardous air pollution in western North America.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 8, 2004

Long-term outcomes for liver transplantation due to hepatitis C

Research on hepatitis C patients after liver transplantation found that 10-year outcomes are similar to those for other indications, but risk of recurrence and failure increases over time. Factors such as donor and recipient age, viral load, and CMV antibodies can predict transplant success.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateSep 7, 2004

First-of-its-kind experiment on San Andreas

Scientists are conducting an experiment to gather information about the deep underlying structures of the San Andreas fault line using a highly sensitive gravity instrument. The goal is to affordably gather data and compare future surveys to track changes in the shallow crust beneath the surface.

Study: First 10 minutes after meeting may guide future of relationship

A recent study conducted by Ohio State University researchers found that the initial impressions formed within the first 10 minutes of a meeting can significantly influence the development of a relationship. The study, which analyzed data from over 164 college freshmen, revealed that positive initial impressions were the strongest pred...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateSep 7, 2004

The promise of personalized medicine

A new system, Genomic Messaging System (GMS), has been developed to store and transmit whole sequences of patient DNA in a compressed form while maintaining privacy. This technology could enable doctors to prescribe tailored treatments based on unique genetic variations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateSep 7, 2004