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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 85


Page 85 of 135

Zinc can help in the treatment of pneumonia

A zinc supplement reduced treatment time for severe pneumonia in children by an average of one day, with a corresponding decrease in hospital stay duration. The treatment was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with significant implications for reducing antimicrobial resistance.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 20, 2004

HIV takes cellular opportunities to aid infection

Researchers at the Salk Institute have made a breakthrough in understanding how HIV replicates within host cells. The study revealed that molecules exist in cells that help convert HIV's RNA genome to DNA, allowing for the production of new virus particles.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2004

Genetic barrier to self-pollination identified

Researchers have identified a genetic component involved in the self-incompatibility response of plants. The discovery sheds light on how plants prevent self-pollination and could lead to more efficient methods for producing hybrid seeds, such as hand emasculation being replaced by transgenic approach.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2004

When bosons become fermions

Researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics and Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz successfully fermionize a gas of bosonic atoms, creating a Tonks-Girardeau gas. The resulting state exhibits unique properties that blur the distinction between bosonic and fermionic behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2004

Super-effective 'jumping gene' created

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created an artificial jumping gene that can randomly silence genes in mice, offering a new way to study genetic function and evolution. The discovery has the potential to reveal how genes interact with each other and contribute to human health and disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2004

Many physicians misperceive radiation risks to developing fetuses from X-rays and CT scans

A study of 273 family physicians and obstetricians found that many doctors overestimated the risk of major fetal malformations from X-rays and CT scans. Most diagnostic imaging exams result in less than 50 mGy of radiation exposure to the fetus, dispelling a misconception that can lead to unnecessary anxiety and terminations.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 18, 2004

Researchers find a goldmine of seismic information

Small earthquakes with magnitudes zero to three are recorded in South African gold mines, providing a unique dataset for scientists. The researchers are using this data to investigate the properties of small earthquakes and bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and real-world seismic activity.

The $50 million solution

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $49.7 million in grants to support undergraduate science programs at 42 colleges across 17 states and Puerto Rico. The funding will enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM education, with a focus on underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged students.

Celebrities are root cause of rush to dentist

Research from Newcastle University and Australia finds young adults worried about their teeth due to celebrity beauty standards. The study, published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, reveals younger generations are more likely to complain about dental problems than older adults.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateMay 18, 2004

Different methods of adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer have similar outcomes

A randomized clinical trial found that regional and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy regimens had similar survival rates for colon cancer patients, with the combination regimen offering no added benefit. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also showed lower adverse reaction rates for regional therapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May 2004 (second issue)

A recent study suggests that surgery provides a favorable outcome for long-term multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. The surgeons at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center have extensive experience in treating mycobacterial lung disease, making them uniquely qualified to assess individual patient risk/benefit balances.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 18, 2004

Fortification of food supply with folic acid

Fortifying food supply with folic acid can markedly lower the risk of neural tube defects in offspring, such as spina bifida. The long-term safety of folic acid has been debated, but fortification is considered a better way to reach most women worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 18, 2004

Mowing back antennas

The Navy is developing a new radio frequency concept, AMRF-C, to enable a limited number of transmit and receive antennas to handle multiple communications, radar, and electronic warfare functions. The goal is to reduce costs and improve performance by leveling so-called 'antenna forests'.

Waste not, want not

A new class of semiconductors has been developed that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity, with potential applications in shipboard steam plants and land vehicles. The material, called LAST, uses nanostructures to impede heat flow and introduce internal boundaries, increasing its efficiency.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2004

Other highlights in the May 19 JNCI

Researchers discovered feasible chemotherapy combinations that include trastuzumab for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, with higher overall response rates and lower cardiac dysfunction. Two phase II clinical trials showed promising results, paving the way for future randomized phase III trials.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 2004

Brain control

A new brain-based controller mimics the human olivo-cerebellar system to enable precise movement control. The system will be tested on a mobile autonomous research vehicle to replicate complex maneuvers and wing control of birds and insects.