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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 86


Page 86 of 135

Distant mountains influence river levels 50 years later

Research suggests that rainfall and snowfall in distant mountains can significantly impact river levels years later, highlighting the importance of water table recharge. This phenomenon has significant implications for development in semi-arid regions, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to ensure sustainability.

Stem cells toward sperm cells and back again

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that lost sperm-making stem cells in fruit flies can be replaced by reversing their specialized state. The team found that temperature changes can trigger a process called dedifferentiation, where more specialized cells retrace the path taken by stem cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2004

Stem cells more vulnerable to toxic chemotherapy when protective molecule is disabled

Researchers found that blocking a molecule that rid cells of potentially toxic molecules may make chemotherapy for leukemia more effective but also leaves healthy stem cells vulnerable. The study discovered that a protective molecule called BCRP helps protect hematopoietic stem cells from excess heme, which is toxic to cells.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 18, 2004

Regional review boards improve liver transplant allocation

A new study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that regional review boards effectively distinguish between high- and low-risk patients, ensuring fair organ allocation. The study also found that referring physicians have poor predictive capacity for patient mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMay 17, 2004

Toll-free road from sepsis

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an antagonistic antibody that can prevent sepsis by blocking toll-like receptor 2-driven shock-like syndromes. The discovery offers new hope for combating this deadly condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004

Florida frontier expedition

A team of scientists from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Florida Atlantic University are exploring never-before-seen sections of deepwater coral reefs off Florida's east coast and the Keys. They aim to discover marine creatures that produce chemicals with the potential to cure human diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's.

When 'reaper' gene comes, cell death follows

In a groundbreaking study, researchers identified the 'reaper' genes as critical components of cell death in Drosophila. The discovery opens doors to developing targeted cancer treatments by unleashing death-inducing genes specifically at unwanted cells. Ecdysone plays a crucial role in triggering this process.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2004

ADAM: Good enzyme for Alzheimer disease

Researchers found that increased expression of ADAM10 reduced AB peptide formation and prevented plaque formation in an Alzheimer disease mouse model. This suggests that targeting alpha-secretase might be a useful therapeutic target for AD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004

Oxygen therapy may improve vision worsened by diabetes

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that breathing supplemental oxygen for three months reduced fluid buildup and swelling in the macula, and improved visual acuity in some cases. The therapy was found to reduce excess thickness of the macula by an average of 43 percent.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMay 17, 2004

One step further toward treatment for degenerative diseases

Researchers at McGill University have identified a central enzyme that can sense subtle changes in protein folding, enabling the removal of misfolded proteins from cells. This discovery may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 17, 2004

Land Regeneration Network celebrates first year success

The Land Regeneration Network has achieved rapid membership growth, now standing at 1250 individuals from 890 companies and organisations across Wales. The network provides a high-quality information resource and business networking events, contributing to the growing demand for clear technical information in the environmental sector.

JCI table of contents, 17 May 2004

A study on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and prion protein PrPSc accumulation in muscle tissue of infected rodents found that the defective form of PrPSc is present prior to clinical symptoms. The accumulation of PrPSc is greatest after clinical symptoms are well established.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004

New insight into how tumors resist radiation

New research reveals that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a key role in tumor cells' ability to resist radiation therapy. By understanding how this protective response is activated, scientists hope to develop effective treatments to enhance radiation's effectiveness against tumors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 17, 2004

Hamster hamburger anyone?

Oral exposure to scrapie has been shown to lead to the deposition of pathological prion protein PrPSc in hamster muscles. This preclinical study provides new insights into the progression of prion diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004

Body fat and its role in breast cancer

A large prospective cohort study found that body size was more strongly associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. Obesity was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), while those on HRT with a low BMI had an increased risk.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateMay 17, 2004