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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 99


Page 99 of 135

Topiramate reduces frequency of migraines

A 26-week study found that topiramate significantly reduced the frequency of migraines in patients taking 100 or 200 milligrams per day. Improvements were observed within the first month of treatment, with 35.9% to 54.0% of patients experiencing a 50% or more reduction in migraine frequency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateApr 19, 2004

Jefferson scientists find how HIV causes dementia

Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have found that the HIV virus produces proteins that trigger biochemical pathways in the brain, resulting in brain cell death and dementia. The study suggests that removing the virus or its associated proteins may be an effective way to prevent or treat HIV-related dementia.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2004

Protein promotes cancer metastasis and survival

Periostin is a protein that promotes metastatic growth of colon cancer by augmenting cell survival, and may be involved in the progression of other cancers. The study identified periostin as a potent promoter of late-stage tumor progression, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for preventing deadly metastatic cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 19, 2004

Multiple factors affect psoriasis treatment compliance

A study of 201 patients with psoriasis found that women had higher medication adherence rates than men, while single people and unemployed individuals had lower rates. The researchers identified factors affecting compliance, including facial disease, extent of involvement, and self-image, which can lead to psychological disturbance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 19, 2004

Wet scans

Researchers have developed a method to preserve biological samples without distorting them, allowing for clearer views of lipids and other materials. The breakthrough, enabled by a unique polymer capsule, has potential applications in advancing studies of biological materials.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2004

Could this be the end for injections?

Scientists create microscision technique that uses gas to bombard skin with tiny crystals, creating invisible conduits for drug delivery. The new method is shown to be effective in administering local anaesthesia without causing pain, making it a promising alternative to traditional needles.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 18, 2004

Chromosome 'caps' predict bone marrow disease

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a link between chromosome 'caps' and the prediction of rare bone marrow diseases. The study found that shorter telomeres in chromosomes can indicate an increased risk of disease severity and early onset, providing a potential new mechanism for understanding disease anticipation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 18, 2004

Hormonal response to stress alters immune system function and alters mental and physical disease

Research reveals that stress triggers a hormonal response that modifies immune system function, leading to increased vulnerability to mental and physical diseases. Stress can create long-term damage by initiating an inflammatory state in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases such as depression and coronary artery disease.

Rewriting textbooks on DNA crossover

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about DNA crossover during meiosis, which is crucial for sexual reproduction. The new findings suggest that the decision to make a crossover or non-crossover recombination is made much earlier than previously thought, shedding light on the molecular basis of this process.

Hobby-Eberly Telescope witnesses vaporizing of a cometlike body by a very young hot star

A team of astronomers at Penn State used the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to detect a cometlike body falling onto a massive, very young star. The infall, which occurred about 3200 years ago, provided dramatic spectral variations in the star's light. This discovery sheds light on planetary formation and the evolution of massive star systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 16, 2004

Effects of ocean fertilization with iron to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere reported

Scientists have quantified the transport of carbon from surface waters to the deep ocean in response to iron fertilization. The study found that while iron fertilization can enhance carbon flux and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, the quantities removed are no greater than natural plankton blooms, making it a limited solution.

Crowding stem cells' personal space directs their future

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that mesenchymal stem cell shape is a critical factor in determining which type of cell they will become. By using micropatterning technology, the team showed that spherical stem cells efficiently transform into fat cell precursors, while those allowed to stretch and flatten move closer to be...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 16, 2004