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Science News Archive April 2004 - Page 3


Page 3 of 12

Study: New neurons can get out of spinal cord

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully coaxed new motor neurons out of embryonic stem cells and into the spinal cords of paralyzed rats. The study, funded by various organizations, aims to overcome a major hurdle in clinical therapy for motor neuron diseases like ALS and SMA.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2004

New UNC study shows Hurricane Floyd boosted abuse and non-abuse brain injuries in children

A new UNC study found that child abuse brain injuries were five times more common in the hardest-hit counties after Hurricane Floyd, while non-abuse injuries increased by over 10 times. The research suggests that families affected by the disaster experienced heightened stress, poverty, and depression.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 27, 2004

Measurement clarifies role between protein structure and cell adhesion

A team of researchers has developed a new technique to directly measure protein binding forces, clarifying the role of membrane-anchored protein NCAM in cell adhesion. Their study reveals that NCAM forms two adhesive configurations, which are validated by experimental results and contribute to spatially distinct bonds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2004

Single parents slip through the advice net

Research reveals that single parents struggle with a range of legal and social welfare problems, including debt, contact, benefits, and child maintenance. Many experience significant challenges in accessing help, with 32% facing violence or harassment problems and 34% finding it impossible to get access to benefits.

Researchers compare drugs used to prevent osteoporosis

A randomized trial compared the effects of raloxifene and CEE on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy. The study found that CEE increased bone density by 4.6%, while raloxifene stabilized bone density, and both treatments had varying impacts on cholesterol levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2004

Many Americans use prayer for health concerns

A national survey found that 35 percent of respondents used prayer for health concerns. Prayer is most often directed towards wellness and used in conjunction with conventional medical care. People who use prayer report high levels of perceived helpfulness, but rarely discuss their use with physicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2004

Cholesterol levels fluctuate with the seasons

Researchers found that cholesterol levels peak in the winter and decrease in the summer, with women experiencing greater seasonal variability. The study suggests that changes in plasma volume explain the observed increases in cholesterol levels during the winter months.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2004

Sandia/UNM self-assembly process forms durable nanocrystal arrays and independent nanocrystals

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico developed a simple method to form durable nanocrystal arrays using a self-assembly process. The arrays can be used for biological labeling, laser light, catalysts, memory storage, and relief for physicists. The technique also enables the creation of independen...