New wakefulness, anti-anxiety switch found in the brain
Neuropeptide S promotes arousal and anxiolytic-like effects, regulating sleep-wake cycles and anxiety. The discovery may help understand sleep disorders and pathological states of anxiety.
Science News for August 18, 2004
Enzyme activation appears key in helping internal clock tell night from day
A study published in Neuron found that the activation of PKG-II enzyme is crucial for the internal clock to signal the completion of nighttime processes and enter the day. Disrupting this enzyme's activity leads to a significant phase delay in circadian rhythm, effectively forcing the clock back in time.
Study suggests physicians overperform surveillance colonoscopies
Physicians often recommend more frequent surveillance colonoscopies than recommended guidelines, citing clinical evidence and personal factors as influential. This may lead to unnecessary procedures, affecting quality of care and resource utilization.
Performing large-volume paracentesis as an outpatient procedure
A study conducted at the Mayo Clinic found that gastrointestinal endoscopy assistants, trained under supervision, can perform large-volume paracenteses safely and efficiently, with a median procedure time of two hours. The practice has been shown to save physician time without increasing patient risk.
Anti-bacterial additive found in Maryland streams
Researchers have detected high levels of triclocarban in Maryland streams, with concentrations up to 5.6 micrograms per liter. Further studies are needed to understand the impact on aquatic life and potential human exposure.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 18, 2004
New brain protein regulates sleep and anxiety, UCI study finds
A UCI study discovered a new brain protein, NPS, that regulates sleep and anxiety. The findings suggest that NPS can be a target for new drugs to treat sleep disorders and anxiety.
Ecologists help keep death off the roads
Researchers found that 70% of collisions occurred on just 7.7% of roads in the study area, highlighting the need for animal-friendly infrastructure. In another case, conservationists in Germany must reduce road mortality to make reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx effective.
NIST, CU scientists report first observation of an 'Atomic Air Force'
Researchers at NIST and CU-Boulder observed strontium atoms forming a cubic structure, with atoms flying apart in formation due to a recoil effect. The phenomenon is caused by the atoms absorbing laser energy and rapidly cooling, resulting in the creation of a 'flying structure' visible through blue fluorescence signals.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 18, 2004
Circulating tumor cells in blood indicate more aggressive breast cancer
A new study has found that patients with high levels of circulating tumor cells in their blood have shorter progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to those with low levels. The presence of these cells can predict prognosis more accurately than other factors, allowing for more tailored treatment decisions.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2004
Clever surgery turns an ankle into a 'knee' after removing child's bone tumor
A five-year-old girl with Ewing’s sarcoma had her leg turned into a 'knee' using rotationplasty to remove the diseased portion of bone. The procedure has improved limb-sparing surgery outcomes for children with cancer above the knee, with better function and durability.
When is a mouse like a test tube?
Researchers use a novel chemical reaction in living mice to tag cells and attach tracer molecules to sugars on cell surfaces. This technique could help doctors pinpoint inflamed or cancerous cells for diagnosis. The method allows for the exploration of biosynthetic pathways and the examination of functional consequences.
UK university's research throws light on early infant mortality
A UK university study found significant brain damage in 36% of premature babies and 61% of full-term infants before labor began. This suggests that key signs were often overlooked during childbirth, leading to potential mismanagement of pregnancy and labor.
New 'clock gene' uncovered
A team of scientists at Scripps Research Institute has discovered a new genetic component of the mammalian clock, known as Rora. This discovery holds promise for understanding circadian rhythms and their role in health and disease, including conditions like jet lag and sleep disorders.
UCR earns $1.5 million grant to examine how engineered crop genes stray
The project aims to examine both natural and human factors that spread transgenes into non-engineered crops and natural populations. Biological scientists will collaborate with social scientists to develop a global model of gene flow, accounting for human and natural processes.
Newly discovered protein may be key to muscular dystrophy
Scientists at UCSF discovered a new protein, SNF-6, that transports neurotransmitter acetylcholine away from the nerve-muscle synapse, potentially treating muscular dystrophy. The protein plays a critical role in clearing excess acetylcholine during intense muscle activity, preventing muscle degeneration.
Chemists honor 'Heroes' for biotechnology achievements in health
The American Chemical Society has recognized four companies for developing innovative therapies for various ailments, including eye disease and high cholesterol. These breakthroughs were made possible by the work of industrial chemists and chemical engineers who have led to commercially successful products that improve quality of life.
American Chemical Society celebrates Petroleum Research Fund success
The ACS Petroleum Research Fund has distributed over $420 million in grants, supporting groundbreaking research in areas like drug development, catalysis, and oil exploration. The fund's impact is evident in the careers of 19 Nobel laureates and thousands of students who have benefited from its support.
INEEL develops computer tool to help save archaeological treasures
The INEEL's Ecological and Cultural Resources Department developed a computer program to integrate historical, archaeological, and anthropological research data. The Data Management Tool (DMT) helps archaeologists navigate detailed information, draw interactive maps, and predict where new artifacts might be found.
The first engineering of cell surfaces in living animals
Researchers demonstrate Staudinger ligation in remodeled cells of living mice, enabling tagging of specific cell types for noninvasive imaging and potential treatment of diseases. The technique meets key requirements of bio-orthogonality, allowing selective chemical reactions in physiological environments.
New clues to hereditary blinding disease found
Researchers have discovered a crucial link between zinc and retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that leads to blindness. The study suggests that trace metals like zinc play a critical role in protein function, with implications for treating other neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 18, 2004
Embryonic stem cell therapy shows steady benefits in rebuilding infarcted heart
Researchers at Mayo Clinic demonstrate the potential of embryonic stem cells to rebuild damaged heart tissue, improving contractile function and ventricular remodeling. The study found that stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes integrated into infarcted areas without adverse effects.
New understanding of the machinery of flinching
The study found that increasing neuronal activity in the region enhances flinch responses, while decreasing activity reduces sustained defensive movements. This suggests the polysensory zone is a hotspot for processing specific stimuli related to body defense.
MIT research that stops pain of needle jabs gets FDA approval
The SonoPrep device uses ultrasonic energy to make skin more permeable, allowing for painless treatment with lidocaine cream, reducing wait time from one hour to five minutes. The technology has potential applications in various medical procedures and may lead to further innovations like glucose-sensing devices.
Nucleic acid-amplification testing further safeguards nation's blood supply
A nationwide study shows that nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) significantly reduces the risk of HIV-1 and HCV infections in blood recipients. NAT detects viral genes earlier than antibody tests, allowing for faster identification and disposal of infected donations.
SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2004
Gene linked to cleft lip and palate identified
A new study has identified a gene variant linked to cleft lip and palate, with implications for genetic counseling and treatment options. The discovery brings us closer to understanding the multiple genetic factors underlying these serious birth defects.
Gene associatied with lupus identified
A gene associated with lupus has been identified, suggesting a potential breakthrough in diagnosing and treating the disease. The discovery could lead to earlier intervention and more effective therapies.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 18, 2004
Tumor cell levels in blood predict success of advanced-stage breast cancer treatment, study finds
A study using CellSearch technology found that women with high tumor cell levels in their blood had poor treatment outcomes. Women whose circulating tumor cell levels dropped after starting therapy fared much better.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2004
University of Arizona leads effort to create Center for Mathematics Education of Latinos
The University of Arizona has been awarded a grant to establish the Center for Mathematics Education of Latinos/as (CEMELA), aiming to advance mathematics education by integrating cultural, social, and linguistic contexts. The center will develop leaders in mathematics education, focusing on working-class Latinos.
Researchers report new gene test for isolated cleft lip and palate
Researchers have developed a new gene test that can identify the risk of isolated cleft lip and palate in 12% of cases, opening up new possibilities for families affected. The test detects specific sequence variations associated with an increased chance of a child being born with a cleft.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2004
Alpine fault in New Zealand not your average fault
The Alpine fault begins as a single fault, unlike most other strike slip faults which form from multiple small faults. It exhibits significant seismicity at the southern and northern ends but is relatively aseptic in the central portion.
Scientists studying desert air to understand weather and climate
Scientists use satellites, computer models, and ground stations to study the unique aerosol laboratory created by desert dust, smoke, and man-made emissions. The UAE2 mission aims to improve computer climate models and predictions of climate behavior in response to changes in aerosol concentrations.
Sweet success in targeting sugar molecules to cells in living animals
Researchers have created a chemical technique to tag sugars on cell surfaces, allowing for precise targeting and differentiation of specific cells in whole organisms. The method has implications for studying disease mechanisms, embryonic development, and the biology of organs.