Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2004 - Page 5


Page 5 of 12

U of T study identifies possible stem cells in pancreas

A University of Toronto study discovered precursor cells within the adult pancreas that can make new pancreatic cells, potentially providing a plentiful supply of beta cells for transplant treatments. The research also found that these cells can generate both beta cells and neurons, challenging existing dogma on development.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 22, 2004

Dynamic lighting system colors 3-D environments

The Expressive Lighting Engine (ELE) is an intelligent system that allows game developers to use lighting to direct attention, create mood, and provide visual depth. ELE can guide players to important elements in 3D scenes by tracking eye movements, improving player success rates in identifying enemies.

Asian elephant sex pheromone transporter revealed

Researchers have discovered that serum albumin in Asian elephants plays a crucial role in transporting sex pheromones. The protein helps protect and extend the detection period of the pheromone, allowing successful mating to occur. This unique transport system is distinct from other mammalian pheromone transport systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateAug 20, 2004

Statement from the American Gastroenterological Association on colonoscopy surveillance study

The American Gastroenterological Association disputes the validity of a recent study suggesting that too many surveillance colonoscopies are being performed. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, highlights the importance of determining the clinical significance of small polyps and notes the need for further research to ...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2004

Virus known for its photo ops makes its movie screen debut

Researchers at Purdue University have created a movie of the T4 virus infection process, revealing conformational changes in the baseplate that enable scientists to visualize the infection process. This improved understanding could lead to deeper insights into viral behavior and potential gene therapy techniques for human patients.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell·DateAug 20, 2004

First solid evidence that the study of music promotes intellectual development

A study published in Psychological Science found that extra-curricular music lessons significantly improved IQ scores and academic performance in six-year-old children. The research, led by Dr. E. Glenn Schellenberg, showed that music lessons had a more pronounced effect on cognitive development than drama lessons or no lessons at all.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 19, 2004

Imported fitness

Researchers discovered a specific Mlo gene fragment in the genome of mutant barley, which enables plants to resist powdery mildew. The mutation is believed to have occurred less than 10,000 years ago in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of preserving crop diversity.

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

Muscles are smarter than you think

Researchers discovered that muscles use acidosis to maintain proper nerve signal response, avoiding fatigue. By peeling away the muscle fiber's surface membrane, the team studied the effects of acidity on force response, finding it counteracts fatigue at a critical step in excitation-contraction-coupling.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2004

Invaders that did no harm?

The Panama Biological Survey (1910-1912) tracked fish migration between the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of Panama's Isthmus. New research finds that dispersal played a key role in increasing species richness in local freshwater fish assemblages, even after many generations.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateAug 19, 2004

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.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 18, 2004

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

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.

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeuron·DateAug 18, 2004