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Science News Archive December 2004


Page 1 of 12

Veterans in better health than other residents of nursing homes, new test for evaluating tinnitus

A new test for tinnitus evaluates loudness and pitch using an automated procedure. Veterans are found to be more independent in daily activities and less physically disabled than their peers residing in community nursing homes, suggesting the impact of extensive rehabilitation services available to veterans.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateDec 29, 2004

Exercise combats metabolic syndrome in older adults

The study found substantial improvements in exercise groups, including a 16% increase in aerobic fitness and a 17% increase in strength fitness. In contrast, the control group showed less improvement, indicating that exercise is an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome in older adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 29, 2004

$6.7 million for bionic war on disabilities

Researchers at the University of Utah are developing a wireless version of the Utah Electrode Array, which will enable people with paralysis to control devices with their minds. The project aims to implant the device in the brains of blind individuals and paraplegics, allowing them to see, stand, and walk again.

Major advance made in transparent electronics

A new class of 'thin-film' materials has been developed, offering higher mobility, better chemical stability, and ease of manufacture. These amorphous heavy-metal cation multicomponent oxides could lead to new electronic devices, such as gas sensors, consumer electronics, and military equipment.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 28, 2004

UT Southwestern researchers find calcium intake contributing factor in formation of kidney stones

Researchers found that urinary calcium levels play a significant role in the formation of both calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones. The studies suggest that patients with elevated intestinal calcium absorption and urinary calcium levels may need to limit their calcium intake to prevent kidney stone formation.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 28, 2004

Geologist comments on Oregon's tsunami hazard

Scientists studying uplift along the Oregon coast reveal similarities with past earthquakes, indicating an accumulation of strain for a potential future earthquake. A tsunami could cause widespread damage from Northern California to Vancouver, B.C., with waves arriving within minutes after shaking ends.

Bound for destruction

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology identified Nedd4 as a key player in protecting the Notch receptor from activation. The study found that Nedd4 works as an antagonist of Notch signaling, suppressing its activity and preventing molecular loose cannons from fouling the precisely ordered workplan.

SourceRIKEN Center for Developmental Biology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 28, 2004

Patients with cancer detected on screening mammography undergo less toxic treatment

Women diagnosed with breast cancer through physical examination are more likely to undergo chemotherapy and mastectomy compared to those detected by screening mammography. The study found that cancers detected by mammography were smaller and had lower rates of lymph node spread, allowing for less-toxic treatment options.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 27, 2004

Finding lymph node metastases in cancer

A new technique detects lymph node metastases in cancer patients using nanoparticles and MRI, providing unprecedented accuracy and potentially sparing unnecessary surgery. The method involves tracking nodes with magnetic particles, identifying patterns for normal and malignant nodes, and generating a 3D reconstruction of the lymph nodes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 27, 2004

Study investigates value of 'center of excellence' designation

A recent study investigated whether NCI cancer centers have better outcomes due to their designation. The research found that perioperative mortality was lower at these centers for four out of six procedures, but five-year survival rates did not differ significantly between the two types of institutions.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 27, 2004

Does cancer run in families?

Researchers analyzed data from Iceland's National Cancer Registry and deCODE genetics database to investigate cancer risk in families. The study found that for 16 out of 27 cancers studied, relatives of patients were at a significantly higher risk of developing the same type of cancer. Lifestyle factors like smoking and diet also contr...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 27, 2004

Finding cures for tropical diseases: Is open source an answer?

A decentralized, Web-based, community-wide effort called the Tropical Diseases Initiative (TDI) proposes an open-source approach to discovering new drugs for neglected diseases. By adopting this model, scientists from laboratories, universities, and corporations can work together to develop affordable treatments for tropical diseases s...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 27, 2004