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Science News for December 8, 2004


Stressed mice quicker to get skin cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that stressed mice develop skin cancer faster than non-stressed mice. Stress-reducing programs like yoga and meditation may help individuals at high risk for skin cancer stay healthy longer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateDec 8, 2004

First analysis of chicken genome offers many new insights

The analysis of the chicken genome provides new insights into its value as a model for study of developmental disorders and diseases. The genome has about the same number of genes as the human genome, but contains significantly less DNA. Key similarities with humans include genetic sequences related to early development and telomeres.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2004

Encouraging results from validation study of trial of personalized treatment in breast cancer

A validation study has shown that a 70-gene signature is more effective than current standard criteria in predicting the time to distant metastasis and overall survival in breast cancer patients. The results have the potential to reduce chemotherapy prescriptions by up to 20% and improve quality of life for many women with breast cancer.

Research gets to heart of advertising gender bias

A study examining 919 cardiovascular drug ads found that 80% depicted male patients, with women underrepresented and often portrayed as younger than men. The research highlights the potential impact of gender bias in advertising on physicians' treatment decisions for heart problems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateDec 8, 2004

Elderly with advanced chronic diseases burdened with symptoms

A study of 226 elderly adults with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or COPD found that virtually all participants experienced moderate to severe symptoms, including limited activity, fatigue, and physical discomfort. The study highlights the importance of addressing these symptoms in this vulnerable population.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 8, 2004

Slip of the tongue

A recent study by Zenzi Griffin found that people who make word substitution mistakes, such as calling a hammer an axe, look at the object just as long before speaking as they do when speaking correctly. The study suggests that speech errors are more indicative of planning issues than attention problems.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 8, 2004

Canola study solves seed oil mystery

A new study from Michigan State University has found that canola seeds use an unconventional biochemical reaction to produce energy-rich oil, increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing carbon dioxide loss by 40%. The discovery sheds light on the role of the enzyme Rubisco in plant metabolism.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2004

Ocean tides once spread massive icebergs: Study

A new study suggests that ocean tides contributed to the enigmatic Heinrich events by breaking gigantic icebergs from the ice sheet covering northern Canada. The research used a state-of-the-art computer model to capture ancient tidal variances with high accuracy, revealing that tides were highest in the Labrador Sea during these events.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2004

Scientists align billion-year-old protein with embryonic heart defects

Researchers found that a critical protein called Serum Response Factor (SRF) is essential for the development of heart cells, and its absence can lead to improper heart function. The study provides new insights into how genetic mutations may disrupt heart function and potentially cause adult cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2004

Singing in the brain

Researchers taught baby sparrows to sing a complete song using overlapping segments, revealing that memories are stored as distinct phrases. This study provides insights into the physiological basis of language learning in birds and may inform understanding of speech development in humans.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2004

Researchers invent energy-saving computer chip

A new microchip has been invented at the University of Alberta, promising to revolutionize small devices with low power needs. The chip uses analog decoding technology to consume extremely low levels of power, making it ideal for applications like implantable health care devices and ultra-high-speed communications systems.

NIH provides $32.8 million to enhance biomedical informatics research network

The NIH is providing $32.8 million to enhance its Biomedical Informatics Research Network (BIRN), a consortium of universities and research groups focused on utilizing information technology innovations to advance biomedical science. BIRN aims to create an environment encouraging collaborative research, facilitating sharing, analysis, ...