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Science News Archive February 2004 - Page 10


Page 10 of 11

Houston scientist named as rising star in chemistry

Rising star in chemistry, Jianpeng Ma, has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the structure-function relationship of biological molecules. His innovative approach uses computer simulation to explore this connection, paving the way for furthering our fundamental understanding of chemistry.

Scientists develop plant that produces potential anti-carcinogen

Purdue University researchers have engineered plants to produce a non-toxic form of selenium called methylselenocysteine, which has shown promise in reducing cancer risk in animal models. The plants can also accumulate high levels of selenium, potentially providing a natural source for nutritional supplements and environmental cleanup.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateFeb 3, 2004

Inflammation marker predicts colon cancer

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with higher CRP levels were more likely to develop colorectal cancers over an 11-year period. Median CRP levels were higher among those who developed colon cancer, and inflammation was linked to increased risk without being mediated by diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2004

Other highlights in the February 4 issue of JNCI

Researchers discuss the need for additional research and standardization in partial-breast irradiation and accelerated partial-breast irradiation. A new study also finds that preoperative chemoradiation may benefit some patients with rectal cancer, while a diet high in glycemic load is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 3, 2004

Distance to hospital affects heart attack survival

A new study by Cornell University's Liam O'Neill found that distance from a hospital significantly impacts access to medical facilities and outcome for heart attack victims. The study estimates that patients living far from hospitals face a higher risk of death from heart attacks, with approximately 60% expiring before reaching the hos...

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Care Management Science·DateFeb 3, 2004

Astronomers unravel a mystery of the Dark Ages

Astronomers have discovered a possible link between a comet impact in the 6th century and the 'Dark Ages.' The comet's debris caused a prolonged cold period, similar to a nuclear winter, resulting in crop failures and widespread starvation. A small comet size was needed to cause such dramatic effects.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAstronomy & Geophysics·DateFeb 3, 2004

New 'bumpy' jelly found in deep sea

Researchers have discovered a new deep-sea jelly, Stellamedusa ventana, which uses its bell and oral arms to capture prey. The jelly's unique feeding strategy is unlike other species, as it prefers larger prey, with some individuals capturing creatures up to 5 cm across.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalJournal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom·DateFeb 3, 2004

Mad cow has confidence stirred, but not shaken

A recent survey found that most Americans remain confident in the safety of their beef supply following a confirmed case of mad cow disease in Washington State. The study suggests that consumer confidence has been boosted by government actions and trust in food regulators, but some have expressed concerns about the risk of transmission.

Risk of stillbirth on weekends

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that infants born over the weekend had a slightly elevated risk of stillbirth and neonatal death compared to those born on weekdays. The researchers suggested that selective timing of low-risk elective deliveries may explain this difference.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 2, 2004

Physicists use fractals to help Parkinson's sufferers

Researchers developed a system using a tri-axial accelerometer and fractal analysis to study Parkinson's patients' walking patterns. The study reveals the complexity of body motion in both healthy elderly subjects and Parkinson's disease patients, with the latter exhibiting higher fractal measures indicating more complex symptoms.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 2, 2004

Scientists identify a human antibody that blocks SARS virus infection

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a human monoclonal antibody that blocks SARS virus infection by neutralizing its entry into cultured cells. The antibody, isolated from a collection of 27 billion antibodies, shows promise in animal tests and could be developed for clinical trials to prevent and treat the disease.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2004

JCI table of contents, February 2, 2004

A novel assay reveals that T cells in patients with type 1 diabetes produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, driving an autoaggressive immune response. In contrast, healthy individuals' T cells produce regulatory cytokines, maintaining tolerance. The findings offer new approaches to immune modulation and tolerance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 2004

Understanding the autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes

Researchers developed a novel assay to examine T cell responses to autoantigens in islet cells, revealing distinct pathways of T cell differentiation and maturation in normal individuals versus patients with T1DM. These findings suggest proinflammatory polarization in diabetes but regulatory phenotypes in health.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 2, 2004

Cohabiting couples not likely to marry, study finds

A recent study by Ohio State University found that only about 40% of cohabiting couples eventually get married. The research also discovered that men with high economic prospects and similar couples were not more likely to tie the knot than others. In fact, consensus regarding marriage plans was a key predictor of whether cohabiting co...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateFeb 2, 2004

Optic nerve disease may cause sleep disorders

Children with optic nerve disease are up to 20 times more likely to experience excessive daytime sleepiness due to disruptions in their body's internal clock. Researchers found that the loss of a specific type of cell in the retina, which helps regulate light exposure, is directly linked to sleep disturbances.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 1, 2004