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Science News Archive February 2004 - Page 9


Page 9 of 11

Algorithms help diagnose cancer

Researchers developed an algorithm, Q5, using PCA and LDA to differentiate between healthy and diseased blood samples. The algorithm achieved virtually 100% accuracy for ovarian cancer and approximately 95% accuracy for prostate cancer.

Pesticide exposure among agricultural workers varies by job task

Researchers found that agricultural workers who thin orchards have detectable levels of pesticides in their house and vehicle dust, posing a risk to children. Children of thinners were more likely to have detectable pesticide metabolites in their urine, supporting the theory that workers track home pesticides on their clothing and shoes.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 5, 2004

Natural killer cellers are made, not born

Rockefeller University scientists have discovered that natural killer cells, a crucial part of the immune system, need to be 'nurtured' before they can effectively destroy tumor and infected cells. This new understanding paves the way for potential changes in bone marrow and stem cell transplant procedures.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateFeb 5, 2004

Blood transfusion poses CJD risk

A UK-based study found that individuals who received blood components from donors later diagnosed with vCJD were at increased risk. Researchers also discovered that the BSE agent can be transmitted through intravenous routes, highlighting concerns for possible transfusion cases.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 5, 2004

MIT team discovers memory mechanism

The study reveals a direct activational signal from the synapse to the protein synthesis machinery, enabling neurons to boost protein production rapidly during long-term memory formation and synaptic strengthening. This discovery has significant implications for understanding psychiatric and neurologic diseases, potentially leading to ...

New MS research shows remarkable findings

A new study by McGill University researchers has identified phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a key enzyme that triggers multiple sclerosis-like disease in an animal model. Treatment with a chemical inhibitor of this enzyme results in a marked reduction in the onset and severity of the disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2004

Stroke news tips for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004

Researchers have identified the optimal dosage of a bat-derived clot-buster for acute ischemic stroke treatment, finding a dose of 125 micrograms per kilogram to improve neurological function scores. Carotid artery screenings in seniors may also help prevent strokes and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.

Severn Estuary success in Europe

The Severn Estuary Partnership has received £150,000 funding to improve and develop sustainable access to and around the estuary. The project aims to boost local economies by promoting local produce and enhance nature conservation values.

Gene therapy technique could aid islet transplants for diabetes, says Pittsburgh study

Researchers develop gene therapy to enhance islet cell function and survival after transplantation. The technique uses a growth factor DNA to induce cell division, improving insulin production and glucose control in rat models. However, standard immunosuppression drug therapy may be harmful, inducing insulin resistance and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalEndocrinology·DateFeb 4, 2004

Newport cigarettes gain popularity among teens

A study found that menthol cigarettes, like Newport, are more attractive to teens, while brand-name cigarette use is concentrated among adolescents. The researchers also discovered that tobacco advertising and promotion budgets increased significantly during the 1990s, contributing to the popularity of certain brands.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateFeb 4, 2004

The poetics of babytalk

Babytalk plays a crucial role in infants' development of temporal arts, such as literature and music. Depriving babies of poetic elements like alliteration and assonance may hinder their ability to appreciate these arts later on. Researchers argue that babytalk is more significant than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalHuman Nature·DateFeb 4, 2004