Gearing up for flooding season
The Dartmouth Flood Observatory expects a busy 2004 due to increasing flood events worldwide. The observatory's global inventory of flooding events may help assess global climate change.
Science News Archive July 2004
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Parents are top influence on soft-drink consumption among kids
Research found that parents' regular soft drink intake relaxes rules for their kids, leading to higher consumption rates. Soft drinks are also strongly associated with TV time and availability at home or school.
SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 30, 2004
New glycan arrays discover autoimmunogenic activities of SARS-CoV: concern over monkey vaccine
Researchers used glycan microarrays to explore novel immunologic targets for SARS-CoV. The study found undesired autoantibody reactivity against human serum glycoprotein ASOR, prompting concerns over the safety of whole-viral SARS vaccines.
Ottawa's leadership in biomedical and health research has paid off
The federal government's investment in Canadian biomedical and health research has yielded significant results, including a 50% increase in licenses, 200% increase in income, and 40% increase in new spin-off companies. The funding has also led to increased international recognition and participation in global projects.
Free electron laser reaches 10 kW
The US Navy has successfully upgraded its free electron laser to a record-breaking 10 kW power level, enabling new possibilities in manufacturing, medical research, biology, and basic physics. The upgrade marks a significant milestone in the FEL program's development and opens doors to various applications.
Cancer survival in Africa
In Harare, Zimbabwe, cancer survival rates are disturbingly low, with black patients facing significantly lower survival rates than white patients. The study's findings highlight the need for better access to early detection and treatment methods.
Hopkins scientists unravel the drama of a decade of cancer research
Researchers have identified nearly 100 genes linked to cancer, shedding light on the processes driving disease progression. The study highlights the potential of targeted therapies and early detection methods to manage cancer.
Blood pressure hormone may inhibit growth of lung cancer
Researchers found that angiotensin-(1-7) significantly slows the growth of three human lung cancer cells in laboratory tests. The hormone is thought to regulate cell growth by reducing rapid proliferation and increasing cancer cell death, offering a potential new treatment approach for lung cancer.
APS/IUPS launch PHYSIOLOGY bimonthly
Physiology aims to appeal to a broader audience with innovative features and artwork, showcasing the most up-to-date physiological research. The journal's design and editorial team are committed to making the content more accessible and readable.
A new advance in gallium nitride nanowires
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully controlled the directional growth of single-crystal gallium nitride nanowires, enabling precise tuning of their physical properties. This capability has significant implications for the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Scientists able to harness 'plankton power'
Researchers have successfully harnessed energy from plankton using a new type of fuel cell, generating up to 10% of the energy associated with plankton decomposition. This technology could extend survey missions for months or years without battery replacements.
Hypnosis more helpful to men than women in quitting smoking
A review of 18 studies found that hypnosis-based smoking cessation programs were more successful for men than women, with a 7 percent advantage. Researchers suggest gender differences in quitting smoking may be the reason behind this disparity.
Catching a falling star
Astronomers at ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) recorded the spectrum of a bright meteor in 2002, providing insights into meteor emissions and atmospheric chemistry. The spectrum revealed telltale emissions of oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules, as well as constraints on the role of atmospheric chemistry when life started on Earth.
Isolated soy protein shown to benefit type 2 diabetics, study indicates
A new study shows that consuming isolated soy protein can slow down the progression of diabetic kidney disease and improve coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found a significant reduction in urinary albumin levels and an improvement in HDL cholesterol levels among participants who consumed soy protein.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJul 30, 2004
NIST's new way of 'seeing': A neutron microscope
Researchers developed a novel imaging process using neutrons, providing better resolution and penetration than visible light. The microscope has potential applications in biology, particularly with samples containing hydrogen.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 30, 2004
Iron can have negative side effects on people with kidney disease
A new study suggests that iron therapy given to patients with kidney disease may have negative side effects, including exacerbating progressive renal damage. The study found that the level of toxicity depends on the type of iron formula used, highlighting a need for safer alternatives in treatment.
New study to investigate demise of coral reef ecosystems
A new project led by Newcastle University aims to examine the ecosystem consequences of bleaching on coral reefs. The research team will analyze changes in reef fish assemblages over five to 15 year time scales at sites in the Western Indian Ocean and Australia.
Ancient life form may help create newest technologies
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to produce germanium nanocomposite materials using diatoms, single-celled algae found in ocean water. The method operates at room temperature and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of electronic devices.
Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh scientists discover biological basis for autism
Researchers found abnormalities in brain activity among people with normal IQs who have autism, indicating a deficiency in coordination among brain areas. The study proposes the underconnectivity theory, which suggests that autism is a distributed system-wide disorder limiting integration among brain areas.
Save the rainforest - eat a tree
A University of Utah study found that insect consumption by insects keeps dominant tree species under control, allowing other trees to thrive. This increased diversity is crucial for the ecosystem's health.
Spring through fall, cities are greener longer than neighboring rural regions
A recent study by Boston University researchers found that urban areas experience a longer growing season than surrounding rural regions, with the onset of spring and end of winter dormancy differing by up to eight days. The urban heat island effect plays a significant role in this phenomenon.
Study reveals surprising 'remodeling' property of gene regulation process
Researchers discovered that nucleosomes can move to different spots in the genome, enabling efficient gene expression and regulating gene activity. This chromosomal remodeling process allows cells to turn genes on or off as needed.
Why is Ian Kennedy's healthcare commission damaging NHS care?
The UK's Healthcare Commission, led by Ian Kennedy, has been criticized for its flawed star system and lack of transparency. The commission's ratings have been shown to be based on incomplete data and do not accurately reflect the quality of care provided by NHS Trusts.
Meteorite from Oman records its lunar origins, history
A meteorite from Oman has been precisely dated to 3.9 billion years ago, revealing its lunar origins and providing new insights into the moon's history. The discovery sheds light on the moon's evolution, including a key impact event that formed the Imbrium basin.
UW to lead most comprehensive study of air pollution and cardiovascular disease
The study aims to understand the health effects of air pollution and cardiovascular disease, recruiting 8,700 participants in nine communities across the US. It will examine subclinical measures of atherosclerosis and clinical cardiovascular events, incorporating factors like diet and exposure to second-hand tobacco.
Emergency contraception: Why over-the-counter 'Plan B' is a flawed concept
Studies suggest that over-the-counter 'Plan B' emergency contraception may lead to increased risk-taking behaviors and reduced comprehensive healthcare access for US women. The drug has an 11-25% failure rate, resulting in additional pregnancies and abortions.
Synthetic prion causes neurological disease in mice
Researchers at NIH/National Institute on Aging created synthetic prions that caused neurological disease in mice, distinct from other strains of prions. The study sheds light on the conversion process leading to dementing diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Alzheimer's.
U. of Colorado research team traces origins, uplift of California's highest mountains
A University of Colorado at Boulder research team has located a massive body of rock that sank into Earth's mantle 3.5 million years ago, allowing the Sierra Nevada mountains to rise. The study used high-tech instruments to image the geology to 125 miles below the surface.
Firefly compound lights up 'protein dance' in living animals
Scientists have developed a technique to detect protein interactions using firefly luciferase. The method was tested on human proteins interacting with the antibiotic rapamycin and showed accuracy and selectivity. The technique also demonstrated its potential in studying other protein pairs linked to cell life cycle regulation.
The beak of the squid
A new study reveals that Argonaute2 is the key enzyme responsible for RNAi-mediated messenger RNA cleavage in mammals. The findings suggest that Argonaute2 provides the 'Slicer' activity necessary for siRNA-targeted mRNA cleavage.
Urban heat islands make cities greener
Researchers found that urban areas can extend plant growing seasons by 15 days compared to rural areas. Urban heat islands also cause plants to bloom 3 days earlier in spring and last 8 days longer in the fall.
New hope for the estimated 300,000 Americans co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV
A groundbreaking study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that the combination of Pegasysα and Copegus significantly improved treatment response rates for patients co-infected with HCV and HIV. The study showed a sustained virological response rate of 40% among all patients, with even higher efficacy rates for those with genotypes...
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 29, 2004
Yale researcher finds pattern in maintaining weight loss
A Yale researcher found six common patterns among women who successfully maintained weight loss for at least a year. These patterns involve recognition of problems, taking control of behavior change, and incorporating new habits and support systems.
Financial breaks encourage adoption of cardiovascular guidelines
A study found that financial incentives encouraged Hawaii's 13 hospitals to implement a cardiovascular guidelines program, which led to improved follow-up care for patients with cardiovascular disease. The program resulted in significant improvements in secondary prevention of coronary artery disease in Hawaii.
Study finds anti-HIV protein evolved millions of years before the emergence of AIDS
Researchers discovered that a human protein called Apobec3G began evolving to defend against viruses in primates over 30 million years ago, suggesting HIV is a newcomer to this conflict. The study provides insights into the genetic mechanisms of HIV prevention and potential new targets for treatment.
Proteomic research centers target bioterrorism agents, infectious diseases
The project aims to advance scientific research against bioterrorism agents and emerging infectious diseases through a unified proteomics data management system. The system will store proteomics information from six Proteomics Research Centers, providing free public access and enabling direct queries.
AGU journal highlights - 29 July 2004
Scientists have discovered a unique bi-modal distribution of particles in noctilucent clouds, which may be caused by atmospheric gravity and tidal waves. The San Andreas Fault Observatory project aims to drill into the fault zone to better understand earthquake generation and faulting processes.
Swift satellite to catch mysterious bursts from deep in the cosmos
The Swift satellite will pinpoint the location of distant gamma-ray bursts, studying both the burst and its afterglow. It may uncover new clues about the burst mechanism and provide a bonanza of cosmological data, including information about supermassive black holes.
Studies show tacrolimus is more effective than pimecrolimus
A new study has compared the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream in treating atopic dermatitis. The results show that tacrolimus ointment worked better for all severities of atopic dermatitis, including mild sufferers and severe patients. The six-week study involved 1,056 patients, aged 2 to 15, with mild to severe AD.
ASU researchers demonstrate new nanotech effect - moving water molecules by light
Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully moved water molecules by light using nanotechnology, amplifying the 'lotus leaf effect' to overcome hysteresis. This discovery could speed development of microfluidic devices for pharmaceutical research and analysis.
Prion finding offers insight into spontaneous protein diseases
Scientists at UCSF created a large fragment of the normal prion protein, which they then folded into an abnormal shape to induce infection. The study demonstrates that misfolding a particular segment of the normal prion protein is sufficient to transform it into infectious prions. This finding provides new insights into spontaneous pri...
Whale carcass yields bone-devouring worms
Researchers find two new species of worm that feed on whale bones, using symbiotic bacteria to digest fats and oils. The worms, Osedax frankpressi and Osedax rubiplumus, are closely related to hydrothermal vent worms and have unique features such as feathery plumes and green roots.
Encouraging progress towards early identification of anthrax inhalation
Researchers found specific features like nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status were more frequent in inhalational anthrax cases. Mediastinal widening or pleural effusion on a chest X-ray were the most accurate predictors of anthrax. Studies using prospectively collected data are needed to corroborate or modify these findings.
Combining radiation modalities increases
A new study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers found that combining three therapeutic modalities increases the percentage of high-risk patients who are free from recurrence after five years. A three-pronged approach that included brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy and hormonal therapy produced an 86 percent rate ...
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·DateJul 29, 2004
Study highlights need for improved care of diabetes patients in UK general practice
A UK study found that a significant proportion of people with type 2 diabetes are managed solely through diet, receiving inadequate monitoring and care. This highlights the need for better routine surveillance and consistency in clinical practice to address the high rate of complications among these patients.
UW researcher links storytelling and mathematical ability
A study found that preschool children's storytelling skills are linked to their later math abilities, particularly their ability to relate events and switch perspectives. The research suggests that building strong storytelling skills early on may help prepare children for math when they enter school.
Building on success: Scope for further expansion of tuberculosis control in China
A survey in 2000 showed a decrease in tuberculosis prevalence of around a third compared to the original survey in 1990. China aims to reach the UN Millennium Development Goal of halving TB prevalence between 2000 and 2015 with its expansion plans.
U of T research answers key question in biochemistry
Researchers characterized intermediate states in protein folding at an atomic level, a crucial step towards predicting protein structure and improving drug design. This breakthrough could help understand errors in folding linked to diseases like cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's.
Epilepsy: Signals 'brake' in brain impaired
A team of researchers found that impaired Kv4.2 ion channels in neurons can lead to increased excitability and seizure frequency in epilepsy. Inhibiting the ERK enzyme may provide a new therapeutic target for treating this condition.
Couples live together for convenience, not to test marriage
A recent study by Ohio State University's Sharon Sassler found that most people who live together do so due to financial reasons, convenience, or housing needs. Couples rarely cite getting married as the primary reason for cohabiting, instead citing factors like attraction and practicality.
Condom use decreases pelvic inflammatory disease recurrence
A multi-center study found that consistent condom use halves the risk of recurrent PID, reducing chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Women using condoms were also 60% less likely to become infertile.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 28, 2004
Brookhaven lab biophysicist F. William Studier wins R&D 100 award
F. William Studier develops a new method that simplifies the production of proteins in parallel, allowing for efficient biomedical research and industrial production of proteins for various applications. The new autoinduction system enables automatic protein production without human intervention, leading to increased protein yields.
Casanova or caveman: Scientists isolate nerve cells that choreograph male fly's courtship behavior
Researchers discovered a cluster of 60 nerve cells choreographing the courtship ritual in male flies. Interfering with these cells resulted in reproductive failure and abnormal behaviors, supporting the idea that basic circuitry mediates attraction and mating across species.
2.8 percent of the US population suffers from excessive sweating
A national survey found that hyperhidrosis affects an estimated 7.8 million individuals in the US, with axillary hyperhidrosis being the most common form, particularly among working-age adults. Women are more likely to discuss their condition with healthcare professionals than men.
Researchers identify better hepatitis C treatment for people with HIV
Researchers have identified a more effective treatment for people with both HIV and hepatitis C. The new therapy, peg-interferon with ribavirin, showed a sustained response rate of 27% compared to 12% in those who received standard interferon treatment.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 28, 2004
Plant gene discovery could enhance plant growth, reduce fertilizer needs and phosphate pollution
Researchers have discovered a way to improve plant growth by increasing phosphorus uptake from the soil, reducing fertilizer needs and water pollution. The discovery, made by Dr. Maria Harrison, involves identifying genes that regulate the transfer of phosphorus into plants, with potential benefits for sustainable agriculture.
UNC researchers awarded $8.65 million from National Institute on Aging
A team of scientists at UNC School of Medicine is investigating the molecular basis of blood vessel aging and its role in cardiovascular disease, including heart attack. New information gleaned from this basic research could offer new treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.
American adults feel sad, blue, or depressed about 3 days a month
A study of 166,000 Americans found that those reporting more depressive symptoms were at increased risk for illnesses, with exercise and higher education reducing symptoms. Young adults aged 18-24 reported the highest number of days with depressive symptoms.
July/August 2004 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet
A study of error reports from primary care offices found that two-thirds of treatment and diagnosis mistakes were caused by communication errors. Researchers suggest focusing on management systems to enhance information quality rather than improving clinical judgment.
UCI study reveals gene linked to breast cancer can suppress tumors
A new UCI study has identified a gene linked to breast cancer that can also suppress tumor growth by blocking estrogen and growth factor signals. The research provides further insight into how estrogen interacts with mutated BRCA1 genes to promote breast cancer development.