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Science News for July 23, 2004


Men may be best left alone for therapy

Research suggests that men tend to have poorer outcomes in short-term group therapy for complicated grief, with symptoms improving less among males than females. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering patient gender when selecting treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPsychotherapy Research·DateJul 23, 2004

Scientists pinpoint molecules that generate synapses

Researchers at Harvard University and Washington University have identified a family of molecules that play a crucial role in generating synapses in the brain. These presynaptic organizing molecules could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, mental retardation, and other conditions where synapse loss is a factor.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateJul 23, 2004

Optical breast cancer detector

Researchers have developed thin fiber-optic probes that can be threaded through biopsy needles to ensure accurate targeting and diagnose breast cancer with over 90% accuracy. The technology holds potential to minimize trauma and improve procedure speed.

SourceWhitaker Foundation·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateJul 23, 2004

Bone, enamel, dentine, milk & saliva share gene family

Researchers identified a shared gene family responsible for calcium binding in bones, enamel, dentine, milk, and saliva. The genes, including SPARC and SPARCL1, evolved from a common ancestral gene and reside on the same chromosome in most vertebrates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2004