Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 15, 2004


Manipulating master molecule shown to disrupt vascular environment for tumors in animal models

A study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that blocking hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) significantly impairs tumor growth by damaging the vascular microenvironment. The tumors were smaller and had thin-walled, lumenless blood vessels compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 15, 2004

A gene that keeps species apart

Biologists discover a candidate hybrid compatibility gene that exhibits functional divergence, confirming its status as a true speciation gene. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of reproductive isolation, which is crucial for defining species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2004

Olfactory system matures in different stages

The study established four principles of olfactory system development: without sensory activity there is no full maturation, a sensitive period influences organization maturation, sensitive periods occur at different times for different receptors, and glomeruli may be innervated by multiple nerves during early development.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2004

Espionage may have driven the evolution of bee language according to UCSD-led study in Brazil

A study by UCSD and Brazilian biologists found that bees can use scent markings from other species to find food. This ability allows aggressive stingless bee species to take over food sources previously discovered by competitors, providing a clear evolutionary advantage in scarce floral resources.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 15, 2004

Other highlights in the June 16 JNCI

A new study by Cancer Research UK found that common mutations in genes regulating estrogen metabolism are not associated with breast cancer risk. However, a separate study suggests that inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) activity may be a target for future gastric cancer treatments.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 15, 2004

Imaging the healing heart

Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging method to track new blood vessel growth in the heart after a heart attack. The technique uses a radioactively labeled protein to detect changes in damaged areas over time, providing clear visualization of healing processes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2004

JCI table of contents, 15 June 2004

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a strategy using small interfering RNA to enhance cancer treatment in cases of drug resistance. They tested their theory in a form of leukemia that is resistant to commonly used anti-cancer drugs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2004

Geologists map Cartwright country

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a detailed map of the Comstock Lode, a 14-million-year-old gold and silver ore deposit. The map uses mathematical techniques to visualize patterns of oxygen isotope exchange between water and rock, providing insights into the geological processes that formed the ore district.

Ecology drives the worldwide distribution of human diseases

Researchers found that climatic factors are the most important determinant of human pathogen distribution, contradicting conventional assumptions about disease control. Understanding ecological links between disease and environment could inform effective preventive strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2004

Treatment blocks progression of diabetes in mice

A new treatment approach has been developed to prevent autoimmune diabetes in mice by blocking the interaction between NKG2D on T cells and proteins found on abnormal cells. This breakthrough finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or controlling type 1 diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateJun 15, 2004

Gray matters

Researchers at the University of Southern California challenge the 'arithmetic' neurons use to process information, finding that summation depends on input location. The study reveals a two-layer model of processing, with local thresholds in separate branches and linear summation at the cell body.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 15, 2004

Turning bone into nerve

Researchers successfully induced neuronal cells from bone marrow stromal cells, offering a potential treatment option for neurological disorders. The findings have significant implications for the development of regenerative medicine techniques.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2004

Small RNA surmounts large cancer problem

Researchers discovered that stable expression of small interfering RNA sensitizes TEL-PDGFbetaR to inhibition with imatinib or rapamycin. This finding suggests a new approach for treating cancer by targeting specific genes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2004

A protein's role in progressive renal disease

Researchers investigate the role of mutated a-actinin-4 in FSGS, a leading cause of progressive kidney failure. The study reveals two possible mechanisms: aggregation and rapid degradation, which can injure kidney cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2004