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Science News for June 21, 2004


Cincinnati Children's researchers identify link between heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a link between heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that toxic protein clusters called beta-amyloids, associated with Alzheimer's disease, are also present in the hearts of patients with heart failure.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2004

After amnesia, brain lesions appear

A recent study using diffusion weighted imaging found small brain lesions appearing on MRI scans of amnesiac patients within hours and days of onset. The lesions were all located in the hippocampus, a key area for memory functions, suggesting a possible cause for transient global amnesia.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 21, 2004

Physicists reveal first 'nanoflowers'

Researchers at Cambridge University have successfully grown nanometer-scale wires into flower-like structures, which can be used as water-repellent coatings and a base for new solar cells. The unique nanostructures are created by controlling the growth process of silicon-carbon materials using liquid metals.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 21, 2004

Japanese researchers develop novel method of introducing transgenes into animals

A team of Japanese researchers has developed a novel method for introducing transgenes into animals by injecting retroviruses into immature male mouse testes. The technique resulted in high fertility rates and stable transgene transmission, enabling the production of genetically modified offspring from a single founder male.

SourceSociety for the Study of Reproduction·JournalBiology of Reproduction·DateJun 21, 2004

How left-handed amino acids got ahead

Researchers at Imperial College London have shown that an amino acid can amplify the concentration of one particular chiral form, a process known as autocatalysis. This discovery may offer insights into the evolution of biological homochirality and could provide a model for how life began.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 21, 2004

Lifesaving potential of mammograms lost due to underuse

A study found that only 6% of women received ten mammograms, and disparities in usage were seen among Hispanic, African-American, and Asian women as well as those from lower economic status. Regular mammograms significantly reduce breast cancer death risk, highlighting the need for improved screening adherence.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 21, 2004

Newly grown kidneys can sustain life in rats

Scientists have grown functional kidneys in rats using embryonic tissue transplants, demonstrating their ability to filter blood and excrete waste. The research marks a critical step towards developing animal-to-human transplants to address chronic organ donation shortages.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalOrganogenesis·DateJun 21, 2004