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Science News Archive June 2004 - Page 5


Page 5 of 12

Tumour suppression

The study reveals that mice lacking the Mus81 protein are fertile and can help monitor health more closely. Researchers explore whether the mutation is tied to human tumour formation, allowing for targeted treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateJun 17, 2004

Natural, man-made mix promises biggest landscape plant growth

A recent study found that adding natural mycorrhizal fungi to synthetic fertilizers can significantly improve plant growth while reducing pesticide use and water consumption. Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications discovered this inexpensive additive makes better use of fertilizers, saving money and improving the environment.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateJun 17, 2004

Printable silicon for ultrahigh performance flexible electronic systems

Researchers at University of Illinois have developed a technique to print single-crystal silicon objects onto flexible plastics, enabling high-performance thin-film transistors. This approach separates silicon processing from component fabrication, allowing for integration with various materials and large-area formats.

Who is responsible for adolescent health?

The editorial emphasizes the importance of adolescent participation in identifying problems and devising strategies for improving health. Key findings include slow progress in specialist health services for adolescents, but also highlight the need for non-judgmental information, education, and accessible services tailored to their needs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 17, 2004

Rock 'face' mystery baffles experts

Archaeologists have found three unusual markings carved into rocks near Rothbury, Northumberland, including a small heart shape and a stylised human face. The origin and meaning of these marks remain unknown, with experts speculating they could be as young as 100-250 years old.

New tests for nut allergens

Researchers have developed new tests that can detect trace amounts of common tree nut allergens, such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts. These tests could lead to more accurate food labeling and reduced risk of cross-contamination in processed foods.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJun 17, 2004

Asthma drugs pose respiratory, cardiac dangers

A meta-analysis of 33 trials found that continuous use of asthma drugs increases airway inflammation and decreases bronchodilator response, while also posing cardiac risks for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. The studies suggested that pharmaceutical company sponsorship may be a factor in the conflicting results.

SourceCornell University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2004

CO2 fertilization is slowing global warming

A study suggests that CO2 fertilization may be transferring enough carbon from the atmosphere to the soil to balance the global carbon budget. Kevin Harrison's research found a CO2 fertilization factor of 1.18 for a white oak ecosystem, which could have significant implications for understanding the impact of climate change.

Improved nutrition could prevent more than half of the world's child deaths annually

A new study reveals that improved nutrition can prevent over half of the world's child deaths every year. Researchers found that even mild undernutrition increases a child's risk of dying from diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, and measles by two-fold. Investing in child nutrition interventions could save millions of young lives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 17, 2004

New obesity research highlighted at ENDO 2004

Recent studies have highlighted promising new treatments for obesity, including rimonabant's effectiveness in treating the condition. Additionally, researchers have discovered a lack of gut hormone PYY3-6 in obese individuals, leading to increased food intake and potential health risks associated with obesity.

'VALUE' study results

The VALUE trial found no difference in cardiac disease between valsartan and amlodipine, but patients on valsartan had lower rates of hospitalization for heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Early blood pressure control was associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 16, 2004

Earth has 'blueberries' like Mars

Researchers suggest Martian and Utah rocks formed underground when minerals precipitated from flowing groundwater, providing clues to the origin of 'blueberries' discovered on Mars. The study also sheds light on the search for evidence of past life on Mars.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 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