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Science News Archive March 2004 - Page 8


Page 8 of 14

JCI table of contents, 15 March 2004

A new gene-expression-based predictor algorithm has been developed to predict prostate cancer recurrence with high accuracy, utilizing molecular signatures that distinguish subgroups of patients with different disease outcomes. The algorithm correctly classified 88% of patients with poor prognosis into the correct group.

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

Memories are harder to forget than currently thought

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that 'reconsolidation' of a forgotten memory is not permanent, contradicting previous studies. The study's results challenge existing theories on memory storage and retrieval, suggesting that traumatic memories may be more resilient than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2004

Prenatal exposure to second-handsmoke greater for disadvantaged children, study finds

Children whose mothers were exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy had reduced scores on tests of cognitive development at age two. They also showed a higher likelihood of developmental delays and lower cognitive performance. The effects were more pronounced for those who experienced material hardship during pregnancy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateMar 15, 2004

Combination of toxin and poison may be novel treatment for leukemia

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that a low-dose combination of arsenic and bryostatin can kill APL cell lines by activating the cancer cells' natural self-destruct mechanism. This therapy has potential for treating treatment-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia with poor outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2004

Bigger isn't always better--especially if you're a rodent

Researchers investigated how small mammals use crossing structures built across the Trans-Canada Highway, finding that small covered culverts offer protection from other animals and are a cost-effective mitigation strategy. The study's findings have already influenced road construction plans, highlighting the importance of conservation...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMar 15, 2004

The bare bones of cutting the fat

Researchers found that PPAR-gamma deficiency in mice enhances bone development by increasing osteoblast production, while adipocyte differentiation is impaired. This discovery may provide new avenues for osteoporosis therapies.

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

King Tut liked red wine

Spanish scientists have developed a technique to determine the color of ancient wine, revealing that King Tut's wine was made with red grapes. The analysis is the first extensive chemical analysis done on a jar from King Tut's tomb and provides evidence of the color of wine in an archaeological sample.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 15, 2004

Profiling prostate cancer

Researchers have developed a gene expression profiling method that predicts clinical outcome in prostate cancer patients. The study's findings suggest that this approach can improve our ability to stratify patient populations and optimize disease treatment.

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

Tissue cells can revert to stem cells

Researchers have discovered that tissue cells in clusters of 4 and 8 can revert to a stem-cell state under specific conditions, working just as well as normal stem cells. This finding could provide a new approach for harnessing differentiated cells to enhance tissue repair, similar to animals that can regenerate lost parts.

The small and the beautiful

Scientists capture real-time video-clips of signal transmission in living cells using Quantum Dots, revealing new insights into cellular processes. The breakthrough is expected to speed up the development of new cancer-curing drugs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 12, 2004

Study examines why new lung cancer treatment is effective for some patients but not others

A study found that gefitinib is effective for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are female, never smoked, and have a specific type of cancer. The researchers identified two key factors associated with sensitivity to the drug: having adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar features and never having smoked.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 12, 2004

Delving into defects spurs prospects for chip insulator

A team of NIST and IBM researchers has quantified 'electrical capture defects' in hafnium oxide chips, which can drain currents and hinder transistor operation. By applying a voltage pulse and measuring current, the scientists identified critical locations where these defects occur near the silicon substrate-hafnium oxide interface.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateMar 11, 2004