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Science News for May 17, 2004


Cutting-edge science offers improved care for liver diseases

Researchers have identified a potential new source of stem cells for treating liver damage, offering hope for improved care. The study found that umbilical cord blood cells may differentiate into functional liver cells after transplantation, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for acute and chronic liver injury therapy.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 17, 2004
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Regional review boards improve liver transplant allocation

A new study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that regional review boards effectively distinguish between high- and low-risk patients, ensuring fair organ allocation. The study also found that referring physicians have poor predictive capacity for patient mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMay 17, 2004

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, May 18, 2004

Two randomized trials compared low-carbohydrate diets with low-fat diets, finding improved triglyceride levels and slightly improved HDL cholesterol levels on the low-carb diet. Participants on the low-carb diet also lost more weight in the short-term study, but both groups lost similar amounts of weight in the 12-month study.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 17, 2004

On the edge: Are we at risk of an ESRD pandemic?

A worldwide increase in diabetes is forecasted to lead to a renal disease explosion. FOSRENOL, a new phosphate binding medication, has been shown to be effective in managing hyperphosphataemia, a condition associated with ESRD. The study highlights the need for new treatments to manage serious complications of dialysis.

SourceResolute Communications·DateMay 17, 2004

Toll-free road from sepsis

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an antagonistic antibody that can prevent sepsis by blocking toll-like receptor 2-driven shock-like syndromes. The discovery offers new hope for combating this deadly condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Scents will not rouse us from slumber, says new Brown University study

Researchers tested two scents, peppermint and pyridine, on six participants in their early 20s during different stages of sleep. No one responded to peppermint during sleep, while responses to pyridine were infrequent and non-wake-inducing. In contrast, sound consistently woke participants regardless of the sleep stage.

SourceBrown University·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 17, 2004

Kidney cancer surgery safer at high-volume hospitals

A nationwide study found that patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery at high-volume hospitals have a 32% lower risk of dying compared to those at medium- and low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals also performed more partial nephrectomies, a procedure with equally effective cancer control.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalUrology·DateMay 17, 2004
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New insights on sirtuins, involved in gene expression and aging

Scientists at The Wistar Institute discovered a binding site that, if blocked, could activate the protein to promote genomic stability and decrease cancer. By analyzing the molecular details of how sirtuins work, researchers identified potential activators using virtual libraries of molecules.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2004

Florida frontier expedition

A team of scientists from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Florida Atlantic University are exploring never-before-seen sections of deepwater coral reefs off Florida's east coast and the Keys. They aim to discover marine creatures that produce chemicals with the potential to cure human diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's.

SourceHarbor Branch Oceanographic Institution·DateMay 17, 2004

When 'reaper' gene comes, cell death follows

In a groundbreaking study, researchers identified the 'reaper' genes as critical components of cell death in Drosophila. The discovery opens doors to developing targeted cancer treatments by unleashing death-inducing genes specifically at unwanted cells. Ecdysone plays a crucial role in triggering this process.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2004

ADAM: Good enzyme for Alzheimer disease

Researchers found that increased expression of ADAM10 reduced AB peptide formation and prevented plaque formation in an Alzheimer disease mouse model. This suggests that targeting alpha-secretase might be a useful therapeutic target for AD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004

Chemical company earnings jump in 2004 first quarter

Demand for US chemical products increased while firms cut costs. Dow Chemical topped sales at $9.3 billion, followed by DuPont at $8 billion. DuPont led earnings with $964 million, ahead of Dow's $469 million increase in the same quarter last year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 17, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Matching method helps doctors successfully transplant higher-risk kidneys

A new matching system allows use of kidneys from older, high-risk donors increasing the number of patients who can benefit from transplantation. Success rates are similar between younger and older recipients, paving the way for more elderly adults to receive kidney transplants.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateMay 17, 2004

Oxygen therapy may improve vision worsened by diabetes

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that breathing supplemental oxygen for three months reduced fluid buildup and swelling in the macula, and improved visual acuity in some cases. The therapy was found to reduce excess thickness of the macula by an average of 43 percent.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMay 17, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

One step further toward treatment for degenerative diseases

Researchers at McGill University have identified a central enzyme that can sense subtle changes in protein folding, enabling the removal of misfolded proteins from cells. This discovery may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 17, 2004

Advances emerging in hepatitis management

Research has identified improved screening programs for HIV coinfection with chronic hepatitis C, as well as predictive models for inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. These advances aim to improve treatment decisions and quality of life for affected individuals.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 17, 2004

Land Regeneration Network celebrates first year success

The Land Regeneration Network has achieved rapid membership growth, now standing at 1250 individuals from 890 companies and organisations across Wales. The network provides a high-quality information resource and business networking events, contributing to the growing demand for clear technical information in the environmental sector.

SourceCardiff University·DateMay 17, 2004

GI health affected by consumption of coffee and carbonated drinks

Researchers found an inverse correlation between coffee and caffeine consumption and liver injury, which declined with increasing coffee drinking and caffeine intake. Carbonated soft drink consumption was also linked to a rise in esophageal adenocarcinoma rates, with a strong correlation seen between the two.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·DateMay 17, 2004

JCI table of contents, 17 May 2004

A study on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and prion protein PrPSc accumulation in muscle tissue of infected rodents found that the defective form of PrPSc is present prior to clinical symptoms. The accumulation of PrPSc is greatest after clinical symptoms are well established.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Diabetes linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's in long-term study

A long-term study found that people with diabetes are at a 65% increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those without the condition. The study also showed that cognitive decline in perceptual speed was associated with diabetes, but not other cognitive systems.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMay 17, 2004

Study: Low-carb diet more effective than low-fat diet

A randomized, controlled trial found that a low-carb diet with vitamin supplements led to greater weight loss, body fat reduction, and improved cholesterol levels than a low-fat diet. However, the low-carb group experienced more adverse physical effects.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 17, 2004

Two studies weigh in on low-carb diets

Two studies found that low-carbohydrate diets led to greater weight loss in obese adults than conventional diets. The low-carb group showed improvements in triglyceride levels and better control of blood sugar for those with diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 17, 2004
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New insight into how tumors resist radiation

New research reveals that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a key role in tumor cells' ability to resist radiation therapy. By understanding how this protective response is activated, scientists hope to develop effective treatments to enhance radiation's effectiveness against tumors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 17, 2004

Diabetics at significantly higher risk for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Rush University Medical Center have discovered that diabetics are at a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, which followed over 800 Catholic nuns and priests for five years, found a 65% increase in the risk of AD among those with diabetes.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMay 17, 2004

Scientists track protein linked to movement disorder

Researchers identify torsinA, a protein defective in DYT1 dystonia, and discover its role in the nuclear envelope. The study provides new insights into potential treatments for movement disorders and secondary dystonias.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2004

Anti-clotting treatment underused at many hospitals

A study reveals that anti-clotting treatment is underused at many hospitals in the US, with significant differences between academic and community hospitals. The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines program aims to bridge this gap and simplify patient care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 17, 2004
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Imaging study shows brain maturing

A decade-long brain development study using MRI scans shows that higher-order brain centers, such as the prefrontal cortex, mature later in life. Gray matter wanes in a back-to-front wave as neural connections are pruned, with areas performing basic functions maturing earlier.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2004

Hamster hamburger anyone?

Oral exposure to scrapie has been shown to lead to the deposition of pathological prion protein PrPSc in hamster muscles. This preclinical study provides new insights into the progression of prion diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2004

Body fat and its role in breast cancer

A large prospective cohort study found that body size was more strongly associated with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. Obesity was linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), while those on HRT with a low BMI had an increased risk.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateMay 17, 2004