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Science News Archive May 2004 - Page 12


Page 12 of 13

Flagellation in Crohn disease

Researchers have identified a key antigen underlying Crohn disease, bacterial flagellin, which triggers an immune response. Studies found high reactivity against specific flagellins in CD patients, but not in controls or ulcerative colitis patients, providing new leads for causal antigens.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

Painstaking work targeting TRPV1

Scientists successfully deleted primary afferent neurons expressing vanilloid receptor 1, leading to potential breakthroughs in pain management. The study aims to provide new avenues for treating chronic pain by targeting the TRPV1 receptor.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2004

Caffeine consumption associated with increases in blood pressure in adolescents

A study found that caffeine consumption is associated with increased systolic blood pressure in adolescents, particularly those who consume more than 100mg of caffeine per day. The researchers suggest that high caffeine intakes may be a marker for unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices that increase the risk of hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Pap smears, mammography should be targeted at healthy elders, study says

A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that healthy older women are more likely to be screened for cancer, while those in poor health are less likely. The study analyzed data from over 4,700 women aged 70 and above, revealing a significant gap in screening rates among healthy versus unhealthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Unnatural light-dark cycles expose duelling circadian clocks

The study reveals two locomotor activity rhythms originating from separate areas within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), highlighting a network of multiple oscillators. This finding suggests that uncoupling of oscillators within the central pacemaker itself can cause symptoms like jet lag and rotating work schedules.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2004

REI medical/research briefs

Despite a growing need for new antibiotics, only six are being developed out of 506 drugs, with FDA approvals declining by 56% over the past 20 years. Researchers have identified a novel structural signature in antimicrobial peptides that could accelerate development of new treatments.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 2004

Health care providers should be prepared for high prevalence of co-occurring disorders

A study published in American Journal of Psychiatry found that healthcare providers should be aware of the associative nature of drug abuse and mental illness. The research compared patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, finding no significant diagnostic differences between groups.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2004

Link between caffeine consumption, high blood pressure found in adolescents

A new study has found a significant link between caffeine consumption and increased blood pressure in black adolescents. Adolescents who drank the most caffeinated beverages had higher systolic pressures, with black adolescents showing a greater impact. The researchers suggest that further research is needed to explore this relationship.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

When plants need ants' help, bigger is better

Research shows that larger ants are better at carrying seeds far from their mother plants, but invasive species like Argentine and fire ants pose a threat to native plant populations. The study found that smaller ants cannot disperse seeds as efficiently, leading to reduced seedling survival.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEcology·DateMay 1, 2004

Hidden cost of depression in seniors: $9 billion in care from spouses, children

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that moderately depressed seniors require significantly more hours of care than those without symptoms. If caregivers were paid for their work, the annual cost would be approximately $9 billion, highlighting the impact of depression on seniors and their loved ones.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2004