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Science News Archive May 2004 - Page 6


Page 6 of 13

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

NIH launches study of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe, treatment-resistant lupus

Researchers at the NIH will conduct a clinical study to assess the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in treating severe forms of lupus. The study aims to create a new immune system that doesn't attack healthy cells, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.

Labs-on-a-chip to detect milk contamination

A new lab-on-a-chip technology can detect milk contamination and identify the botulinum toxin in as little as an hour with test results available in minutes. This innovation could lead to faster treatment for potential botulism toxin exposure, reducing its high specific toxicity as a bioterrorism threat.

SourceWhitaker Foundation·JournalElectrophoresis·DateMay 14, 2004

Scientists discover secret of dolphin speed

Researchers found that soft flaky skin helps reduce drag caused by friction and shedding of the skin disturbs whirlpools of water called vortices, reducing drag. The study could help build faster boats and submarines using natural dolphin-inspired solutions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Turbulence·DateMay 14, 2004

Nature or nuture?

Research identifies genetic and environmental protective factors contributing to childhood resilience. Genetic factors influence behavioral and cognitive resilience to poverty, while maternal involvement in stimulating activities helps promote intellectual development. Both genetic and social-environmental sources of protection are inv...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 14, 2004

Chronic fatigue syndrome and Gulf War veterans

A study found a higher prevalence of the D variant in the ACE gene among Gulf War veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome. Veterans with specific genetic variants were more likely to develop CFS/ICF, suggesting an interaction between genetics and environmental factors related to deployment.

SourceWiley·JournalMuscle & Nerve·DateMay 14, 2004

Message to moms

Research suggests that when mothers use a controlling approach, children become disengaged and perform poorly in school. In contrast, an autonomy-supportive approach improves children's performance immediately and leads to better grades over time. The study emphasizes the importance of this parenting style for low-achieving children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 14, 2004

Bird's eye views earth's magnetic lines

Researchers found that birds' photoreceptors can detect the Earth's magnetic field by sensing changes in light energy. This process involves specialized visual systems that allow animals to navigate using the magnetic compass. The discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms behind animal magnetism and its potential applications.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2004