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Science News for November 16, 2004


Study in Royal Society journal on evidence for impact of global warming on bird populations

A study published in the Royal Society journal explores the impact of global warming on common bird populations. The research demonstrates that the force distributions in random materials can be accurately described by an analogue of the Second Law of Thermodynamics, revealing new applications for this fundamental principle.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 16, 2004

No link found between pneumonitis in breast cancer patients and taxane-based chemotherapies

A recent study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has found no link between taxane-based chemotherapies and pneumonitis in breast cancer patients. The research, led by Tse-Kuan Yu, analyzed 189 breast cancer patients who received either radiation therapy or chemotherapy followed by radiation.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 2004

Researchers call for studies on role of BRCA1 mutations in chemotherapy response

BRCA1 mutations are found in only 5% of breast and ovarian cancers, but loss-of-function mutations can significantly increase cancer risk. Researchers review preclinical and clinical evidence to determine if BRCA1 function can predict chemotherapy response, highlighting the need for prospective studies.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 2004

New protein identified in development of lung cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a new protein, Pirh2, that diminishes the activity of p53, a powerful tumor suppressor. Overexpression of Pirh2 was found in 84% of human lung cancers and 93% of mouse tumors, suggesting its potential role in cancer development.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 2004

Study links ozone, mortality in urban areas

A large-scale study conducted from 1987 to 2000 found a strong link between short-term changes in ground-level ozone and mortality in 95 urban areas, covering 40% of the US population. The study suggests that reducing daily ozone levels by 10 parts per billion could save up to 4,000 lives annually.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 16, 2004

Other highlights in the November 17 JNCI

A new study suggests that increased selenium levels in the blood are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal adenoma recurrence. The research pooled data from three randomized trials and found that participants in the highest quartile for blood selenium levels had a 34% decreased risk of developing a new adenoma.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 16, 2004

Multipurpose nanocables invented

Researchers at UC Davis have developed multipurpose nanocables that can detect the quantity of toxins in a sample, allowing for more accurate measurements. These nanocables also enable the creation of large surface area arrays, which could be used to efficiently capture sunlight and improve solar cell efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 16, 2004

Academic research leaders meet with NIH's Zerhouni

Academic leaders express frustration with restricted access to research, citing difficulties in accessing articles from NIH-funded science. A six-month delay is seen as sufficient to address concerns about publishers' costs, while a compromise between the academy and publishing industry is proposed to ensure open access.

Geological demolition derby

Geologists challenged the idea that the Tibetan plateau is losing elevation as it spreads out over India. Instead, new research suggests the plateau is being compressed between the Indian subcontinent and the North China block, causing Tibet to split like an orange squeezed by a vise.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateNov 16, 2004