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Science News for October 11, 2004


New method identifies chromosome changes in malignant cells

A new method developed by Princeton scientists can detect small chromosome alterations in cancer cells with high accuracy. The technique allows researchers to identify previously unknown additions and deletions, which may lead to new treatments for breast cancer.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalBioinformatics·DateOct 11, 2004

Blood pressure drugs may slow deterioration of Alzheimer's

A study of 162 Japanese patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and high blood pressure found that brain-penetrating ACE inhibitors slowed cognitive decline. The medications declined thinking and memory skills by only 0.6 points, compared to 4.9 points for calcium channel blockers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 11, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Folate intake lowers women's risk of high blood pressure

A study of over 150,000 women found that folate intake was associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure. The most significant effects were seen in younger women, who had a 29% lower risk of developing hypertension when consuming high amounts of folate.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 11, 2004

Cleveland stem cell investigators awarded $3.1 million

Cleveland stem cell investigators Stanton Gerson, George Muschler, and Jaroslaw Maciejewski received grants to study the effects of aging on blood stem cells and optimize assays for human stem cells in bone marrow. Their research aims to improve understanding of age-related diseases such as anemia and cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 11, 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.

Seroquel: The patient's choice

A new study reveals that 8 out of 10 patients with serious mental illnesses are satisfied with their Seroquel treatment, experiencing improved positive and negative symptoms. This is attributed to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile, leading to better compliance and outcomes.

SourceShire Health International·DateOct 11, 2004

Hunt for autism genes to be led by Hopkins researchers

A team of Hopkins researchers is using new genome searching technologies to identify genetic factors contributing to autism. They will analyze data from 465 families and 979 individuals with autism, focusing on rare genetic mutations and extra or missing gene copies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 11, 2004

Cells in retina found to behave like soap bubbles

Researchers at Northwestern University found that cells in the retina of fruit flies adopt mathematically predictable shapes and configurations, similar to soap bubbles. This discovery reveals a general principle of patterning found in a wide range of living things.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 11, 2004

UF scientists have bionanotechnology recipe to find elusive bacteria

Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new method for detecting bacteria using bioconjugated nanoparticles, which can identify single E. coli bacteria in less than 20 minutes. This technology has significant implications for food safety and bioterrorism detection.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Topical medication effective in relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

A topical diclofenac sodium solution has been shown to effectively treat symptoms of primary OA of the knee, improving pain and physical function by 45.7% and 36.7%, respectively. The study found that this treatment had a superior efficacy compared to a control solution, with minimal adverse effects related to skin reactions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2004

Indigenous local law fights for its right to exist

A study reveals how indigenous communities maintain their own laws, blending national and indigenous principles to survive. The hybrid form of law is found to increase the chances of indigenous customs surviving.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 11, 2004

Wound healers cause skin disease

Scientists found that people with psoriasis have transit amplifying cells divide without signal, leading to rapid skin renewal and increased cell layers. This discovery may lead to new treatments for the disease, which affects 300,000 people in the Netherlands.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 11, 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.

Healthy eating reduces the chance of spina bifida

Research findings suggest that a balanced diet prior to pregnancy can reduce the chance of spina bifida. Myo-inositol, zinc, and vitamin B12 supplements may also be beneficial in preventing the condition, although further research is needed to confirm this.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 11, 2004

Slightly increased risk of Ischemic stroke found with tamoxifen

Researchers found a significant increase in ischemic stroke risk with tamoxifen, but emphasized that the absolute risk is small. The study's findings suggest careful screening of women before prescribing tamoxifen therapy due to potential stroke risk.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateOct 11, 2004

Genetic link to risky pregnancy

Researchers found a genetic connection between preeclampsia and the interaction between trophoblast cells and natural killer cells. The study suggests that a specific protein combination may be responsible for suppressing the NK cells' ability to stimulate vessel remodeling, leading to decreased blood flow to the fetus.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 11, 2004

Problematic behaviour of dementing patients exacerbated

A recent study found that dementing patients' hyperactivity is worsened when care-providing family members employ a non-adaptive strategy, which includes being impatient and irritated. Adjusting this approach can help alleviate behavioural problems and improve the quality of life for both carers and patients.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 11, 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.

Cow's claw benefits from cushioned floor

Joan Somers' research found that cows on straw yards had significantly healthier claws and better walking patterns than those on concrete floors. The study highlighted the importance of comfortable bedding spaces, dry stalls, balanced rations, and regular claw care in improving dairy cow welfare.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 11, 2004

'Junk' DNA may be very valuable to embryos

Research suggests that retrotransposons, previously considered 'junk DNA', can initiate synchronous gene expression in mouse eggs and early embryos. This discovery may contribute to the reprogramming of the mammalian embryonic genome.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 11, 2004

MRI shows brain changes underlying language deficits in autism

Researchers found that autistic boys with normal language capabilities have a typical brain organization, while those with language problems exhibit similar brain changes as non-autistic boys with Specific Language Impairment. The study supports the idea that autism and SLI are disruptions in neurodevelopment and neurobiology.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 11, 2004
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Researchers provide road map for generating B cells from stem cells

Scientists have identified four critical stages in generating B cells from stem cells, involving regulatory proteins and signaling pathways that guide the cell's development. The study paves the way for creating customized immune cells with specific functions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 11, 2004

Rice engineer wins prestigious Annunzio Award

Jennifer West, a renowned bioengineer, has made significant advancements in nanotechnology and tissue engineering. Her research focuses on developing novel biomaterials for vascular grafts that could eliminate the need for vein transplants.

SourceRice University·DateOct 11, 2004