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Science News for October 25, 2004


Clues to the puzzle of 'talking' root cells

Duke University researchers discovered that the Short-Root protein moves from one cell to another through an active process that recognizes signals, not just random diffusion. This finding provides a promising pathway for understanding how complex tissues develop from individual cells in both plants and animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Sandbagging cancer in the bloodstream

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute use a class of compounds known as Src kinase inhibitors to stabilize blood vessels and block tumor cell metastasis. By increasing the protective barrier strength of host blood vessels, the approach prevents cancer cells from exiting the bloodstream, making them vulnerable to immune system attack.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Biodiversity: measuring up to the loss

A new Red List Index measures changes in extinction risk for birds worldwide, showing a steady deterioration between 1988 and 2004. The index provides a reliable baseline to track progress toward the 2010 biodiversity target, with particularly steep declines observed for Asian birds and seabirds affected by commercial long-line fisheries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Farmers don't need a new superstar toxin to fight bugs

Researchers found that using plants with moderately effective genetic modifications in a buffer zone around main crops can play a major role in insect control. This approach delays the development of resistant insects by creating negative cross-resistance, effectively eliminating them from invading the main crop.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Fatal attraction

A new study suggests that reminders of death can increase support for charismatic leaders, who promise a heroic victory over evil. This is because people want to identify with special and great things, which charismatic leaders offer.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 25, 2004

Supervised treatment interruptions fail to control HIV-1 viremia

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that supervised treatment interruptions, which aim to boost natural immunity by briefly exposing patients to low levels of the virus, are ineffective in controlling HIV-1 viremia. Researchers were able to achieve transient control of the virus in some patients, but it was not sustained over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 25, 2004

More focus needed to prevent farm injuries, study says

A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights the need to prevent injuries to children on farms, which have an increased risk of serious and fatal injury compared to children in general. The authors recommend developing effective programs to address this issue, including education, regulations, and technological improvements.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 25, 2004

Worldwide approach tackles kidney disease

A new global approach aims to combat the growing threat of kidney disease by promoting early detection and proper care. This strategy has been shown to be effective in treating kidney disease, particularly when combined with evidence-based guidelines and actual clinical practice.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalKidney International·DateOct 25, 2004

Barriers preclude rural women from breast cancer screening

A study found that African-American and Native American women had less information and more inaccurate beliefs about breast cancer screening compared to Caucasian women. Women cited pain, embarrassment, and lack of time as major reasons for not getting screened, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 25, 2004

Tea could improve memory, study shows

New research from Newcastle University found that green and black tea inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the brain linked to memory decline. The study suggests that drinking regular cups of tea may help improve memory and slow the development of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPhytotherapy Research·DateOct 25, 2004

Mixed signals to blame for restless legs syndrome

A new study reveals that iron deficiency in the brain's substantia nigra region may contribute to restless legs syndrome. Elevated levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were found in individuals with RLS, suggesting a link between cellular iron deficiency and dopamine regulation.

Malaria vaccine trial

A new malaria vaccine trial found only 10% vaccine efficacy in Gambian adults, but the DNA/MVA vaccine group showed a significantly stronger immune response than the rabies vaccine group. The researchers are planning further trials to address this issue and develop a more effective malaria vaccine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 25, 2004

A clear view of mycobacterial infection

Researchers have found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis recruits more macrophages to granulomas despite the host's defense mechanisms, suggesting a new strategy in mycobacterial infection. The study used zebrafish embryos to visualize cell recruitment into granulomas and identified the RD1 genetic region as crucial for virulence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Retinal stem cells can regenerate after transplant

Researchers successfully transplanted human retinal stem cells into light-sensing photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells in animal models. The study's findings have implications for future treatment of degenerative eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2004

Procter & Gamble wins top decision-making award at operations research meeting

Procter & Gamble has won the INFORMS Prize for its far-reaching integration of operations research into organizational decision making. The company's use of analytics and operations research has contributed substantially to its bottom line over the last decade, driving strategies for manufacturing capacity and distribution networks.

Ovarian cancer rates across Europe

Research found ovarian cancer rates levelling across Europe, with declining incidence and mortality rates in northern countries, particularly among younger age groups. In contrast, southern and eastern European countries saw increasing cancer incidence and mortality rates.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateOct 25, 2004

Tip sheet for the October 26, 2004 Neurology

Researchers found that switching from brand phenytoin to generic phenytoin can lead to increased seizures in epilepsy patients. Additionally, a study on concussion history and symptom reporting found that athletes with previous concussions reported fewer symptoms immediately after the injury but more symptoms one week later. The Americ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 25, 2004

Implantable heart defibrillators

A prospective follow-up study found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators can significantly reduce the risk of recurring cardiac arrests after out-of-hospital incidents. Increasing access to these devices could have a substantial impact on reducing Canada's high mortality rate from sudden cardiac arrest.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 25, 2004

Doctors can improve colorectal cancer screening rates

A UCLA study of 22,343 adults aged 50+ in California found that 54% had a recent CRC test, with disparities seen among Latinos, women, and those without insurance or continuity of care. Improving access to screening through policies and education programs can help address these gaps.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 25, 2004

Nitric oxide is essential for animal development

Researchers discover nitric oxide synthase is crucial for Drosophila development, leading to the death of flies lacking the gene. The study uses genetic analysis and mutations to provide conclusive evidence that NOS function is essential for an organism's development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Predicting infection risk of mosquito-borne disease

Researchers develop mathematical model to predict mosquito-borne infection risk, finding that peak biting rates occur near breeding sites and highest human density. The proportion of infectious mosquitoes peaks where older populations are found, leading to surprising predictions about risk hotspots.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2004

Racial differences, poverty linked to mammography use

A new study found that racial differences and poverty significantly impact mammography use among poor, rural women over 40. Native American and African American women had lower knowledge of breast cancer screening procedures compared to white women. The study sheds light on the need for targeted interventions to improve cancer screenin...

SourceOhio State University·JournalCancer·DateOct 25, 2004