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Science News for September 1, 2004


JCI table of contents: 1 September, 2004

Researchers found that zoledronic acid can halt the progression of cervical cancer in mice by inhibiting angiogenesis and matrix metalloprotease-9 expression. Additionally, a study on skin cancer revealed that Stat3 is required for initiation and promotion stages, suggesting it as a potential target for cancer therapy

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Flame retardants found on supermarket shelves

A US study found significantly higher levels of brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) in food samples than previous market studies. The most contaminated items were fish, meat, and dairy products, highlighting the need for further research into the exposure routes of these toxic chemicals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 1, 2004

Chauvenet prize to Burger

Burger's work on number theory and mathematics education has earned him numerous awards, including the MAA Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award. His research focuses on Diophantine approximation and geometry of numbers, and he is also dedicated to making math accessible to everyone.

Patient end-of-life choices limited by physician outlook

A study surveyed 900 physicians from the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, revealing that a physician's comfort level discussing death and their medical ethics training significantly affect end-of-life choices for terminally ill patients. Key aspects of effective conversations include 'straight talk' and compassion.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer·DateSep 1, 2004

Convulsions in worms mimic epileptic seizures

A team of researchers led by Guy A. Caldwell found that worms with a mutated LIS1 gene experience convulsions similar to those in humans with lissencephaly, a rare birth defect. The study reveals the mutated protein's impact on neuronal trafficking and neurotransmitter release, providing insights into the complexities of epilepsy.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateSep 1, 2004

New imaging technology at Joslin shown to detect early signs of type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have developed a new imaging technology using magnetic resonance imaging to detect early signs of type 1 diabetes. The technology tracks miniscule magnetic nanoparticles leaking from the blood vessels of the pancreas, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the disease's progression.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2004

September 2004 Ophthalmology journal

This September 2004 issue of Ophthalmology journal features groundbreaking research on predictive factors for glaucomatous visual field progression, primary open-angle glaucoma in Japan, and hypothyroidism's impact on open-angle glaucoma. The studies also explore the mechanism of ocular hypotensive action of bimatoprost and optic nerve...

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 1, 2004

Zoledronic acid zings cervical cancer

Researchers found that zoledronic acid inhibits the growth of cervical cancer by targeting macrophages expressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and angiogenesis. This treatment approach offers new hope for cervical cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Stopping skin cancer — Stat3

Researchers found that Stat3 is required for skin cancer initiation and maintains cellular growth through expansion of initiated cells. Inhibiting Stat3 function impairs tumor growth, suggesting its potential as a target for cancer therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004

Counseling boosts immunity, improves health habits

A long-term study at Ohio State University found that counseling improved immune function, reduced stress, and boosted healthier eating habits in breast cancer patients. The study's findings support the value of psychological intervention in cancer treatment and suggest potential benefits for other types of cancers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 1, 2004

ET, don't phone home; drop a line instead

Physicist Rose suggests that inscribing information on a physical medium can be more energy-efficient than sending messages through radio waves. He proposes this method as a solution for communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations, potentially leading to millions of messages being discovered on Earth or other celestial bodies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2004

Pig-human transplantation not PERVerted

Researchers develop a new xenotransplantation model where human cells coexist with porcine cells, showing that they can live long-term without PERV infection. The study suggests that pigs may be a safer source for human transplantation due to the low risk of transmitting viruses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004