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Science News for September 14, 2004


Understanding celiac disease

Researchers found that IL15 induces a series of biochemical changes in NKG2D signaling pathway converting CTL cells into Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells. MICA molecules are present in elevated amounts in celiac patients' intestinal cells, providing a target for immune cell attacks

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateSep 14, 2004

Racial segregation in daily flux in Los Angeles

A Dartmouth College study found that groups are less segregated at work than at home in greater Los Angeles, with interracial contact increasing during the workday. Notably, African Americans remain highly segregated both at work and home, while immigrants from Mexico and whites disperse more during the day.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateSep 14, 2004

Scientists at UCSB make important discoverythat increases understanding of multiple sclerosis

UCSB researchers have discovered that changes in lipid composition of myelin lead to the unraveling of MS. The study shows how myelin basic protein acts as a patch to fill holes and maintain insulation from the sheath. This new knowledge may suggest methods for treating MS before it progresses.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2004

Study looks at quality of life five years after prostate cancer diagnosis

A new study found that prostate cancer treatment can significantly impact men's quality of life, with both radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy causing declines in sexual function, urinary incontinence, and bowel issues. The study, which followed over 1,100 men with clinically localized prostate cancer, suggests that the treatments d...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 14, 2004

Certain components of the brain's 'executive functions' are compromised early in abstinence

Heavy alcohol consumption can compromise multiple domains of executive functioning early in abstinence. This study found significant differences between male veterans with and without a history of heavy drinking on cognitive tests such as abstract reasoning and memory discrimination. Researchers suggest that developing therapies to cap...

Science of perception

A novel experiment revealed that experts in fine visual distinctions can process faces and other objects using the same neural networks, contradicting previous theories. This discovery has implications for our understanding of autism, national security, and expert recognition abilities.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2004

Eliminating disparities in children's health care will require broad quality improvement effort

Eliminating disparities in children's healthcare will require a broad quality improvement effort involving federal oversight, increasing public insurance coverage, data collection, and workforce diversity. Key areas of focus include improving care for children in public programs, community health centers, and private physicians' practi...

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 14, 2004