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Science News for September 29, 2004


Phase II trials of second-generation antisense cancer drug planned following successful early study

The second-generation antisense cancer drug OGX-011 has shown promising results in a Phase I trial, inhibiting clusterin production in patients' cancers. The Phase II trials will investigate the effectiveness of OGX-011 combined with standard chemotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone refractory prostate, breast, and lung cancer.

History of smoking significantly reduces survival in head and neck cancer patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that smokers have a higher risk of death, disease recurrence, and poorer survival rates compared to non-smokers with head and neck cancer. Researchers highlighted the importance of tobacco cessation and moderation of alcohol use to improve quality of life and survival.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 29, 2004

Plants will not save us from greenhouse gases

Researchers led by Graham Bell discovered that increased carbon dioxide concentrations negatively impact algae growth, disproving the notion that plants absorb extra CO2. The study's findings have implications for all plant species, including agricultural ones, as fossil fuel emissions continue to rise.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateSep 29, 2004

Bacteria's 'glue valve' surprises scientists

Researchers discovered that the HMW1B protein forms a tetramer structure, unlike previously thought monomers, which creates an active pore for substance movement across cell membranes. This finding may lead to new targets for drugs to treat H. influenzae infection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2004

Genetic differences might help distinguish thyroid cancers

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified five genes that can distinguish between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), two types of thyroid cancer with different behaviors and treatments. The study's findings may lead to a valuable diagnostic tool, improving patient outcomes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 29, 2004

Brain-scanning life's memories yields new insights

Researchers created new memories in subjects and studied their recall in the laboratory using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). They found that recalling autobiographical memories activated similar brain areas as laboratory memories, but also distinct self-referential processing regions. This study provides new insights int...

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateSep 29, 2004

Cancer vaccine based on pathogenic listeria bacteria shows promise targeting metastases

A genetically engineered listeria bacteria-based vaccine has shown promising results in targeting metastatic cancer cells, inducing a strong innate and acquired immune response. The vaccine, aiming to target pancreatic and ovarian cancers, could potentially be used to prevent recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2004