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Science News Archive September 2004 - Page 2


Page 2 of 12

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

Good vibrations in the nanoworld

Carbon nanotubes' electronic and mechanical properties are highly dependent on the presence of defects, which alter their vibrational modes and affect electrical conductivity and heat transport. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding these effects for optimizing nanoscale devices.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 28, 2004

Microscopic miracles

The development of nanomedicines has led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Thousands of patients are already benefiting from products used to treat conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and arthritis.

Giving computers the jitters helps explain human behavior

A computer program simulated how people who felt threatened would respond to a serial subtraction problem, showing a 25% decrease in performance speed. Increasing knowledge through instruction and practice, or continuously checking results to bolster confidence, can help individuals switch their pre-task appraisal from threatening to c...

Winning combination to build bone density in children

A study by the University of Wales and the University of Exeter suggests that high levels of calcium intake combined with vigorous daily exercise are crucial for building and retaining bone mass in children. The researchers found that children should engage in at least 25-40 minutes of vigorous activity and consume at least 700-800 mil...

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateSep 28, 2004

Indiana University, EPA to study airborne PCBs

Scientists at Indiana University and the EPA will study the circulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between the air and Great Lakes, aiming to inform new clean-up policies. Elevated PCB levels have led to fish consumption advisories for all five Great Lakes, with implications for human health.

Evidence builds for potential new cancer drug target

Researchers at Temple University validated the c-myb gene as a potential cancer drug target by demonstrating its critical role in white blood cell formation. The study found that deleting the gene reduced cell proliferation and the risk of developing cancer, offering hope for future breast cancer treatments.

SourceTemple University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2004