Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2004 - Page 7


Page 7 of 12

Picking prostanoids to provide protection

Researchers found that prostacyclin (PGI) protects against atherosclerosis, while thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes its development. TP antagonists and molecules with PG-like activity may aid in atherosclerosis prevention, aligning with previous work on low-dose aspirin therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

Brain has center for detecting sound motion

Researchers identified a brain region that processes sound location and motion, with impaired function leading to 'cortical motion deafness'. The study provides evidence of an auditory motion module within the right posterior superior temporal gyrus.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 15, 2004

The machinery of forgetting fears

Researchers found that the amygdala is involved in both fear acquisition and unlearning, while the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a critical role in retaining extinction learning. The study provides evidence that the mechanisms of extinction learning may be preserved across species.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 15, 2004

Carbon nanotube oscillator might weigh a single atom

Researchers at Cornell University have created a tiny oscillator that uses a carbon nanotube to vibrate at radio frequencies, enabling mass sensing and gas detection capabilities. The device is so small that it can potentially weigh individual atoms, offering new possibilities for scientific research and applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 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

Many who cut back on Rx drugs to cut costs don't tell doctors

A study finds that two-thirds of chronically ill patients cut back on prescription drugs due to cost concerns, but few inform their doctors. The researchers recommend healthcare providers take the initiative to ask patients about cost issues and educate them on necessary medications. Most patients who spoke up received help through fre...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 13, 2004

Lewis and Clark slip through climatic window to the West

The Lewis and Clark expedition successfully traversed the new frontier due to a favorable climatic window that allowed for abundant food sources. If they had traveled during an intense drought, their journey might have been significantly impacted, potentially altering the course of U.S. expansion into the West.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateSep 13, 2004

Cancer survivors' other medical problems poorly managed

A recent study found that cancer survivors are less likely to receive recommended medical care for their chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. The authors conclude that cancer patients' other medical issues may be ignored due to a focus on the prior malignancy.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 13, 2004

Can an old gene learn new tricks?

Researchers discovered that the Hmx gene, which was previously thought to only develop the central nervous system in fruit flies, can also direct development of the inner ear and hypothalamus in mice. This suggests that old genes can be repurposed for new functions through regulatory element shuffling, enabling evolutionary advancements.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 13, 2004

Hydrocarbons in the deep Earth?

Researchers found that methane formed through reducing carbon in calcite at temperatures and pressures of about 1000 degrees F and less than 70,000 times atmospheric pressure. The study's implications are significant for the ecology and economy of our planet if abiogenic hydrocarbons are produced in the deep Earth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2004

New approach to assessing glaucoma risk may help physicians decide who needs treatment

A new approach to assessing glaucoma risk, inspired by the coronary heart disease model, aims to identify individuals at risk and guide treatment decisions. This initiative has the potential to shift the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and earlier intervention for those at risk.

SourceUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateSep 13, 2004