Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2005 - Page 154


Page 154 of 165

Diffusion-weighted MRI can diagnose 'mad cow'-related disease in humans before symptoms show

Researchers used diffusion-weighted MRI to diagnose Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in nine human cases at different stages. Early detection was achieved in all cases using this imaging technique. The study highlights the potential of diffusion-weighted MRI for early diagnosis and prevention of CJD transmission.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 1, 2005

Mapping the underwater world in 3-D

The new CodaOctopus laboratory will map extensive areas of the sea bed using novel 3-D methods, providing visualisation for scientists and strategic decision makers. This collaboration aims to focus research on commercial requirements, developing further Cardiff University's marine reputation.

Transgenic plants remove more selenium from polluted soil than wild plants, new tests show

Researchers found that transgenic Indian mustard plants absorbed two to four times more selenium from contaminated soil than their wild-type counterparts, outperforming them in the field trial. The study suggests using phytoremediation with these plants could be a viable alternative for cleaning up polluted soil at a lower cost.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 1, 2005

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer give equivalent survival, study finds

A meta-analysis of nine randomized trials found no significant difference in death rates or disease progression between neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic therapy. However, neoadjuvant therapy was associated with a higher risk of loco-regional disease recurrence when radiation therapy was used without surgery.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 1, 2005

Calcium and vitamin D most effective for treatment of Crohn's-related bone loss

Researchers at the University of Alberta found that adding calcium and vitamin D therapy alone provides significant benefit for patients with Crohn's disease who suffer from osteoporosis or osteopenia. The study concluded that physicians should consider BMD testing and drug therapy only for high-risk patients, not those with mild Crohn...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 1, 2005

Other highlights in the February 2 JNCI

A recent study found that only 37% of patients with colorectal cancer received adequate lymph node evaluation, highlighting the need for improved surgical care and pathologic assessment. Additionally, research on non-Hodgkin lymphoma and obesity suggests no association between body mass index and overall risk of either disease.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 1, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for February 2005 (first issue)

Researchers find that low-dose hydrocortisone infusion speeds up pneumonia resolution and prevents sepsis-related complications. Sildenafil protects against altitude-induced pulmonary problems, improves gas exchange, and limits hypoxemia. Patient segregation reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa transmission in cystic fibrosis patients

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2005

Treatment for brain tumor does not always follow recommendations

The study found significant variations in treatment practices for patients with malignant glioma, including differences in the use of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and antidepressants. These variations were associated with differences in survival rates, highlighting the need for further investigation and potential improvements to tr...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 1, 2005

Multi-purpose protein regulates new protein synthesis and immune cell development

The IRE1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating new protein synthesis and immune cell development. Researchers have found that IRE1 is essential for the development of B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to fight infections. The study suggests that IRE1 could be a target for new drugs to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2005

Balancing care decisions for gravely ill patients

Researchers used APACHE III to identify patients with low predicted likelihood of survival and found that those with unrealistic family expectations used more ICU resources. However, one-year survival rates were similar, and survivors often had severe disabilities.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 1, 2005

Sensor technology at Case Western Reserve University can help uncover package tampering

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a novel sensor technology that uses fluorescent dyes to create light-emitting polymer blends, enabling the detection of mechanical stress and potential product tampering. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including anti-counterfeiting elements,...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 1, 2005

Background 'DWI' checks effective

A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that pilots with a DWI history have a 43% higher crash risk than their counterparts without one. The researchers analyzed over 300,000 pilots and tracked their flying records, concluding that background checks can effectively predict and prevent crashes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateJan 31, 2005

A bug's life: aging and death inE. coli

A study published in PLOS Biology found that E. coli bacteria, which reproduce symmetrically, have a reduced growth rate, decreased offspring formation, and increased risk of dying compared to cells inheriting new poles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2005

Study proves catheter ablation safe for patients

A study published in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology journal confirms catheter ablation is safe for patients, with no significant damage to cardiac nerves. The procedure is now a standard therapy for various arrhythmias, including SVT, atrial fibrillation, and AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPacing and Clinical Electrophysiology·DateJan 31, 2005

Rice genome approaches completion

A team of scientists has published a near-complete genome analysis of rice, revealing a whole-genome duplication event that may have played a role in the origin of grasses. The study provides important insights into the evolution of rice and its possible impact on human history.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2005

Women, drinking to their health

A study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce cardiovascular risk in women, particularly those who are postmenopausal. The research suggests that low to moderate wine consumption may have a favorable effect on cardiovascular events in this demographic.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateJan 31, 2005

Drinking alcohol increases risk for cancer

A meta-analysis of 156 studies found that heavy alcohol drinking is strongly associated with an increased risk of primary liver cancer, breast cancer, large bowel cancer, and other related diseases. The risks are shown to increase with the amount of alcohol consumed, but no threshold below which no effect is evident.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateJan 31, 2005

Stents and going with the flow

A Canadian Medical Association Journal article evaluates the economic impact of sirolimus-eluting stents, finding they are cost-effective in high-risk patients. However, their use is associated with a similar or higher cost per quality-adjusted life-year compared to other medical treatments.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 31, 2005

Feb. 1, 2005, Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet

The American College of Physicians recommends one-time ultrasound examination for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening in men aged 65-75 who are smokers. New evidence suggests that large abdominal aneurysms may reduce deaths from ruptured aneurysms. Meanwhile, a study found that the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib increases heart attack risk ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 31, 2005