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Science News Archive 2005 - Page 75


Page 75 of 165

Minimally invasive solid tumor biopsy may replace surgery to get diagnostic specimens

A minimally invasive core-needle biopsy guided by CT scans or ultrasound appears to be an effective way to obtain tumor samples, replacing surgery. The technique shows high accuracy rates for diagnosing childhood cancers, with a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 100%, according to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital researchers.

How bacteria break B cell tolerance

Researchers found that bacterial infections can activate self-reactive B cells with significant affinity, driving them to mature into harmful memory B cells. This activation is facilitated by the cooperation of autoantigens, innate immunity, and T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 21, 2005

'Satellites and the city'

Urban areas affect climate, with satellite data showing changes in surface properties like thermal conductivity and vegetation cover. NASA satellites capture these changes, enabling improved simulation of urban effects in climate models.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJul 21, 2005

'Tall' crystals from tiny templates

Ames Laboratory researchers have fabricated PBG crystal microstructures in open air using a modified technique called microtransfer molding. The team's achievement enables the creation of multilayered photonic band gap crystals, a key step towards creating photonic crystals within a single computer chip.

JCI table of contents August 1, 2005

Researchers discover hemoglobin's novel function as a nitrite reductase, generating nitric oxide to regulate vasodilation. Separate studies reveal that M cells are not necessary for oral tolerance induction, while bacterial infections can break B cell tolerance by activating self-reactive B cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 21, 2005

Size matters: Preventing large mammal extinction

The study identified key factors contributing to large mammal extinction, including biological disadvantages and human impact. Smaller mammals are more vulnerable due to limited distribution sizes and exposure to humans, while larger animals face additional challenges such as long gestation periods and late weaning ages.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2005

The sound of a distant rumble

Scientists captured T waves from the Sumatra earthquake using underwater microphones at Diego Garcia, providing a direct look at the entirety of the large underwater event. The study reveals two phases: faster rupture to the south and slower to the north, with implications for tsunami risk and emergency relief.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2005

Researchers figure out how hearts fail

Researchers have discovered that during early stages of heart failure, the heart uses too much fatty acid and not enough carbohydrate; later on, it doesn't use enough fat. This new knowledge can lead to better treatments, but the existing drugs don't remedy the inefficiency.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPhysiological Reviews·DateJul 21, 2005

Hamill Foundation funds innovation program at Rice

The Hamill Innovation Grant program supports high-risk, high-impact research at Rice University, aiming to develop new technologies and treatments for various diseases. Four inaugural awards will fund research in areas such as respiratory viruses, protein titin, glycosaminoglycans, and resveratrol biosynthesis.

Injuries higher among obese people, study finds

A recent study found that individuals with obesity and extreme obesity are more likely to experience injuries compared to those with normal weight. Overexertion and falls were the most common causes of non-fatal injuries among obese participants, while underweight individuals reported the fewest injuries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 20, 2005

Efforts to improve hospital care

Two studies using standardized measures found that hospitals improved on 15 of 18 clinical performance measures, but didn't show significant reductions in early deaths from heart attacks and injuries during delivery. The findings suggest that higher levels of adherence with evidence-based guidelines are achievable, but may be somewhat ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 20, 2005

Pinpointing a culprit molecule in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers created transgenic mice overproducing Ab40 and Ab42 to study their roles in AD pathology. The results showed that Ab42 mice accumulated extensive amyloid plaque and neural damage, while Ab40 mice showed little disease pathology. The study provides evidence for the critical role of Ab42 in initiating amyloid deposition.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJul 20, 2005

Bone loss after liver transplants can be prevented

Researchers found that alendronate, combined with calcium and vitamin D, significantly prevented further bone loss in liver transplant patients for four months after the procedure. After three years, patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis showed improved BMD despite not reaching normal levels.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 20, 2005

Quality of care in hospitals varies among regions and within individual hospitals

A study of 3,558 US hospitals found that patients received inadequate care for six quality indicators, with performance varying by region, hospital type, and profit status. Hospitals in the Northeast and Midwest scored higher than those in the West and South, while not-for-profit hospitals outperformed for-profits.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 20, 2005

UT Southwestern professor supports development of report cards on hospital infection rates

A growing appetite for public reporting of hospital infection rates could lead to improved patient safety and quality of care. UT Southwestern professor Dr. Jane Siegel advocates for standardized reporting systems to track key metrics, but notes that challenges exist due to differences in patient populations and data collection methods.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 20, 2005