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Science News for April 14, 2005


JCI table of contents May 1, 2005

Research reveals that nitrite is a potent inhibitor of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the liver and heart, limiting cell death and preserving organ function. Additionally, adipocyte-derived collagen VI promotes early tumor growth in breast cancer, while EBV proteins drive immune responses in multiple sclerosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2005

Purdue miniature cooling device will have military, computer uses

Mechanical engineers at Purdue University have created micro-channel heat sinks that can cool electronic components, enabling faster performance and better functionality. The devices are being developed to address the growing need for efficient cooling in advanced laser systems, microwave radar, and future computers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateApr 14, 2005

AGU Journal highlights - 14 April 2005

Researchers reassess Martian landslides using recent images and propose alternative gravity-driven explanation. Ocean color tracking reveals 50-year dataset for phytoplankton abundance estimation. Aerosol concentrations in China's atmosphere reduce daily surface solar radiation since 1961, according to Geophysical Research Letters papers.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 14, 2005

Nitrite says NO to ischemia/reperfusion injury

Researchers found that nitrite therapy reduces cell death and preserves organ function in mouse models of I/R injury. Nitrite may serve as a therapeutic treatment for I/R disease, particularly in preventing organ dysfunction following surgery or transplantation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2005

Pessimism and depression increase dementia risk

A study by Mayo Clinic investigators found that pessimism and depression are associated with a higher risk of dementia. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,500 individuals, suggests that personality traits may play a role in the development of cognitive impairment 30-40 years later.

Fat may affect electrical impulses in brain, heart

Researchers found that palmitate, a saturated fatty acid, can attach to proteins regulating bioelectricity in cells. This attachment affects the transmission of electrical impulses in nerve and heart cells, with potential health implications.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2005

Liverpool scientist discovers new layer of the Earth

Dr Christine Thomas has discovered a previously undetected seismic layer near the Earth's core-mantle boundary, allowing researchers to measure internal temperatures and study whole mantle convection. The new layer enables scientists to examine the fate of subducted lithosphere and hot material rising from the core-mantle boundary.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2005

A big fat contribution to breast tumor growth

Researchers found that collagen VI from adipocytes stimulates the proliferation and survival of malignant cells in breast tumors. The study suggests a potential link between increased adiposity and breast cancer risk, highlighting the role of extracellular matrix proteins in tumor behavior.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 14, 2005

Medical journal editors condemn ghostwriting

A recent editorial in the Journal of General Internal Medicine condemns the practice of ghostwriting in medical journals, citing issues with authorship and financial relationships. The authors highlight the need for transparency and accountability in academic publishing to maintain public trust.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 14, 2005

Vitamin E loss through smoking increases health risks

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that smoking depletes vitamin E levels 13% faster than non-smokers, increasing health risks. The research also reveals an interactive relationship between vitamins C and E, highlighting the importance of adequate levels of both antioxidants to prevent disease.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 14, 2005

Prostate cancer therapy - study suggests new molecular screening theory

Researchers at Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research found that Smad7 protein levels may predict therapy response to 2-ME compound. The study suggests that artificially lowering Smad7 levels in prostate cancer cells reduces the compound's ability to cause cell death, leading to potential breakthroughs in personalized cancer treatment.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2005

It's not all in your head

A large study defines premature ejaculation by measuring average times to ejaculation with stopwatches and patient-reported subjective factors. The research suggests that IELT may not be sufficient for diagnosis and that subjective factors like lack of control are valid indicators.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateApr 14, 2005

Third-person perspective is helpful in meeting goals

Researchers found that viewing past events from a third-person perspective can accentuate changes made, increasing motivation to pursue personal goals. This shift in perspective also influences behavior, with individuals who recall awkward social situations from a third-person view exhibiting improved social skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 14, 2005

Obesity common among Chinese adults

A recent study found a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and overweight among Chinese adults, with increased risk factors in northern China and urban residents compared to rural areas. The findings suggest that economic development and lifestyle changes may contribute to the growing obesity crisis in China.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2005