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Science News for April 25, 2005


CABG in elderly patients

The study found that mortality decreased over time for both young and old patients, but the risk of postoperative stroke remained unchanged among older patients. Older patients undergoing elective procedures may experience similar outcomes to those of younger patients if there is a clinical need for CABG.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 25, 2005

Relatively few US adults report having a healthy lifestyle

A study of over 153,000 US adults found that only three percent maintain a healthy lifestyle with all four characteristics: nonsmoking, healthy weight, and regular physical activity. Most Americans fail to meet even one of these key habits, highlighting the need for comprehensive prevention activities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 25, 2005

Waste not, want not

A team of researchers from Penn State University has developed a bacteria-driven cell that produces hydrogen for fuel while simultaneously cleaning wastewater. The innovation utilizes a microbial fuel cell to harness the power of microorganisms to generate electricity and purify water.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 25, 2005

Data suggest bypass surgery free of long-term brain effects

A study suggests that CABG surgery may cause mild and transient cognitive changes in some patients, but these effects do not persist beyond three months. The authors argue that the procedure is improving and that the population undergoing surgery is becoming older and sicker, which may contribute to the observed cognitive deficits.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 25, 2005

Insulin-producing cells from brain cursors

Researchers at Stanford University have successfully differentiated human neural progenitor cells into insulin-producing cells that can respond to glucose. These cells were then transplanted into immunocompromised mice and produced human insulin when stimulated by glucose, paving the way for potential treatment of type I diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 25, 2005

Reducing malarial transmission in Africa

A randomized trial in Uganda found a six-dose regimen of co-artemether significantly reduced gametocyte levels and mosquito infectivity. However, limitations include patient compliance and absorption issues.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 25, 2005

DNA solves mystery of Gibraltar's macaques

Research using mitochondrial DNA identified two distinct populations in Algeria and Morocco as founders of the Gibraltar macaque population. The study found that the Gibraltar macaques retained a surprisingly high level of genetic variability despite long-term isolation.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2005

Every birth and death must be counted

A third of babies born each year are unregistered, lacking legal rights to healthcare and education. Universal birth registration is key to collecting data on health inequalities and promoting equity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 25, 2005

Risk scores may identify young individuals with atherosclerosis

Researchers developed a risk score based on age, sex, smoking, and obesity to identify young people with advanced atherosclerotic lesions. The study found that high-risk adolescents and young adults can benefit from targeted advice and lifestyle changes to reduce their long-term cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 25, 2005

A human parasite with a streamlined mitochondrion

The Entamoeba mitosome, a human parasite's organelle, contains a single type of protein that imports and exports chemicals. This streamlined organelle may represent the simplest mitochondrion yet described, offering insights into eukaryotic cell function.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 25, 2005