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Science News for August 1, 2005


Surgery gives fresh start to patients with thickened hearts

A new study suggests that surgical myectomy can significantly improve symptoms in patients with severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), resulting in comparable life expectancies to those who never had the condition. By correcting blood flow obstructions, surgery offers a better quality of life for these younger patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 1, 2005

Gene expression in the aging brain

The study found age-related changes in gene expression in the human brain's cortex, but not in non-brain tissues. The results support a theory that DNA damage and protein degradation contribute to aging, with more metabolically active tissues showing greater gene activity reduction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2005

Amphetamine-related drugs ameliorate symptoms of Parkinson's

Researchers have found that amphetamine-related drugs, such as MDMA, can effectively alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease in a mouse model. By eliminating dopamine recycling and production, these drugs bypass the usual limitations of L-DOPA treatment, offering new hope for patients with the debilitating condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2005

'Smart' nanoprobes light up disease

Researchers at Rice University developed a new nanoprobe that uses quantum dots to visualize proteolytic activity in vivo, solving the problem of distinguishing between disease signals and background noise. The probes are activated by enzymes associated with specific diseases, allowing for early detection and monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateAug 1, 2005

Waist size is associated with the metabolic syndrome in children

A new study has established a significant correlation between waist circumference and components of the metabolic syndrome, including elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, in children. The research found that abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference, is an independent...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateAug 1, 2005

Scientists characterize proteome of human cornea

Researchers have identified 141 distinct proteins in the healthy human cornea, including classical blood proteins and anti-angiogenic factors. This comprehensive protein study may lead to future therapeutics for various corneal disorders, improving clinical classifications and potentially generating artificial corneas for transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateAug 1, 2005

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, August 2, 2005

A new analysis of existing studies reveals that individuals with overweight or obesity are at a higher risk of experiencing GERD symptoms, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer. In contrast, researchers found no significant difference in mortality rates between patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis for end-stage ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 1, 2005

JCI Table of contents August 1, 2005

Researchers investigate Akt1's impact on cardiac function, finding it can enhance cardiac function after heart failure but also contribute to maladaptive effects. A new gene therapy approach successfully treats severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in mice, offering promising implications for its treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2005

Via Internet, Australian-based researchers perform real-time cell surgery in California

Using RoboLase, Australian scientists successfully performed sub-cellular surgery on a laser microscope system in California, demonstrating the potential for remote medical procedures. The technology enabled researchers to collaborate without traveling to a single laboratory site, paving the way for increased global scientific collabor...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMicroscopy Research and Technique·DateAug 1, 2005

Insight into JAK/STAT

The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is a crucial regulator of cell growth and survival in various organisms. Research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathway.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 1, 2005

Cracking the perception code

Researchers discovered that monkeys perceive vibration frequency by analyzing neuronal firing patterns, particularly in the first 250 milliseconds. The findings suggest a complex process where attention to the initial response dominates perception, with subsequent firings becoming less significant.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 1, 2005

3 papers present fresh paths to ponder Akt1 in the heart

Recent studies using transgenic mice have shown that overactive Akt1 can lead to cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy. In contrast, Akt1 is critical for adaptive angiogenesis in the heart after ischemia. The research highlights the importance of understanding Akt1's role in regulating cardiovascular function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2005

A bug's life: Exceptional genomic stability yet rapid protein evolution in a carpenter ant mutualist

A recent study reveals that symbiotic bacteria, such as Blochmannia, exhibit exceptional genomic stability despite rapid protein evolution. Genome sequencing of the black carpenter ant mutualist revealed that all shared genes were completely conserved in both genomes, indicating a striking lack of genetic change over millions of years.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 1, 2005

Researcher uncovers details of how cancer spreads

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that connective tissue holding a cancer cell in place degrades, allowing it to spread to other parts of the body. The researchers identified a specific pathway critical for cancer cell activity, which could lead to more effective drug therapies with reduced side effects.

SourceCornell University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 1, 2005

Scientists develop nanotech-laser treatment that kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a nanotech-laser treatment that uses carbon nanotubes to selectively kill cancer cells, bypassing normal body tissue. The technique involves coating the nanotubes with folate molecules to target diseased cells, and shining near-infrared light on them to induce heat and destruction.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2005

Wolves' top-down effect

The study found that wolf exclusion led to a 10-fold increase in elk populations, resulting in decreased beaver lodge construction and disappearance of songbirds dependent on willow habitat. The findings support the role of large predators in conservation and restoration strategies.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateAug 1, 2005