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Science News for August 23, 2005


New target found to fight, treat Parkinson's

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have identified microtubules as a critical target for treating Parkinson's disease, which is caused by damage to these intracellular highways. The study found that protecting microtubules can prevent the toxic effects of rotenone on dopamine-producing neurons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2005

Hepatitis A vaccine not widely used for Hepatitis C patients

A study of 1,193 patients found only 94 received the HAV vaccine, highlighting a significant gap in vaccination rates. Patients with chronic HCV were at risk for severe liver disease and death if infected with HAV, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and vaccination efforts.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 23, 2005

Transmission of Hepatitis C among family members

A study found a strong relationship between HCV infection and having an anti-HCV positive family member, with the highest incidence rate in children under 10 living in households with an anti-HCV positive parent. Parenteral exposures increased the risk of HCV, particularly in men married to an HCV positive woman.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateAug 23, 2005

Tracking the riddle of cosmic gamma rays

The MAGIC telescope has tracked a long duration gamma-ray burst, GRB050713A, in the X-ray and very high energy gamma ray band. The observation was made possible by rapid tracking of the telescope, which allowed it to start observing the source just 20 seconds after an alert from the Swift satellite.

Obese women undertreated for breast cancer

A recent study has found that obese patients with estrogen-receptor negative (ER-negative) breast cancer are at risk of undertreatment due to reduced chemotherapy doses. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests that obese women with ER-negative disease who receive 85% or more of the recommended first course dose have significantly ...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 23, 2005

Mentoring to meet the national need

A mentoring program aims to improve the retention of college students and faculty from historically underrepresented groups. The study suggests that standardized goal-setting and development skills can aid in this process, as well as discussing genealogy to foster a sense of belonging within the discipline.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateAug 23, 2005

Scientists focus on 'dwarf eye'

Researchers have discovered a genetic finding that may hold the key to unlocking treatments for farsightedness and nearsightedness. The MFRP protein, found in a rare eye disorder called nanophthalmos, regulates eye growth and refraction, making it a promising target for correcting severe refractive errors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2005