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Science News Archive August 2005 - Page 14


Page 14 of 15

Other highlights in the August 3 JNCI

Research has found a positive association between body mass index, fat-free mass, and waist circumference with an increased risk of myeloid leukemia. Additionally, modifications of the vimentin gene can be detected in fecal DNA of people with colon cancer, potentially serving as a biomarker for the disease.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 2, 2005

UT Southwestern researchers find differences in a predictor of heart disease among sexes, races

A study by UT Southwestern researchers found significant differences in C-reactive protein levels among men and women, as well as between black and white patients. Women typically had higher CRP levels than men, while blacks had higher levels than whites, with a notable disparity in cardiovascular disease rates.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 2, 2005

Penn State to host US DOE regional climate center

The Penn State Regional Center will conduct research on climate change's effects on regional terrestrial ecosystems, including the Northeast region with high population density and urbanization. The center aims to develop models predicting climate change impacts and analyze carbon exchange between ecosystems and the atmosphere.

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