Brain activity, drugs could affect Alzheimer's progression
A study published in Neuron found that stimulating brain cells increases Aß levels, while blocking neuronal activity decreases them. Cognitive activity may also affect Aß plaque levels.
Science News for December 21, 2005
Genome discovery will help combat disease and lead to new drugs
Researchers have identified genome sequences for three species of Aspergillus fungus, shedding light on their role in disease and potential for new treatments. The findings may help develop diagnostic tests and prevent allergies and diseases like pneumonia and sinusitis.
Grant allows ASU archaeologist to study how environment influences evolution
Curtis Marean aims to reconstruct ancient ecological factors influencing human evolution and understand the future implications for modern humans. He believes a team-based approach will provide more fruitful research than traditional specialist work.
Light-sensing cells in retina develop before vision
Researchers discovered that light-sensing retinal ganglion cells are active and functioning at birth, surprising the developmental timeline of the mouse retina. The cells react to light in two ways, sending messages to parts of the brain controlling circadian rhythms and visual development.
Molecular imaging allows detection of plaques likely to rupture
Researchers used molecular imaging to detect atherosclerotic plaques likely to rupture in experimental rabbit models. The study found that dietary modification and statin therapy can decrease apoptosis and stabilize plaques, supporting the paradigm of prevention over treatment for coronary artery disease.
SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 21, 2005
Brain cell activity increases levels of key ingredient in Alzheimer's plaques
Researchers found that increased brain cell activity drives up levels of amyloid beta, a key ingredient in Alzheimer's plaques. Corresponding drops in amyloid beta levels occurred when brain cells' ability to send messages was dampened or blocked completely.
A distinguished program training the next generation of conservation scientists
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program has inducted its ninth class of students, who will conduct research on critical scientific problems affecting national parks. The program awards scholarships to support graduate students' education and research expenses for three years.
Fear of death may factor into who we vote for
Researchers found that participants who were primed with thoughts of death were more likely to vote for John Kerry, while those who thought about their own mortality were more likely to support George W. Bush. The study suggests that mortality salience can influence political preference and worldview defense mechanisms.
Rutgers researchers scientifically link dancing ability to mate quality
Rutgers researchers found a strong correlation between dance quality and body symmetry in Jamaican teenagers. The study used motion-capture technology to isolate dance movements and evaluated dancers' abilities based on their peers' ratings.
Tight glucose control cuts heart disease by half in type 1 diabetes
Research shows that tight glucose control significantly reduces heart disease and damage to the eyes, nerves, and kidneys in people with type 1 diabetes. The study found a 42% lower risk of cardiovascular events and a 58% lower risk of serious events like heart attacks or strokes.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 21, 2005
State board-disciplined physicians more likely to have shown unprofessional behavior in med school
A study by UCSF researchers found that medical students with early warning signs of unprofessional behavior were nearly nine times more likely to be disciplined as practicing physicians. The study recommends reviewing medical school admissions and graduation standards to include explicit language about professional behavior.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 21, 2005
New view of cancer: 'Epigenetic' changes come before mutations
Researchers propose a three-step process for cancer development, where epigenetic changes occur first, followed by genetic mutations. This new understanding may lead to earlier detection and treatment of cancer, similar to cholesterol-lowering drugs preventing heart disease.
Scientists unlock the mystery of the mechanics of liquid crystal alignment
Researchers at Kent State University reveal that all LCD surfaces align parallel to anisotropic surface roughness. The study reveals new insights into the structure and behavior of liquid crystals on various glass substrates.
Membrane research opens window to benefits for plants, humans
Researchers solved the structure of a water-protein channel in plants and found that specific residues control the opening of the channel. The study could lead to new agricultural techniques and pharmaceuticals targeting aquaporin proteins.
Einstein was right (again): Experiments confirm that E= mc2
Scientists conducted precise tests of Einstein's famous formula, confirming the relationship between energy and mass. The experiments used instruments like GAMS4 to measure gamma rays diffracted by crystals, achieving accuracy of four-tenths of 1 part in 1 million.
Infectious agent thwarts typical defense mechanisms; Sheds light on immune system function
Researchers discovered that Francisella tularensis can bypass the immune system's sensors and only triggers a response once inside a monocyte. This finding may lead to better treatments for diseases like tuberculosis and the plague. Understanding how the human immune system reacts to F. tularensis could provide new avenues for treatment.
Novel strategies needed to boost cancer clinical trial participation among blacks and Asians
A study found that informational campaigns alone may not be enough to increase participation in cancer clinical trials among black and Asian American patients. Lack of awareness about trial costs being covered by insurance is a significant barrier to participation, especially among those with lower incomes and education levels.
Antibody therapy promising for pediatric neuroblastoma
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed an antibody therapy that successfully targets and kills cancer cells in laboratory models of neuroblastoma. The treatment, which combines antibodies with immune system cells, has shown promise for treating low initial tumor levels or small cancer cell populations.
Breaking the mold: Research teams sequence three fungus genomes
Scientists at The Institute for Genomic Research have sequenced the genome of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that can cause human infections. The 28 Mb genome consists of 8 chromosomes with over 10,000 genes, which researchers are now searching to identify unique virulence factors.
CYPHER® Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent benefits from clinical success, worldwide growth in 2005
The CYPHER Stent showed reduced restenosis and TLR rates compared to the Taxus stent. Exponential growth in 2005, driven by positive trial results, solidified its position as the leading drug-eluting stent globally.
Humans do not understand mirror reflections, say researchers
Psychologists at the University of Liverpool found that people believe they can see themselves even before they are level with the near edge of a mirror. Participants failed to recognize that the image on the surface of a mirror is half the size of the observer due to its midpoint between them and the reflected image.
A key that opens cells to the deadly malaria parasite
Researchers have discovered a unique architecture of the Duffy-Binding Like (DBL) domain that allows the malaria parasite to bind to red blood cells. This finding may lead to the development of specific drugs that can target the parasite without affecting healthy blood cells.
Polymorphism and antibodies associated with highly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Research confirms that individuals with a specific PTPN22 polymorphism are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with anti-CCP antibodies also playing a key role. The combination of these factors strongly predicts the onset of RA with a specificity of 100% for the disease.
International team of scientists complete fungal genomic sequences
An international team of scientists has completed the genomic sequences of three Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus nidulans, A. oryzae, and A. fumigatus. The comparative analysis reveals that both A. oryzae and A. fumigatus have the genetic potential for sexual reproduction, despite being previously thought to be asexual.
New study demonstrates combined techniques to detect, monitor Alzheimer's disease
Researchers used high-tech brain imaging and measurement of beta-amyloid protein fragments in cerebrospinal fluid to detect Alzheimer's disease. The study found that greater amounts of beta-amyloid containing plaques were associated with lower levels of amyloid-beta 1-42, a major component of amyloid plaques.
Mars region probably less watery than thought, says new U. of Colorado study
A new U. of Colorado study challenges previous findings on Mars' Meridiani Planum region, suggesting it was more geologically similar to volcanic regions in North America or Europe. The research proposes that the region's chemical composition was created by sulfur-bearing steam vapors moving up through volcanic ash deposits.
SLU researchers uncover direct evidence on how HIV invades healthy cells
Researchers at SLU have made a groundbreaking discovery on the molecular mechanism of HIV integration, shedding light on how the virus invades healthy cells. The study reveals that integrase holds viral DNA together prior to integration, paving the way for new drug therapy options.
New study examines how sense of smell affects mating and aggression in mice
A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that male mice require intact functioning of the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) to detect pheromones that elicit sexual behavior and fighting. The MOE plays a crucial role in regulating mating and aggression in mice, highlighting the importance of this sensory system.
Rapid emotional recovery of breast-cancer survivors surprises researchers
A study by Washington University psychologist Teresa L. Deshields found that most breast cancer survivors adjust well to survivorship within two weeks, with depressive symptoms dropping significantly after treatment. The study suggests that oncologists can reassure patients that their quality of life will improve quickly.
ASU geologists suggest Mars features are result of meteorite strikes, not of evaporated lakes
Researchers suggest that Martian features can be explained by meteorite strikes rather than evaporated lakes. Base surges from massive explosions caused by meteorite impacts result in simple and consistent explanations for rock formations and sediment layers found at the Opportunity site.
New study says two million Americans harbor drug-resistant superbug
A recent study found nearly one-third of the US population is colonized with staph bacteria, with a significant increase in drug-resistant superbugs. The prevalence was highest among males and children between 6-11 years old, with MRSA affecting 0.8% of participants.
SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 21, 2005
Early, aggressive treatment of type 1 diabetes lowers risk of cardiovascular disease
A long-term study of patients with type 1 diabetes found that early and aggressive treatment, including insulin pumps and lifestyle interventions, significantly lowered the risk of serious cardiovascular events. This approach was associated with a 58% reduction in cardiovascular risks compared to conventional blood glucose control.
Research clarifies how brain replenishes memory-making molecules
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that the brain refreshes its supply of memory-making molecules by migrating receptors along neurons to synapses. This process supports rapid changes in the number of receptors during learning and memory formation, contradicting previous assumptions about receptor replacement.
E=mc2passes tough MIT test
MIT physicists and NIST colleagues report the most precise direct test yet of Einstein's E=mc^2, verifying the formula's accuracy with an unprecedented precision. The team's findings validate the equivalence of energy and mass, strengthening the theory's position in modern physics.
Study finds significant independent association between air pollution and cardiovascular risk
Researchers found that prolonged exposure to low levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of heart disease by accelerating atherosclerosis and causing vascular inflammation in mice. The study used real-world exposure to airborne pollutants to demonstrate the link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease.
Mayo Clinic finds kidney cancer patients are unlikely to respond to potential treatment drug
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that only about 4.5% of aggressive kidney tumors express KIT, a receptor kinase tyrosine, and no mutations were detected in most cases. This suggests that imatinib therapy may not be effective for these patients, despite previous studies suggesting its potential benefits.
Magnesium in your diet could lead to stronger bones
A study of over 2,000 older adults found that higher magnesium intake was associated with increased bone density. The recommended daily allowance is significantly lower than the amount most people receive.
Million dollar life savers
Melbourne-based researchers Dr Anthony Hannan and Dr Stephen Nutt have won $1 million Pfizer Fellowships to investigate environmental factors affecting brain diseases and blood cell development. Their work aims to develop new therapeutic approaches for devastating conditions like Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, and leukaemia.
If you flaunt it, you've got it: How red-heads top the pecking order
Researchers found that red-headed Gouldian finches are more aggressive and dominant than black-headed and yellow-headed peers. The study suggests that the birds' bright red head color serves as a signal of dominance, allowing them to out-compete others for limited resources.
Flashes from the past: Echoes from ancient supernovae
Researchers discovered faint visible 'echoes' of three ancient supernovae by detecting centuries-old light reflected by interstellar gas clouds. The oldest echo is likely over 600 years old, offering a chance to study famous supernovae like those observed in 1006 and 400 years ago.
Illuminating Alzheimer's: Research sheds light on creatine's presence in brain
A team of Canadian and American scientists reports the first-ever finding of elevated levels of creatine, a newly discovered agent of Alzheimer's, in brain tissue. The study used infrared spectroscopy to detect creatine directly in situ, revealing an overlooked aspect of energy disturbance in Alzheimer's disease.
New synthetic compounds appear to prevent brain cell death
Researchers have discovered new synthetic compounds that inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme involved in brain cell death. These compounds, including a melatonin metabolite, prevent NO-induced brain damage by suppressing iNOS production.
Feeling the holiday blues? Then you must have children
A sociological study found that parenthood is not associated with improved mental health, contrary to cultural beliefs. Parents with minor stepchildren and single parents report more symptoms of depression than childless individuals. Married parents residing with their own minor children actually experience less depression.
SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 21, 2005
Machinery of the 'marijuana munchies'
A study published in Neuron found that the CB1 receptor is integrated with leptin signaling to control appetite, with implications for obesity treatment. Blocking CB1 receptors may offer a promising approach to treating obesity, and recent antiobesity drugs like rimonabant may also work by reducing endocannabinoid signaling.
NIH awards $13 million for science education projects
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $13 million to support science education projects across the US. These initiatives aim to enhance Americans' knowledge of clinical research and life sciences, promoting a better understanding of scientific discoveries and delivering important health information to various audiences.
Ancient trans-Atlantic swarm brought locusts to the New World
Using genetic evidence from over 20 species of locusts, researchers found that ancestors of the African desert locust flew across the Atlantic, giving rise to diverse New World species. The study's findings suggest high-altitude winds were essential for the swarm's flight, with modern-day examples supporting this hypothesis.
Researchers quantify more noise in gene expression
A team of researchers at UCSD has quantified more noise in gene expression, discovering significant fluctuations within individual cells and variations between identical cells. This study provides a mathematical description of 'extrinsic noise,' a larger component of variation in gene expression.