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Science News Archive February 2005 - Page 11


Page 11 of 13

Bone density returns when teens stop using Depo Provera, Group Health study finds

A new study has found that teenaged women who stop using Depo-Provera experience significant gains in bone density compared to those still taking the contraceptive. The research suggests that continuous use of Depo-Provera leads to a loss of bone mass, which appears to be reversible once the drug is discontinued.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2005

Former UNC students report mindfulness meditation helps relationships

A study conducted by Dr. James Carson and his wife Kimberly found that mindfulness meditation can help couples reduce interpersonal stress and boost their satisfaction with each other by 50%. The eight-week training sessions taught couples how to become more aware of the present moment and direct positive feelings toward their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateFeb 7, 2005

When does a mole become a melanoma?

Researchers genetically engineered zebrafish to develop black-pigmented moles with mutated human BRAF and p53 genes. The study shows that BRAF mutations are necessary for mole development, but insufficient for cancer. The model provides insights into how gene mutations contribute to melanoma

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2005

Mailman School of Public Health researchers develop infectious disease diagnostic tool

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have developed a new technology platform that can identify multiple pathogens simultaneously, providing high sensitivity and breadth. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize differential diagnosis and detection in various fields, including clinical medici...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 7, 2005

Birth size and adult cancer risk

A Swedish cohort study found that larger babies had a higher risk of certain adult cancers, including lymphatic and digestive cancers. Women who were large at birth were also more likely to develop breast cancer before age 50.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 7, 2005

Clues on cancer from a zebrafish model of melanoma

Researchers have developed a zebrafish model that shows human BRAF mutations can induce dramatic black pigmentation and aggressive melanomas. The study also found that p53 deficiency is crucial for melanoma development, providing new insights into melanoma genetics and drug development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2005

Sexual frustration and learning in fruit flies

Researchers found that Drosophila males can be trained to avoid certain female pheromones associated with past failures in mating. This study demonstrates a complex learning mechanism involving hydrocarbon olfactory cues and memory consolidation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2005

Premature births from inflammation and infection rapidly detected by proteomics technology

Researchers have developed a novel method called MR scoring to rapidly detect preterm birth from inflammation and infection in women. The test uses biomarkers Human neutrophil defensin 1, Human neutrophil defensin 2, Calgranulin C and Calgranulin A to identify women at risk of premature delivery with high sensitivity and specificity.

SourceYale University·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateFeb 4, 2005

Controlling protein diversity

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate protein production in cells by recruiting coactivators that enhance RNA production and alter splicing. This controlled process results in different proteins being made, leading to diverse protein diversity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 3, 2005

States find alternate routes to health coverage

States are finding alternative routes to expand health insurance coverage, including new revenue sources and private-sector partnerships. Medicaid's role is being reevaluated to make programs more affordable and sustainable, with a focus on addressing underlying cost increases and increasing access for vulnerable populations.

Biology in four dimensions

Scientists at EMBL have developed a new model for protein-complex interactions in yeast, revealing that key components are produced ahead of time and assembled as needed. This discovery sheds light on the dynamic behavior of cellular machines and offers potential applications in studying human and animal biological systems.

Lost tolerance is a grave Omenn

Researchers found that Omenn syndrome patients have greatly reduced autoimmune regulator (AIRE) expression in their thymuses, which leads to a lack of central tolerance. This results in the survival of autoreactive T cells, causing increased autoimmunity risk.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 3, 2005