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Science News Archive February 2005 - Page 3


Page 3 of 13

Cancer in patients with hepatitis C

Researchers found significantly higher risks of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma among HCV patients in Sweden. The risk increases with the duration of HCV infection, suggesting that long-lasting infection may contribute to cancer development.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 22, 2005

Anti-rollover device for tractors

A team of researchers designed a protective structure to reduce tractor rollover accidents, resulting in improved agricultural worker safety. The 'Estrema' programme calculates necessary structures for various types of tractors, with enhanced models approved for use in the agricultural sector.

Investigational transplant drug effectively preserves kidneys while avoiding toxic side effects

A new investigational transplant drug called LEA29Y has been shown to selectively block the co-stimulatory signal that triggers an immune response, thereby preventing organ rejection and preserving kidney function. This approach avoids the toxic side effects associated with current immunosuppressant medications like cyclosporine.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 22, 2005

Research advances quest for HIV-1 vaccine

A study led by Drs. Dennis R. Burton and Ian A. Wilson identified the specific amino acids on gp41 that 4E10 interacts with, revealing its unique ability to target a conserved region near the surface of the virus. This research advances the quest for an HIV-1 vaccine, providing valuable insights into broadly neutralizing antibodies.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 22, 2005

New species from old data

Researchers have discovered three new bacterial species, Wolbachia wAna, wSim, and wMoj, in the genomes of Drosophila fruit flies. The discovery was made by scanning raw genomic data from the Trace Archive, a public repository of sequencing projects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005

Diagnosis of prions in patients should utilize novel strategy, team says

A new diagnostic technique, conformation-dependent immunoassay (CDI), is being considered as the standard approach for brain biopsies of patients suspected of having prion disease. The study found that CDI detected prions in 100% of samples studied, while traditional tests failed to detect them in a high proportion of cases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2005

Cracking the olfactory code in bees

Bees' brains process scents in a complex system that correlates with behavioral responses, suggesting a species-specific code for odor recognition. The study's findings improve understanding of animal perception and memory, paving the way for further research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005

An evolutionary road less traveled

Researchers found that genetic diversity of the Mlabri is significantly lower than other agriculture-based hill tribes, indicating a severe population reduction around 500-1000 years ago. This reverts previous assumptions that contemporary hunter-gatherer groups represent pre-agricultural human populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005

Use of cell phone images appears feasible for visualizing leg wounds

A new study by University Hospital of Geneva suggests that cell phone images can be used to visualize and diagnose leg wounds remotely. The researchers evaluated the use of cell phones to take images of leg ulcers, transmit them to experts, and receive diagnoses, with high levels of agreement between remote and in-person evaluations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateFeb 21, 2005

The secret to longevity in tubeworms

Scientists discover that tubeworms release waste sulfate to stimulate sulfide-producing microbes, enabling their remarkable 250-year lifespan. This symbiotic relationship helps the worms thrive in deep-sea environments where nutrients are scarce.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005

SARS surveillance via mass spectometry

Scientists adapted a molecular biology technique called mass spectrometry-based genotyping to quickly detect and analyze the SARS virus from clinical samples. This breakthrough provides valuable information on transmission routes and containment policies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2005

The recombination gender gap

The study analyzed a dataset of 107 plants and animals, showing that the opportunity for selection to act on a gamete can influence recombination rates. The researchers found that strong selection on female gametes could lead to lower recombination rates in females.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005

Individual differences in taste perception directly related to genetic variation in taste receptors

Researchers found that genetic variation in bitter taste receptors affects how people perceive bitterness, with some having heightened sensitivity and others being insensitive. This study expands our understanding of individual differences in taste perception and may lead to new insights into the role of bitter compounds in human health.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 21, 2005

Resistance to chemotherapy

Scientists found that tumors from six patients with non-small cell lung cancer who initially responded to gefitinib or erlotinib but relapsed carried activating mutations in the EGFR gene. The resistant tumor cells also carried a second mutation in the EGFR gene, which causes resistance to these drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2005