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Science News for January 17, 2005


American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for January 2005 (second issue)

A study published in the American Thoracic Society Journal found that total maternal vitamin C intake was positively associated with wheeze in certain infants who did not have a cold during their second year of life. Additionally, U.S.-born Mexican Americans had a higher prevalence of asthma compared to Mexican-born individuals.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 17, 2005

New genetic mutation linked to Parkinson's disease

A new genetic mutation on the LRRK2 gene is responsible for 5% of inherited Parkinson's disease cases, with patients having longer disease duration but less severe symptoms. The discovery has a broad implication for genetic screening for the disease, highlighting the need to include studies of the LRRK2 gene in future testing.

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 17, 2005

Ecologists see the primeval wood for the trees

Dr. Fraser Mitchell's study analyzes tree pollen to reconstruct primeval forests, concluding that grazing animals did not exert a significant impact on forest structure. This challenges current European forest conservation policy, which promotes closed canopy deciduous forests, and suggests that primeval forests may have been more open.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateJan 17, 2005

Cancer vaccines: A two-pronged attack?

Researchers found that a cancer vaccine can stimulate the production of CTLs against specific antigens and also reactivate spontaneously produced CTL populations against multiple cancer antigens in about 10% of patients with metastatic melanoma. This non-specific process could potentially eliminate bulk of tumor cells.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 17, 2005

Research sheds light on how cancer cells become resistant to treatment

Research reveals that cancer cells can become resistant to treatment by acquiring P-glycoprotein from neighboring cells, rendering chemotherapy ineffective. This phenomenon has significant implications for tumor behavior and genomic analysis, highlighting the potential benefits of studying protein transfer between cells in tumors.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2005

Making plastics from oranges

Scientists create a novel polymer, polylimonene carbonate, using limonene oxide and CO2, offering an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The biodegradable material has characteristics similar to polystyrene, a commonly used plastic.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2005

Penn researchers add more evidence to demonstrate role of COX inhibitors in heart-disease risk

A meta-analysis of two trials suggests that COX-2 inhibitor Bextra elevates the combined incidence of heart attack and stroke three-fold in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The researchers also found that another COX-2 inhibitor caused changes in atherosclerotic plaques, potentially increasing the risk of rupture.