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Science News Archive June 2005 - Page 3


Page 3 of 15

High-powered gene profiles provide clues to genes involved in common form of lung cancer

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified regions of irregular gene copy numbers in non-small cell lung cancer cells, pointing to a large number of previously unknown cancer-causing genes. The study also found that certain genes, including p63, play a role in the development of squamous cell carcinomas.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Mental processing is continuous, not like a computer

Researchers found that language comprehension involves continuous processing and competition between representations, contradicting traditional discrete models. The study used mouse movements to track students' processing of words, revealing curved trajectories indicating gradual ambiguity resolution.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Cancer related gene p53 not regulated as indicated by previous tissue culture research

Scientists at Salk Institute created a mouse model to study p53 regulation in vivo, finding that chemical modifications are not essential for protein activation under stress or normal conditions. The research has implications for cancer treatment and the development of specific drugs targeting p53's negative regulators.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Smoking and inflammation

A study on smokers and non-smokers found that it takes several years for changes in the blood to return to normal after smoking. After quitting, the inflammatory response had returned to normal by five years, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking. This finding emphasizes the health benefits of smoking cessation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

How risky are twin pregnancies?

Studies have found that monozygotic twin pregnancies can be complicated by a surprisingly high rate of fetal death despite intensive fetal surveillance. In one study, ten unexpected intrauterine deaths occurred in seven pregnancies with no prior signs of complications after 32 weeks' gestation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005

Arsenic - not the same for everyone

Research reveals that an individual's genetic makeup determines how arsenic is metabolized, affecting disease risk. The study found a specific gene variant associated with altered urinary arsenic metabolites in children, but not adults.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 23, 2005

'Laser tweezers' reveal microscopic mechanical properties of blood clots

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has used laser tweezers to measure the mechanical properties of individual fibers in blood clots. The study reveals that clots deform primarily by bending of their fibers, rather than stretching, providing new insights into clot physiology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2005

MicroRNAs play a big part in gene regulation - and evolution

Researchers discovered extensive microRNA target gene predictions, assigning a biological function to 70% of all microRNAs. The findings provide insights into the importance and function of microRNAs across huge evolutionary time scales, shedding light on their role in shaping life's diversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 23, 2005

Mapping neuron connections in the brain

A new theoretical framework allows for two-dimensional drawings of neuron arbors, facilitating the creation of biologically realistic connection maps. This enables computer simulations of neural circuits involving tens of thousands of neurons, potentially unraveling brain mysteries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 23, 2005