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Science News Archive June 2005 - Page 7


Page 7 of 15

Going to extremes to improve human health

The University of Oregon has developed a new environmental chamber to study the human body's response to everyday stresses. The chamber allows for precise simulation of extreme conditions, including altitude up to 18,000 feet and temperature control between 14 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Insects develop resistance to engineered crops

Researchers found that concurrent use of single- and dual-gene Bt plants can put dual-gene plants at risk if single-gene plants are deployed in the same area. Dual-gene plants expressing two insecticidal proteins offer improved resistance to insects, but may be more vulnerable to resistance development.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2005

Silenced gene suggests greater risk, possible marker for African-Americans with prostate cancer

Researchers found that the GSTP1 gene is temporarily inactivated through hypermethylation, increasing the risk of prostate cancer in African-Americans compared to Caucasians. The study suggests that GSTP1 hypermethylation may serve as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 16, 2005

Fine tuning drug levels in neuroblastoma patients is effective, St. Jude researchers show

Fine-tuning drug levels in neuroblastoma patients can improve treatment outcomes, according to St. Jude researchers. By closely monitoring and adjusting topotecan levels, the study demonstrates that pharmacokinetic-based dosing can tailor cancer treatment to individual children, potentially increasing long-term survival rates.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 16, 2005

10-year survival after minor stroke established

Researchers found that nearly 60% of patients with a minor ischaemic stroke died within 10 years, and 54% experienced at least one new vascular event. Event-free survival after 10 years was just 48%. The risk of vascular events decreased over time, but continued secondary prevention is crucial.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 16, 2005

JCI table of contents, July 1, 2005

A new study reveals that transplantation of healthy germ cells can restore fertility in males who have undergone chemotherapy for childhood leukemia. Additionally, researchers identified a potential biomarker, claudin-1, which may be exploited to detect colon cancer progression and inform therapeutic strategies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 16, 2005

Van Buchem disease decoded

Researchers have identified a regulatory element within the 52-kilobase deletion region responsible for Van Buchem disease. This discovery provides strong causal evidence linking the deletion to the disease and opens up new avenues for understanding bone formation and potentially developing therapeutic agents.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 16, 2005

Why being a teenage mum could be good for you!

Scientists at the University of Manchester studied the mating behaviour of dusky roaches to understand the mechanisms behind age-related decline in female fertility. The research suggests a natural biochemical reaction is to blame, where perfectly healthy eggs begin to die due to delayed reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEvolution & Development·DateJun 16, 2005