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Science News Archive March 2005 - Page 8


Page 8 of 15

Other highlights in the March 16 JNCI

A new study found that racial and ethnic differences in breast cancer rates can be largely explained by the distribution of risk factors, except in African American women. Among those diagnosed with breast cancer, African American women are more likely to have advanced-stage disease, larger tumors, and estrogen receptor-negative disease.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

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

Research finds that ICU patients who develop bloodstream infections have a significantly higher mortality rate than those who do not, highlighting the importance of preventing these infections. The study also suggests that interventions targeting less severely ill patients and at-risk individuals may be effective in reducing mortality ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 15, 2005

Prostate cancer screening practices examined

A massive study is examining prostate cancer screening practices to determine their impact on death rates. The study follows 75,000 men, half of whom are screened and half receive conventional care, allowing researchers to compare survival rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Risk of cardiac death after radiotherapy for breast cancer has declined, study finds

A study found that women with left-sided breast cancer had a higher risk of death from ischemic heart disease after radiation therapy, but this increased risk declined over time. Advances in radiation techniques have reduced the dose to the heart, resulting in lower mortality rates among women diagnosed with right-sided breast cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 15, 2005

Defensins neutralize anthrax toxin

Max Planck scientists have developed a novel therapeutic strategy against anthrax using defensins. These molecules can neutralize the lethal toxin of anthrax bacilli, preventing its deadly effect and protecting against fatal consequences.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2005

Reducing hostility in young coronary artery disease patients is important piece of rehabilitation

A study found that young coronary artery disease patients have a high prevalence of hostility symptoms, with improvements in risk factors and quality of life seen after cardiac rehabilitation. The researchers suggest that reducing hostility should be emphasized in rehabilitation following a heart attack to improve long-term prognosis.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 14, 2005

Inflammatory condition doubles heart attack, stroke risk

A new study published in Heart found that individuals with giant cell arteritis (GCA) have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to healthy adults. The prevalence of GCA is estimated at one per every 500 seniors, and patients with this condition are more than twice as likely to experience heart attacks or strokes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalHeart·DateMar 14, 2005

Nature helps create religious adults

A study on twin pairs found that environmental influences play a role in shaping religiousness during childhood, but a stronger genetic influence emerges in adulthood. Like other personality traits, adult religiousness is heritable, indicating that an individual's faith can be influenced by their genetic makeup.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Personality·DateMar 14, 2005

New drug shows promise as powerful anticancer agent

Researchers discover ON01910, a non-ATP-competitive small molecule inhibitor of Plk1, arrests cell division in human cancer cells and inhibits a variety of tumors. Clinical studies are currently underway to determine the best way to utilize this potent anticancer agent.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 14, 2005

Gray wolves maintain the food chain in winter

A new study from PLOS Biology shows that reintroduced gray wolves in Yellowstone Park provide a crucial safety net for scavengers during climate change. Wolf kills temper the devastating effects of climate-related carrion shortages on scavengers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2005

Heart repair gets new muscle

Researchers have discovered that skeletal precursors of cardiomyocytes (Spoc cells) can transform into beating cardiac muscle cells, offering hope for developing cell-based treatments for heart disease. These cells were isolated from adult mice and showed spontaneous rhythmic beating and expressed cardiac markers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2005