World's first UV 'ruler' sizes up atomic world
Researchers have created a high-resolution ultraviolet light source that enables precise energy level measurements of specific atoms, timing of chemical reactions, and nanometer-scale object dimensions.
Science News for May 18, 2005
Studies on HRT for breast cancer patients can give false hopes
A recent study analyzed 10 studies on HRT and breast cancer, finding that randomized controlled trials show an increased risk of recurrence. The authors conclude that qualitative studies are unreliable due to methodological limitations and potential publication bias.
Making states work
The book Making States Work examines the roles of international actors, local elites, and civil society in building public institutions. Key findings include successes in Mozambique and Costa Rica, as well as case studies on state failures in regions such as the Great Lakes and South Central Asia.
U.S. ranks highest worldwide in use of high-tech imaging
The US topped global rankings for high-tech imaging, with the highest per capita use of MR and CT. In contrast, India, China, and Indonesia had the lowest usage of these technologies.
New kidney function test better than standard at predicting death and cardiovascular outcomes
A new kidney function test, cystatin-C, is more effective than the standard test creatinine in predicting death and cardiovascular outcomes in elderly participants. The study found that 60% of participants with high cystatin-C levels had abnormal kidney function, putting them at medium or high risk for cardiovascular complications.
SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2005
Researchers find gene that may be at root of potato blight
Scientists at Ohio State University have discovered a gene called Avr3a that triggers the blight that destroyed Ireland's potato crops in the 19th century. The gene is found in the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, which causes massive agricultural damage worldwide.
Marshes tell story of medieval drought, little ice age, and European settlers near NYC
Researchers from Columbia University and NASA used sediment layers to uncover a 500-year drought from 800 A.D. to 1300 A.D., as well as the effects of the Little Ice Age and European settlers' agricultural practices on the area's climate. The study found increased erosion, saltier water, and changes in vegetation during these periods.
Trumpeting vaccination may only entrench opposition
A study found that attempts to change anti-vaccine attitudes can lead to increased opposition, damaging physician-patient relationships. Researchers discovered that after presenting evidence-based information or hearing from a polio survivor, some participants became more opposed to vaccination.
Colonoscopy: A woman's best defense against colon cancer
A large-scale study found that colonoscopy outperforms flexible sigmoidoscopy in detecting advanced pre-cancerous polyps in women, highlighting the need for unique screening approaches in women. The study suggests that women should get a colonoscopy after age 50 to prevent colon cancer.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2005
New kidney test better elder mortality predictor
A new kidney test using protein cystatin is more accurate than the standard test for serum creatinine in predicting risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, especially among elderly people. The test measures kidney function independently of muscle mass, age, gender, and race.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2005
Discovery of a 'drug anticipation' brain signal
Scientists detect dopamine release from nucleus accumbens in rats, revealing three distinct signals associated with cocaine administration. The findings suggest that dopamine release transients are highly plastic and governed by motivation, learned association, and pharmacological actions.
Hydroxycitric acid slows glucose uptake, cuts insulin peaks/valleys a la South Beach Diet
Researchers found hydroxycitric acid delays intestinal glucose absorption, reducing insulin output and slowing post-meal glucose levels. This delay can help reduce high peaks of glucose and the need for insulin, potentially leading to a therapeutic role in managing diabetes.
Alarm pheromone causes aphids to sprout wings
Researchers found that alarm pheromone triggers aphids to produce winged offspring and leave their host plant. Applying pulses of alarm pheromone could help reduce damage caused by aphid infestations in European fields.
Pilot studies to look at how mind drives or prevents disease
The University of Rochester Medical Center's RCMBR pilot studies explore how mind drives or prevents disease, including depression following heart failure and psoriasis. Researchers aim to develop tailored treatments by understanding the impact of stress, personality traits, and mental health on physical diseases.
Virtual reality therapy may ease fear of public speaking
Researchers at Georgia State University are exploring virtual reality (VRE) therapy as a potential solution to treat fear of public speaking. By immersing individuals in a controlled virtual environment, Anderson's study aims to reduce anxiety and improve confidence in real-world public speaking situations.
Small, open-label study shows potential use of novel antibiotic rifaximin for Crohn's disease
Researchers found that rifaximin significantly improved disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. The analysis of 8 patients showed a mean decrease in Harvey Bradshaw index of 7.1, indicating potential effectiveness as a treatment.
New purification process joins high throughput with high selectivity
Researchers have developed a new purification process that combines high throughput with high selectivity, enabling more fine separations. By attaching a negatively-charged dye molecule to the protein of interest, retention is enhanced in higher proportion than when it wasn't tagged.
Don't skip chest CT in the ER just because x-ray checks out okay, warns study
A recent study found that chest CT scans are necessary for multiple trauma patients, even if initial X-ray results appear normal. The study analyzed data from 563 patients and revealed that X-rays missed 40% of clinically significant thoracic injuries.
Calif. institute wins 10-year contract with international research program
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has been awarded a 10-year contract to manage the International Ocean Drilling Program's Site Survey Data Bank, transforming it into an interactive tool for researchers. The new system will support proposal reviews and operations at sea with cutting-edge data.
Words influence smells
Subjects rated odors more pleasant when labeled with positive words like 'cheddar cheese', whereas unpleasant labels had the opposite effect. The study also found that brain regions processing odors were activated by word labels, highlighting high-level cognitive inputs' impact on sensory perception.
Infants with rare genetic disease saved by cord blood stem cells
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a life-saving treatment for newborns with Krabbe Disease using umbilical cord blood stem cells. The study shows that 11 asymptomatic newborns and 14 symptomatic infants were successfully treated, with all asymptomatic babies surviving and 43% of symptomatic babies surviving.
Nature as important as nurture in developing ability for flexible self-control
The study reveals that both nature and nurture are essential for developing flexible self-control. The computer model demonstrates how the prefrontal cortex learns from life experiences to apply rules and strategies in new situations.
University of Manchester develops vision chip for new generation of 'human' robots
The University of Manchester is developing a state-of-the-art Vision Chip that will enable robots to respond to events and multitask like humans. The chip, based on the retina of the human eye, will process complex images at rapid rates, allowing robots to react in real time.
Researchers find first gene for inherited testicular cancer in mice
Scientists have discovered a key genetic mutation that causes a dramatic increase in testicular cancer incidence in mice, suggesting new avenues for understanding the disease's genetic control. The mutation affects RNA editing, which may be used to diagnose at-risk individuals or develop targeted therapeutics.
Judges think children more honest but less reliable than adults, says Queen's study
A Queen's University study found that judges correctly identify child liars at only slightly above chance levels and perform better than law students. The research also shows that defence lawyers often ask inappropriate questions to children, leaving them at a disadvantage.
Penn researchers find relief for gastrointestinal illnesses
In two studies, Lichtenstein and colleagues found that Rifaximin relieved symptoms of SBBO and pouchitis in patients with Crohn's disease, scleroderma, and mixed connective tissue disorders. The antibiotic demonstrated complete remission of symptoms in most patients, with no adverse events reported.
Go to the tape: Video replay improves radiology residents' performance
A six-week study found that video replay of teaching rounds significantly improved radiology residents' case-based knowledge and communication abilities. The study used videotaped feedback to help residents develop awareness of their strengths and nonverbal skills, reducing anxiety and improving board exam performance.
NSF grant to Carnegie Mellon establishes research experiences for undergraduates site
The NSF grant supports a research experience program for underrepresented students in molecular biosciences. Participants will conduct mentored research projects and attend faculty talks on scientific ethics.
Ultrasound images transmitted over the phone allow radiologists to diagnose patients in real time
Researchers successfully transmitted ultrasound images from Yugoslavia to the US using compressed files, with radiologists able to diagnose patients accurately in 67% of cases. The study aims to expand access to medical technology globally, particularly in areas without internet access.
Dietary vitamin E may lower risk of Parkinson's disease
A meta-analysis of eight studies suggests that moderate dietary vitamin E intake reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, no protective effects were found for vitamin C or beta-carotene.
To stop evolution: New way of fighting antibiotic resistance demonstrated by Scripps scientists
Researchers at Scripps Institute find a protein called LexA promotes mutations in bacteria, enabling them to evolve resistance to antibiotics. By inhibiting this protein, the bacteria's ability to evolve can be halted, potentially prolonging the potency of existing antibiotics.
An-Pang Tsai wins inaugural Dubois Award
An-Pang Tsai wins inaugural Dubois Award for his remarkable string of discoveries of new quasicrystalline phases, including five main families. His work has had a profound impact on the science of quasicrystals, enabling the preparation of large samples and fundamental property measurements.
Same fold in viral shells point to common ancestry
Researchers at Purdue University found that viruses T4 and HK97 share similar protein folds in their outer shells, suggesting a common ancestor. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provide further evidence for the evolutionary conservation of viral capsid structures.
Robotic telescope discovery sheds new light
Astronomers have detected a unique visible light component that varies with gamma rays, suggesting a common origin for both. This finding contradicts previous theories and sheds new light on the nature of these powerful cosmic events.
New method of administering anti-cancer drug may be more effective, safer
Researchers at UNC Health Care System have developed a new continuous-infusion method for administering busulfan, which achieved more predictable levels of the drug in patients. The new method has the potential to increase treatment effectiveness while avoiding side effects by maintaining consistent drug levels.
Testicular cancer gene in mice may offer clues to origins of cancer in men
Researchers found a potential link between testicular cancer and male infertility, suggesting that genetic mutations during fetal development may play a role. The study provides insights into the origins of human testicular cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer in men between 15-39 years old.
Scientists team up for multiyear studies of microbial mysteries
Two dozen researchers from 16 institutions will participate in three- to-five-year studies on membrane proteins in cyanobacteria and subsurface metal-reducing bacteria. These projects aim to advance knowledge on microbial interactions with their environment, leading to potential applications in groundwater remediation and energy genera...
Umbilical cord-blood transplants save lives of babies with rare genetic disorder
The study demonstrates that umbilical cord-blood transplant is a life-saving treatment for newborns with infantile Krabbe's disease. Most infants with the disease die before reaching age 2, but treated newborns showed continual improvement in developmental skills and had age-appropriate mental and language skills.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2005
Dye to pinpoint diseases and pathogens
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a detection technique using DNA to pinpoint diseases and pathogens. The system, which involves a fluorescent dye attached to probe DNA, can detect target DNA sequences in a matter of seconds and is being seen as a potential game-changer for clinical care and environmental monitoring.
Scientists develop novel multi-color light-emitting diodes
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have successfully demonstrated electroluminescence from all-inorganic nanocrystal-based architecture. The new LEDs utilize colloidal quantum dots and emerging GaN manufacturing technologies to produce high-emission-efficiency, color-selectable light.