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Science News for September 15, 2005


UCL study shows beans beat cancer

A UCL study has found that a natural compound in beans can inhibit the growth of tumors and enhance the effect of existing anti-cancer drugs. The compound, inositol pentakisphosphate, is non-toxic and water-soluble, making it a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 15, 2005

Study charts origins of fear

A study published in Neuron identifies the pre-frontal cortex as the origin of fear memory, contradicting previous research that linked it to the hippocampus. The researchers found that NMDA receptors play a critical role in developing fear memory, and blocking these receptors can reduce fear response.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNeuron·DateSep 15, 2005

Research focus on aspirin

A large analysis of Medicare records suggests that aspirin is not harmful and may even lower mortality rates in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease. However, the debate remains controversial, with some experts recommending limiting or avoiding aspirin use for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2005

JCI table of contents October 1, 2005

Researchers show that CD32 isoforms have differential contributions to dendritic cell activation, with ligation of CD32a inducing maturation and ligation of CD32b inhibiting it. Intravenous immune globulin selectively shifts Fc-gamma receptor expression to a CD32b-dominated profile, explaining its anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2005

Mental declines can be reversed - report shows

Research by Dr. Dennis Foth and Dr. Gordon Thompson found that mental declines related to aging are not universal and can be improved with a lifetime of good mental habits. Activities such as reading, traveling, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive abilities throughout life.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEducational Gerontology·DateSep 15, 2005

Tobacco industry weakened pesticide regulations, UCSF study shows

A new study by UCSF researchers found that the tobacco industry secretly influenced pesticide regulations at the EPA and World Health Organization. The study analyzed internal tobacco company documents and discovered that the industry hired ex-agents to manipulate decision-making, staged a useless test on phosphine emissions, and conce...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 15, 2005

An apple or a pear?

According to American College of Cardiology guidelines, several factors increase cardiovascular risk, including obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes. World Heart Day promotes awareness of these risks and encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced diet, and q...

Breast cancer advance

Researchers have identified two ADAMTS genes, ADAMTS8 and ADAMTS15, that can help predict disease outcome in breast cancer patients. The study reveals four categories of risk based on gene activity levels, with those in the highest risk category three times more likely to experience recurrence.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 15, 2005

What causes psoriasis?

Researchers at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna have developed an animal model for psoriasis, revealing that epidermal alterations can initiate skin lesions and arthritis. The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about autoimmune diseases and provides a powerful tool for future studies.

Researchers discover how compounds prevent viruses from entering cells

Researchers have discovered how defensins and mannan-binding lectin can prevent viruses from entering cells. Defensins block the influenza virus entry into cells by preventing membrane fusion, while mannan-binding lectin works in a similar way. These findings may lead to new strategies for preventing viral diseases.

AGU journal highlights - 15 September 2005

Research suggests climate change will lead to decreased air quality in Texas and the western U.S., while the Midwest is predicted to receive more rain, which could help reduce ozone levels. Satellite data also reveals the temperature of Earth's ring current, with plasma ion temperatures consistent with in situ measurements.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 15, 2005

Scans may help pin down tricky diagnosis

A new study suggests that scintigraphy using radioactive isotope (99mTc-DPD) can help distinguish between hereditary and acquired forms of cardiac amyloidosis, two conditions with different treatment options. The test shows promise in reducing misdiagnosis and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2005

Staying alert during class: Self-applied acupressure may reduce sleepiness

A study by University of Michigan Health System researchers found that students who applied self-applied acupressure treatments to stimulation points on their legs, feet, hands and heads showed a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness compared to those who only relaxed. This discovery could have implications for improving al...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateSep 15, 2005