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Science News for September 22, 2005


Troubling trends converge

Researchers report a disturbing convergence of drug-resistant bacteria and virulent new strains of Staph. aureus, leading to severe illness and death in previously healthy children. The study highlights the need for better treatments and a vaccine to combat this growing threat.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 22, 2005

JCI table of contents October 1, 2005

Scientists discovered that interleukin-6 increases in TM patients' cerebrospinal fluid and is linked to tissue injury. Arsenic trioxide inhibits nuclear receptor function via SEK1/JNK-mediated RXR phosphorylation. Epithelial myosin light chain kinase-dependent barrier dysfunction mediates T cell activation-induced diarrhea.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 22, 2005

Researcher finds new use for botox

Dr Frederic Meunier's research explores how powerful nerve toxins like Botox selectively dissect basic nerve cell processes, leading to a novel angle in understanding neuronal diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. He has also discovered that Botox-intoxicated nerve cells can recover by emitting little sprouts.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateSep 22, 2005

A cytokine not kind to an injury of the spine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found elevated IL-6 levels correlate with tissue injury and clinical disability in Transverse Myelitis (TM) patients. Elevated IL-6 levels are necessary and sufficient to mediate neural injury, dependent on nitric oxide.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 22, 2005

Deep sea buffet for bone-devouring worms

Researchers discovered a unique partnership between Osedax worms and their symbiotic bacteria, allowing them to turn over large amounts of organic carbon at an accelerated rate. This process can potentially aid understanding of adaptation between animals and microbes.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateSep 22, 2005

Bleach found to neutralize mold allergens

Researchers at National Jewish Health conducted the first human studies on bleach's ability to neutralize mold allergens. The study showed that dilute household bleach solutions significantly reduced allergic health effects in patients with Aspergillus allergies.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 22, 2005

Yale procedure cuts recurrence of aggressive uterine cancer

A study by Yale researchers found that a combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and vaginal radiation significantly reduces the recurrence of uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC). The procedure increases survival rates among women with this aggressive form of uterine cancer, which affects about seven percent of new cases at Yale.

SourceYale University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateSep 22, 2005

Cellular dumping site is not garbage after all

Scientists have discovered that P-bodies play a crucial role in regulating the translation of mRNA molecules into proteins. The study found that P-bodies can store and recondition pre-used mRNA molecules, allowing cells to control protein production. This new understanding may provide insights into diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCell·DateSep 22, 2005

Researchers predict infinite genomes

Researchers at The Institute for Genomic Research predict that infinite genomes may never be fully described due to the continuous emergence of new genes in bacteria and viruses. By analyzing eight isolates of Group B Strep, TIGR scientists discovered a core genome with an average of 1806 genes present across all strains.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2005

Squeezing out dune plants

Researchers found that human-created barriers and sea level rise trapped plants in a small zone, altering plant populations and dune structures. The loss of critical late-succession species threatens dune formation and habitat for endangered animals like the Kemp's ridley sea turtle.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateSep 22, 2005