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Science News Archive September 2005 - Page 11


Page 11 of 15

Researchers zero in on estrogen's role in breast-cancer cell growth

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that estrogen reduces levels of a crucial nuclear receptor corepressor, N-CoR, leading to increased breast cancer cell growth. The anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen can facilitate recovery of N-CoR, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for its use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2005

New research into health of aboriginal kids

A new study aims to develop models of care that address socio-economic and environmental issues threatening the health of Aboriginal children. The research will investigate successful models of care in rural and remote areas, with a goal of establishing an evidence-base for future use.

JCI table of contents October 1, 2005

Researchers found that the fatty acid DHA decreases levels of Abeta peptides associated with Alzheimer disease and upregulates neuroprotectin D1, an endogenous messenger inhibiting apoptosis triggered by these peptides. Additionally, studies revealed beryllium-specific T cells determine immune responses in exposed workers and apoptosis...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 8, 2005

Research shows where brain interprets 'pitch'

Scientists identified single neurons in the brain's pitch center that recognize a middle-C as a middle-C even when played by two different instruments. This discovery solves an age-old mystery of auditory research and highlights the importance of pitch perception to humans, facilitating melodic patterns and emotional content of speech.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 8, 2005

Mayo Clinic develops new coma measurement system

The Mayo Clinic has developed a new coma measurement system called the FOUR Score, which quantifies the level of consciousness and severity of brain injury. The score, tested in 120 intensive care unit patients, provides more precise measurements and higher agreement between evaluators than the Glasgow Coma Scale.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 8, 2005

Fatty acids – Good for the brain, good for Alzheimer disease

Research suggests that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can decrease levels of pathogenic Abeta peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease in human brain cells. The synthesis of neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), an endogenous DHA-derived messenger, is also upregulated and inhibits apoptosis triggered by Abeta peptides.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 8, 2005

New research on closer health relationships

The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute has funded 12 projects to improve healthcare delivery, governance, and policy formulation. The projects aim to enhance the collaboration between hospitals, general practice, and community care organisations to provide better health outcomes for Australians.

New funding for health research in N.S.W.

The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) has funded 12 projects across NSW, focusing on primary care models, integration of care, and chronic disease management. The research aims to improve health care outcomes for Australians through collaborative efforts between researchers and policy makers.

Closing in on quantum chemistry

Researchers develop quantum algorithm to calculate molecular energy states with high accuracy, overcoming challenges in quantum chemistry. By using a relatively small number of qubits, they demonstrate the potential of quantum computers to solve complex problems that are currently unsolvable by classical supercomputers.

A new twist on power walking

Researchers have invented a backpack that converts mechanical energy from walking into electricity, generating up to 7.4 Watts of power. The Suspended-load Backpack can power various devices simultaneously, reducing the need for heavy replacement batteries.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 8, 2005

A new era of hope for neglected diseases

A dramatic increase in research into neglected diseases such as malaria and leprosy could lead to the development of at least eight new drugs by 2010. The analysis found that Public-Private Partnerships have been a critical driver of this growth, bringing together the best skills of both public and private partners.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 7, 2005

Why are birds' eggs speckled?

Research suggests that pigment spots on bird eggs strengthen the shell by compensating for reduced thickness caused by calcium deficiency. Females nesting on low-calcium soils lay thinner-shelled, more-spotted eggs than those on high-calcium soils.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 7, 2005

Study suggests simple way to make near-perfect lenses

Researchers at University of Edinburgh develop simpler way to produce negatively-refracting materials for lens construction, enabling cost-effective exploitation of negative refraction technologies. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like telecommunications, microwave engineering, and optics.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMicrowave and Optical Technology Letters·DateSep 7, 2005

Symptoms of depression may worsen heart failure

A study of 32 patients with heart failure found that those experiencing depression had nearly twice the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in their blood. This increase was associated with worsened heart function, as TNF-alpha promotes inflammation and reduces the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateSep 7, 2005

Scientists develop 'clever' artificial hand

Researchers have designed a prototype prosthetic hand called the 'Southampton Remedi-Hand' that mimics human movement and grip, weighing only 400g. The hand features independent finger movement, a functional thumb with opposable motion, and integrated sensors to detect pressure and object slipping.

Looking to the future: Helping 33 million smokers quit

A comprehensive tobacco cessation plan could help 33 million smokers quit, adding years of life to former smokers and reducing health care costs for all Americans. The plan, which includes free medications and counseling, is based on scientific evidence and has the potential to dramatically reduce the human and financial tolls of tobacco.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2005

Nitric oxide could extend fertility

Researchers found that exposing egg cells to nitric oxide can slow the hardening of their outer shells and increase the release of cortical granules, potentially extending their fertilizable time window. This could lead to improved fertility in women and reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities during early embryonic development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateSep 7, 2005

The right drug at the right time

A team of scientists has created a new method for controlled release of drugs by layering thin polymer films with embedded drugs. This technique allows for precise timing and sequence control, opening up broader applications in medicine.

Method slashes quantum dot costs by 80 percent

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to reduce the cost of producing quantum dots by 80% by replacing expensive solvents with cheap heat-transfer fluids. The new method uses mathematical modeling and experimentation to predict particle size and growth behavior based on solvent properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNanotechnology·DateSep 7, 2005