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Science News Archive September 2005 - Page 6


Page 6 of 15

Breakthrough in micro-device fabrication combines biology and synthetic chemistry

Researchers have developed new approaches to produce micro-devices with complex shapes and properties, opening up opportunities for biomedical, computing, environmental cleanup, defense, and other applications. The study uses biologically derived structures that can be chemically modified without changing their shape or fine features.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology·DateSep 20, 2005

Beta-carotene assoc. with higher risk of some cancers in women smokers but not nonsmokers

A study of nearly 60,000 French women found that beta-carotene intake was inversely associated with tobacco-related cancer risk in never-smokers, but increased the risk in former and current smokers. The researchers also calculated that the absolute rates of tobacco-related cancers over 10 years varied significantly between nonsmoking ...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 20, 2005

Sugar helps control cell division

New study reveals that O-GlcNAc modification of proteins regulates cell division and controls the steps and timing of cell division, contributing to cancer and other diseases. Researchers found that increasing or decreasing O-GlcNAc levels disrupts cell cycle, leading to cells with more than one nucleus, a common trait in cancer cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 20, 2005

Increased ovarian cancer risk not found in women with breast cancer family history

A study of 199 families with multiple cases of breast cancer found that women from these families do not have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Despite this, the genetic mechanism for up to half of hereditary breast cancer remains unknown, prompting ongoing research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 20, 2005

Gene that controls the severity of asthma identified

A recent study by Yale University researchers has discovered a gene that controls the severity of asthma, finding that high production variants of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene are associated with severe disease. The study used mice models and human data to support an important role for MIF in asthma pathogenesis.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2005

Molecular pathway linked to breast cancer recurrence

A recent study has identified a molecular pathway linked to breast cancer recurrence, suggesting that the transcriptional repressor Snail may play a role in progression. Genetic screening of human breast cancer samples revealed that high levels of Snail expression predict decreased relapse-free survival.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 19, 2005

Neanderthal teeth grew no faster than comparable modern humans'

Researchers found that Neanderthals' tooth growth rate was comparable to that of modern humans, suggesting they may not have had a shorter childhood than us. The study used microscopic lines on teeth to estimate growth rates and found that Neanderthal enamel formation times fell within the range of three modern populations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2005

Adult human neural stem cell therapy successful in treating spinal cord injury

A new study by UCI researchers shows that adult human neural stem cells can differentiate into new oligodendrocyte cells and neurons, restoring myelin and improving motor function in mice with spinal cord injuries. The treatment also leads to behavioral improvements, including the ability to step using hind paws.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2005

Tissue rigidity promotes tumor progression

A study published in Cancer Cell found that increased tissue rigidity promotes the malignant behavior of tumor cells by inducing Rho-generated cytoskeletal tension and focal adhesions. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 19, 2005

Monitoring the response to vaccination against melanoma

Researchers have identified distinct patterns of responses in patient cells after vaccination against melanoma, which may help monitor treatment response. The study found that certain compounds were secreted by cells in patients whose tumors did not grow after vaccination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005

Findings relate aspirin-induced ulcers, hearing loss

A study by Rice University researchers found that salicylate causes membranes to thin, soften, and rupture more easily, increasing the risk of hearing loss. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for the debilitating side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 19, 2005

Failure to suppress irrelevant brain activity in Alzheimer disease

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that people with Alzheimer's disease have difficulty suppressing irrelevant brain activity, which can lead to cognitive impairments. This defective focusing process is characterized by reduced cross-modal inhibition, where auditory and visual processing areas are not properly deactivated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005

Molecular defect found that may cause heart failure

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a molecular defect in specialized proteins called ryanodine receptors (RyRs) as a possible cause of heart failure. The RyRs malfunction, leading to calcium imbalances that prevent the heart from contracting effectively and relaxing adequately.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2005

Diamonds are a doctor's best friend

Researchers have developed diamond-like carbon coatings for medical implants, reducing friction and corrosion while providing biocompatibility. The new method of coating plastics, metals, and collagen enables the production of harder-wearing implants and enhances patient outcomes.

Public patients denied effective obesity treatment

Australia's Director of Obesity Research highlights lack of access to life-saving bariatric surgery for those who need it most. Over 2.6 million Australians struggle with obesity, a growing public health crisis requiring urgent attention and action from hospitals and governments.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateSep 19, 2005