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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 101


Page 101 of 178

HPV testing finds precancerous lesions at a higher rate than conventional pap smears

A randomized controlled trial found that HPV testing combined with liquid-based cytology increased sensitivity by 47% compared to conventional pap smears, but also led to a 60% increase in false positives. HPV testing alone showed a 40% increase in sensitivity and a smaller decrease in specificity.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 6, 2006

Breast-sparing surgery an option for women with breast cancer gene mutation, U-M-led study finds

A 10-year study by U-M researchers found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations who underwent breast-conserving surgery and hormonal treatment had lower rates of breast cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen reduced the risk of same-breast recurrence by 58 percent, while oophorectomy lowered the risk even further.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 6, 2006

Other highlights in the June 7 JNCI

Researchers discovered that overexpressing a gene called uPA in mammary cancer cells can delay tumor progression and inhibit the formation of new blood vessels, leading to slower tumor growth. The study also suggests that uPA expression may have anti-cancer effects by reducing angiogenesis and proliferation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 6, 2006

Illinois researchers produce two most important scientific papers

Nick Holonyak Jr.'s seminal research on transistors and lasers has been recognized as one of the most significant papers in Applied Physics Letters. His work on room-temperature operation of a transistor laser facilitated faster signal processing, seamless communications, and higher performance electrical and optical integrated circuits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2006

Penn researchers question change in 'gold standard' for assessing heart failure treatment

A study of nearly 600 female heart failure patients revealed that women had better outcomes with lower VO2 levels and less need for a heart transplant. The results challenge the current 'gold standard' for assessing treatment options, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in heart failure management.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 5, 2006

Do 'planemos' have progeny?

Researchers have discovered six 'planemos,' planetary mass objects with masses similar to extra-solar planets, surrounded by dusty discs that may evolve into miniature planetary systems. These findings suggest similar infancies for our Sun and smaller objects, blurring the definition of a planet.

SourceESO·DateJun 5, 2006

Natural born killers

Natural killer cells rely on receptor tyrosine kinases, such as Tyro3, to acquire their reconnaissance tool kit, allowing them to distinguish friend from foe. The study reveals that environmental signals, transmitted through Gas6 and protein S, trigger the maturation of natural killer cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 5, 2006