New insights into the impact of injury on cartilage cells
Research reveals cartilage cells can die outside the direct impact zone due to leukocyte-mediated damage. Anti-CD18 antibodies and desferoxamine show promise in blocking this process.
Science News Archive 2006 - Page 120
Browse by Month - 2006
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XMM-Newton digs into the secrets of fossil galaxy clusters
A team of astronomers studied the most massive and hot known fossil group, RX J1416.4+2315, to understand its formation. They found that a high-temperature halo extending over three million light years indicates the cluster's large mass.
SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 28, 2006
New clinical team approach reduced cardiovascular risk
The study found that a specialized clinic team reduced the ten-year risk of cardiovascular disease by nearly 20% in obese patients with metabolic syndrome after six months. The collective body mass index, waist size, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol levels dropped significantly, indicating a substantial reduction in cardiovascular risk.
NIST gears up to evaluate short range 3-D imaging
NIST creates a new test protocol and performance measure for evaluating 3D imaging systems, including indoor, artifact-based facilities and outdoor ranging capabilities. The standards will provide objective comparisons of different devices, reduce confusion, and increase user confidence.
Researchers learn more about ways to regenerate the ear's hearing cells
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding how to regenerate hair cells in the inner ear, a major breakthrough in the quest for new treatments for acquired hearing loss. The study found that blocking the Rb protein can promote hair cell regeneration, with specific areas of the inner ear exhibiting different responses.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2006
The promise of a B-cell biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
An international study found that low-dose rituximab can achieve remission in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The treatment showed no correlation between steroid use and disease improvement, but was associated with mild adverse events.
Choice of chemotherapy before liver metastasis surgery matters for some patients
Researchers recommend pre-screening to avoid worst liver damage caused by chemotherapy drugs. The study found that irinotecan was associated with steatohepatitis and oxaliplatin with sinusoidal dilation, which can lead to liver disease and failure.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 28, 2006
New evidence suggests the need to rewrite Bronze Age history
A new Cornell University study reveals the Santorini volcanic eruption occurred about 100 years earlier than previously thought, potentially rewriting Late Bronze Age history. The findings, based on radiocarbon analysis of tree rings and seeds, place the event in the late 17th century B.C., contradicting conventional estimates.
Suicide awareness, prevention programs needed in schools
Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults ages 15 to 24, behind traffic accidents and homicide. There are no wide-scale school programs on suicide awareness and prevention largely because schools don't have the resources to effectively deal with at-risk youth they identify.
National Institutes of Health funds $13.7 million for Texas tuberculosis study
The NIH grant aims to reduce TB treatment time from 6-9 months to just a few weeks by identifying specific drug targets and developing new medicines. Researchers will use protein crystallography and grid virtual screening to accelerate the drug development process.
New software is next wave for net surfers
WebIC uses machine learning to predict users' information needs, filtering out irrelevant results and providing suggested sites. Developed by the University of Alberta, the software can be incorporated with search engines or downloaded directly onto individual computers.
Patient choice stops at inhaled insulin
The editorial concludes that inhaled insulin is not suitable for everyone with diabetes, citing high costs and limited long-term safety data. Despite this, individual physicians should discuss its use with patients on a case-by-case basis.
Researchers tie metal's strength to three line defects
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory discovered that three line defects in the crystal structure of metals create a stronger bond than when only two dislocations intersect. This finding has significant implications for hardening metals and could be applied to various industries, including construction and manufacturing.
MIT research offers new hope for Alzheimer's patients
Researchers at MIT have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease that delays cognitive decline using a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and two other compounds. The cocktail treatment has been shown to increase the formation of brain cell synapses, which are damaged in Alzheimer's patients.
Feinstein researchers identify intelligence gene
Researchers found a specific pattern of DNA sequence variations in the dysbindin gene associated with impaired cognition and intelligence. The study suggests dysbindin influences variation in human cognitive ability, but only explains a small proportion, about 3 percent.
Improving the patient informed consent process
A new procedure-based consent form developed by surgeons at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center significantly improves patient recall of diagnoses, procedures, and treatment alternatives. The study found that 98% of patients recalled treatment alternatives and 97% recalled risks after using the specialized form.
Software allows neighbors to improve Internet access at no extra cost
A software framework called PERM allows neighbors to pool their internet access, enhancing connectivity without additional costs. The framework uses flow-scheduling algorithms to select the best connection and ensures mutual benefit, security, and privacy for registered users.
Computers to save unique type of American red squirrel
Researchers have developed a computer model to help conserve the Mount Graham Red Squirrel, which is isolated in a small area of Arizona desert. The model will identify areas where conservation efforts can be focused to address threats such as grey squirrels and habitat damage.
Arthritis drug might reduce fatigue in cancer patients
A preliminary study found that combining chemotherapy with the arthritis drug etanercept increased tolerance to higher doses and reduced patient fatigue. The treatment blocks tumor necrosis factor, a substance promoting tumor growth instead of hindering it.
Programs for mathematically talented students receive grants
The American Mathematical Society's Epsilon Fund awards grants to twelve outstanding summer programs across the nation, providing modest supplements to their budgets and supporting student scholarships. The programs aim to kindle a love of learning that will last a lifetime in mathematically talented high school students.
Infants can organise visual information at just four months
Researchers found that infants can group visual stimuli by brightness, shape, and proximity at four months, challenging previous assumptions about individual differences in attention. This discovery has implications for understanding cognitive development and potential interventions for developmental disorders.
Patients at greater risk if mother has coronary heart disease
A Swedish study reveals that men and women with a maternal history of coronary heart disease (CHD) are at higher risk of developing the condition. The research found that 55% of men and 43% of women with a maternal CHD history developed CHD, compared to those with no family history.
Hormonal male contraception reversible after few months for all men
Researchers have found that hormonal male contraception can be fully reversible in just a few months, with all men regaining fertility. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,500 men, showed that sperm production can be fully inhibited by hormone treatment combinations, allowing for reliable contraception.
Charles Townes, Raj Reddy receive the 2006 Vannevar Bush Award
Charles Townes, the father of quantum electronics, receives the award for his work on masers and lasers, while Raj Reddy is recognized for transforming computer science through robotics and human-computer interaction. Their awards mark the nation's appreciation for their statesmanship in science.
Clinical decision support tool improves doctors' diagnostic skills in just one minute
A clinical decision support tool improved doctors' diagnostic accuracy by 12.5% and reduced errors of omission by 10%, suggesting its potential to reduce preventable medical errors.
Climate change: 20th century the wettest in Pakistan for 1,000 years
A team of scientists has found that Pakistan experienced its wettest period in over 1,000 years during the 20th century, with precipitation rates increasing significantly. The study used ancient juniper tree rings to estimate humidity conditions and found parallels with global warming.
Rice T-ray lab makes unexpected plasmonic discovery
Researchers at Rice University have made an unexpected plasmonic discovery, finding that terahertz waves slow down as they pass through smaller metal wires. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of new chemical sensors and endoscopes.
Chamomile tea and lotion causing internal bleeding in patient on anti-coagulant medication
A patient on warfarin developed life-threatening internal bleeding after consuming chamomile tea and lotion. Chamomile's synergistic effect with warfarin highlights the potential dangers of mixing herbal remedies with prescribed medications.
African American men paradoxically have fewer, less severe coronary obstructions than white males
The study found that African American men had fewer and less severe coronary obstructions than their white counterparts, despite similar estimated probabilities of obstruction. This paradox raises questions about the factors contributing to racial disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes.
SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 2006
Immune response to HIV in the brain
Researchers found increased expression of immune response genes, including CCL5, in the brain, which may contribute to neurodegenerative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals. The study provides insights into the chronic phase of NeuroAIDS, a significant health problem affecting quality of life.
Scientists discover possible link between oxidative stress and non-hereditary degenerative disease
Researchers found a connection between DJ-1 protein and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease, suggesting that environmental toxins may trigger oxidative stress. The study suggests that understanding the role of DJ-1 may lead to the development of new treatments for Parkinson's disease and potentially other neurological disorders.
SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2006
New properties of the very deep Earth discovered
Researchers have discovered a new property of the very deep Earth, which challenges the prevailing thought that ultralow velocity zones contain liquid. The study found that iron-rich post-perosvkite can explain these zones' properties, suggesting an alternative explanation to partial melting.
K-State researchers study gene regulation in insects
Researchers studied gene regulation in fruit flies and beetles, finding that some genes are necessary for both species to make segments. The findings will help better understand the basic process of segmentation and its genetic regulation.
SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2006
Researcher predicts paradigm shift in heart disease treatment
Researchers believe blocking EC system receptors can reduce cardiometabolic risk and prevent heart disease. The discovery of the EC system holds promise for a new approach to treating obesity and related conditions.
New weapons needed for the war on junk email
Researchers create new spam that tricks users into clicking on links or downloading attachments. The next generation of spam could be camouflaged as email from colleagues, friends, and even mimic patterns used by them.
UC Berkeley researchers create a biologically-inspired artificial compound eye
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a biologically-inspired artificial compound eye that can capture visual or chemical information from a wider field of vision than previously possible. The eyes integrate microlens arrays with self-aligned, self-written waveguides, enabling low-cost and easy-to-replicate fabrication.
Novel stem cell technology leads to better spinal cord repair
Researchers developed a new type of immature support cell from embryonic glial stem cells that can regenerate nerve fibers and promote healing. The study showed over 60% of sensory nerve fibers regenerating and more than two-thirds growing through the injury site in rats.
Wisconsin scientists discover a master key to microbes' pathogenic lifestyles
A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has discovered a master molecular sensor embedded in spores of six related fungi that triggers their transformation into pathogenic yeasts. This finding could lead to new treatments and possibly vaccines for diseases caused by these microbes.
Fewer, less severe coronary obstructions appear in African American than white men
Researchers found that white men had more severe coronary obstructions in a study of 311 veterans, contradicting expectations. African American men, however, tend to have lower levels of severe obstructions and yet still experience high mortality rates from coronary artery disease.
SourceAmerican Medical Association·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 2006
Scaled-down genome may power up E. coli's ability in lab, industry
Researchers successfully removed up to 82,000 base pairs from E. coli's genome without compromising its functions, paving the way for more efficient production of useful proteins and drugs.
Technique makes it easier to see mouse embryo in all its glory
A new technique called Virtual Histology allows for faster and more accurate analysis of mouse embryos, enabling researchers to focus on abnormalities in development and improve treatment of childhood cancers. This breakthrough may also help improve the safety of household products.
eRHIC gets to the heart of the matter
The eRHIC facility will enable physicists to probe the matter contained within ions with high precision. Analyzing collisions between RHIC ions and eRHIC electrons can help answer fundamental questions in physics about quark-gluon interactions and nuclear spin.
Experimental vaccine protects nonhuman primates when given after exposure to Marburg virus
A new experimental vaccine has been shown to protect nonhuman primates against Marburg virus infection, even when administered after exposure. The study found that all treated monkeys survived for at least 80 days, while controls succumbed to the disease within 12 days.
New discovery: Molecular variation in one gene affects the growth of natural populations
Scientists analyzed hundreds of local populations of the Glanville fritillary butterfly, finding that a single molecular variation affects population growth. The study showed that genetic factors and habitat structure influence population dynamics, contradicting previous views on the role of environmental factors.
Cure for cancer worth $50 trillion
The study by Murphy and Topel reveals that life-extending procedures have a greater value than rising medical expenditures overall. The authors show that increased longevity has an economic value of $1.2 million per person, with the largest gains at birth and young age.
Oregon chemist Geri Richmond to receive Council for Chemical Research Diversity Award
Geri Richmond, founder of COACh, will receive the Council for Chemical Research Diversity Award for her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in chemistry. The award recognizes her impact on advancing research careers for underrepresented groups.
Keeping amyloid - and Alzheimer's - in check
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have identified a crucial protein called TMP21 that regulates amyloid-beta production. By controlling the specific cleavage of APP, TMP21 helps keep amyloid-beta levels in check, preventing the formation of toxic plaques. This discovery may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Vaccine given post-exposure protects monkeys against deadly Marburg virus
A post-exposure vaccine has been shown to protect monkeys against the deadly Marburg virus. Researchers tested the vaccine in a study involving non-human primates and found it to be highly effective in preventing severe symptoms of the disease.
Tiny polyps gorge themselves to survive coral bleaching
Researchers discovered that some coral species can replenish energy reserves by increasing feeding rates, allowing them to recover from bleaching events. However, even resilient species face a significant threat as global warming projections suggest up to 60% of the world's coral reefs could be lost within 10-30 years.
Hormone found to decrease appetite and increase activity
A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity discovered that oxyntomodulin, a hormone, can reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure in overweight volunteers. This finding holds promise for developing a new therapy to treat obesity, shifting focus from dieting alone to increasing spontaneous activity levels.
Vaccine could be effective after exposure to Marburg virus
Researchers have developed a vaccine that prevents haemorrhagic fever developing in monkeys infected with the deadly Marburg virus. The vaccine was found to be highly effective as a post-exposure treatment, with all treated monkeys surviving for at least 80 days.
MIT: Mini satellites rocketing to space station
The MIT SPHERES project aims to develop autonomous space vehicles that can maintain their positions via radio links, interacting almost constantly. The first critical test of the SPHERE is set for May 18 inside the space station, with two additional satellites scheduled to reach the station later this year.
Bioportfolio: Life-long persistence of erythrovirus DNA genomes in human tissue
Researchers discovered erythrovirus genome persistence in human tissues, which is ubiquitous and life-long. The Bioportfolio provides a novel database for analyzing microbial species and their variants, offering potential long-term permanence for gene therapy vectors.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2006
Dr. McCluskey receives top honor for young taste researchers
Dr. McCluskey receives the Ajinomoto Award for Young Investigators in Gustation for her work on taste bud regeneration and its relation to the immune system. She aims to understand how macrophages, a type of immune cell, affect neural function in injured nerves.
Micro-pump is cool idea for future computer chips
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new cooling system that uses a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pump to cool electronic devices on a tiny scale. The device is integrated onto a silicon chip and can create a cooling action through electrohydrodynamics, enhancing the pumping action by up to 13 percent.
Coral reef resilience: Better feeders survive bleaching
A new study found that branching coral Montipora capitata sharpens its plankton intake when bleached, increasing its chances of recovery. The findings indicate that any coral, regardless of shape or location, can recover if it can increase feeding.
MIT chemist discovers secret behind nature's medicines
A recent study by MIT chemist Catherine L. Drennan has discovered the simple secret behind how organisms create self-medications like antibiotics and anti-tumor agents. The enzyme SyrB2, which uses a smaller amino acid to bind halides, reveals an elegant simplicity in its mechanism.
APS research awards go to undergrads at Colorado State, Michigan State, Oberlin, Williams
This year's winners were chosen based on their abstracts, letters, and the presentation of their research at the Experimental Biology conference. The award recognizes excellence in undergraduate research and provides a platform for students to pursue careers in physiology and biomedical sciences.
How does your city grow? A view of urban sprawl from outer space
Researchers used high-altitude and satellite images to track land use changes nationwide, finding that more recent residential development is not any more scattered than in 1976. The study found that climate, topography, access to groundwater, roads, and municipality type play a role in urban sprawl patterns.
Virtual 'forest' used to measure navigation skills
Researchers used a virtual 'forest' to test navigation skills, finding that good navigators rely on internal representations of the environment rather than just visual information. The study suggests that understanding how individuals use visual and non-visual cues can inform rehabilitation protocols for people with visual impairments.
SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateApr 26, 2006