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Science News Archive April 2006 - Page 5


Page 5 of 15

Mayo Clinic finding may double genetic screening effectiveness for sudden death heart condition

The Mayo Clinic team has discovered that an echocardiography-guided genetic test can be more effective in identifying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mutations, particularly when combined with unique anatomical features of the heart. This approach can help physicians provide more accurate counseling to families and unlock new researc...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 19, 2006

St. Jude unlocks mystery of very aggressive leukemia

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a combination of the Bcr-Abl mutation and loss of both Arf genes in bone marrow cells triggers an aggressive form of ALL. Inactivating both Arf genes enables leukemic cells to multiply despite imatinib treatment, highlighting potential strategies for overcoming resistance.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2006

Steroids do not prolong survival in intensive care patients with ARDS on life support

A recent study found that moderate doses of steroids given to patients with late-stage ARDS did not improve survival rates. However, the treatment did reduce lung inflammation and allowed patients to wean off mechanical ventilators earlier. The study's results suggest caution when treating patients with late-stage ARDS with steroids.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 19, 2006

New tool taps drool for clues to childhood stress

A new study uses a salivary test to measure alpha amylase levels in children, finding that social relationships with mothers and teachers influence stress responses. The findings suggest that individual differences in alpha amylase levels can be linked to social problems, aggressive behavior, and cognitive/academic difficulties.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateApr 19, 2006

'Word-vision' brain area confirmed

Researchers confirm ventral word-form area's causal role in recognizing words by studying a patient whose surgery disrupted the region. The patient showed impaired reading skills but retained object recognition and naming abilities.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 19, 2006

Watching the brain switch off 'self'

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study brain activity during sensory processing and introspection. They found that sensory processing activated the sensory cortex, while introspection activated the prefrontal cortex, which was silenced during intense sensory engagement.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 19, 2006

Front-line immune cells mature in four stages, study shows

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center identified the four stages of natural killer cell maturation in secondary lymphoid tissue, such as tonsils and lymph glands. This discovery could lead to new therapies for cancer, infection, and immune deficiencies, advancing our understanding of the human immune system.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 19, 2006

Mapping dynamic Polycomb group proteins during Drosophila development

Researchers mapped dynamic Polycomb group protein PC and PH across various developmental stages in Drosophila. The study reveals the proteins' diverse binding locations, implying different gene silencing mechanisms. Further analysis is needed to understand their role in development and conservation across species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 19, 2006

Study shows gene candidates for predisposition

Researchers have identified 20 candidate genes that regulate alcohol preference, shedding light on the genetic factors underlying excessive drinking. The study suggests that differences in brain function and homeostasis may contribute to an individual's reaction to alcohol.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2006

Hantavirus found in African wood mouse

A team of scientists has discovered a new hantavirus in an African wood mouse, which is related to viruses causing severe disease in humans in Central and Eastern Europe. The virus was found to have similarities with other hantaviruses, including the Dobrava virus, and can infect humans, according to preliminary evidence.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateApr 18, 2006

Mediterranean diet lowers Alzheimer's risk in American cohort

A prospective community-based study of 2,258 non-demented people found that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The association remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 18, 2006