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Science News for February 2, 2006


Partner proteins may help estrogen foster breast cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University identified seven partner proteins that interact with estrogen to activate or suppress genes in breast cancer cells. The study suggests that c-MYC is one of these activating partner proteins, which could lead to new drug targets and improved treatment options for hormone-resistant tumors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 2, 2006

Hepatitis C recurs rapidly after liver transplant

Researchers found that HCV RNA levels decrease rapidly during and after transplantation, then increase within days. The study suggests the liver is the primary site of viral replication, with a non-hepatic source contributing to some viral production.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateFeb 2, 2006

Doctors need to be able to recognise smallpox

A seminar review by Emory University School of Medicine experts highlights the importance of physicians' ability to recognize smallpox. The disease's clinical features must be distinguished from other illnesses, such as chickenpox, to prevent misdiagnosis and effective response.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 2, 2006

Teens' healthy food choices foiled by early lunch, soft drink machine income and parents who cater

Researchers found that early lunch periods lead to higher a la carte sales, which often feature lower-nutritional-value foods. Soft drink machines also contribute to vending machine proliferation, decreasing hot lunch participation. Parents' involvement in prohibiting fast food in cafeterias increases school meal program participation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateFeb 2, 2006

New method enables gene disruption in destructive fungal pathogen

A new method for targeted gene disruption has been developed for the filamentous fungus A. brassicicola, allowing for high-throughput identification of genes and their functions. This breakthrough enables researchers to dissect the pathogen's genome and establish the function of individual genes in disease development.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateFeb 2, 2006

Olfactory nerve cells expressing same receptor display a varied set of reactions

Olfactory sensory neurons expressing the MOR23 odor receptor responded differently to lyral concentrations and reaction times varied between 500 milliseconds and five seconds. The study adds a new layer to understanding the olfactory system's response to odors, suggesting finer-tuned responses in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2006

Researchers evolve a complex genetic trait in the laboratory

Duke University biologists evolved a complex polyphenic trait in tobacco hornworms by applying temperature shocks to create two distinct strains with different color responses. The researchers discovered that the level of juvenile hormone regulated the color change, and their experiments demonstrated genetic accommodation.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2006

Study demonstrates rapid diagnosis of urinary tract infections with biosensor technology

A new biosensor developed by GeneFluidics enables accurate identification of bacteria in urine samples with a rapid turnaround time, reducing the two-day wait period for conventional lab tests. This innovation has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with urinary tract infections.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateFeb 2, 2006

Elsevier to publish Journal of Clinical Densitometry

Journal of Clinical Densitometry will be published by Elsevier, offering print and electronic publishing services. Members of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry will continue to receive the print edition, and online access will be available through a dedicated website.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Clinical Densitometry·DateFeb 2, 2006