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Science News for February 27, 2006


Life, the remake

Evolutionary biologist Vermeij suggests that certain traits, such as photosynthesis and human language, are so advantageous that they would reappear in different forms. Many unique innovations are ancient, while repeated ones are known from few specimens due to species extinction.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2006

Stopping smad

Researchers discovered pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase as a key player in the dephosphorylation of MAD, a Drosophila Smad protein. This finding offers new insights into how BMP signals can be downregulated in various physiological contexts.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 27, 2006

The critical importance of mangroves to ocean life

Mangroves are a significant source of dissolved organic carbon in the ocean, accounting for nearly triple the estimated amount previously thought to be released from smaller-scale estimates. The mangrove root system slows down the release of carbon-rich leaf litter into shallow sediment, where it is then leached into coastal waters.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateFeb 27, 2006

Masterminding muscle development

Researchers discovered that MAML1 plays a crucial role in regulating muscle cell differentiation, with increased expression leading to enhanced myotube formation and muscle-specific gene expression. The study also found that MAML1 works together with MEF2C to 'turn on' genes required for muscle development.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 27, 2006

Radical proposal to speed development of stem cell therapies

A radical proposal suggests that California's CIRM could accelerate the development of stem cell therapies by implementing a patent pool and a shared prize system. This approach aims to stimulate innovation, make treatments more affordable, and establish a new medical innovation model for the 21st century.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2006

Predators keep the world green, ecologists find

A study in a Venezuelan reservoir found that predator-free islands had significantly fewer plant species and smaller sapling densities than larger land masses. The researchers concluded that the presence of predators is essential for maintaining biodiversity and preventing ecosystem collapse.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 27, 2006

A case of mistaken molecular identity

A recent study found that antibodies targeting the Chagas parasite also block rhodopsin, a molecule essential for converting light into electrical impulses. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease's vision problems. Researchers hope to develop new drugs or vaccines to combat the parasite and improv...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 27, 2006

Disclosing study outcomes to participants may backfire

Experts warn that sharing study results with participants could negatively impact their future health due to potential regret over less effective treatments. A revised informed consent strategy is proposed to balance individual rights with the need for transparency.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 27, 2006

Treatment of severe coronary artery disease with drug-eluting stents a viable alternative to CABG

A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that angioplasty with drug-eluting stents resulted in outcomes equivalent to bypass surgery for patients with left main coronary artery disease. The treatment was shown to have similar short- and intermediate-term clinical outcomes, despite higher risk patient demographics.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 27, 2006

Cocoa intake linked to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of death

A study of 470 Dutch men aged 65-84 found that regular cocoa consumption was associated with lower blood pressure and a significantly reduced risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease. The benefits were not attributed to lowering blood pressure alone but may be related to flavan-3-ols and antioxidants in cocoa.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2006

Chemotherapy given directly to the liver improves survival for patients with colorectal cancer

Researchers found that hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) therapy extended survival and improved quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. HAI therapy resulted in a median survival of 24 months, better response rates, and longer time to disease progression compared to systemic chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 27, 2006

Legal and ethical questions about stem cell research

The article highlights the need for researchers to navigate intricate legal, ethical, and political issues surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. The author, Henry T. Greely, emphasizes that these concerns will significantly impact researchers, institutions, and science as a whole.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2006