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Science News for January 4, 2006


NCI issues clinical announcement for preferred method of treatment for advanced ovarian cancer

The National Cancer Institute has issued a clinical announcement recommending a combination of chemotherapy regimens for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal, or IP) in addition to traditional IV chemotherapy. This approach appears to be m...

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 4, 2006

Treating gum disease may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Researchers found that treating severe gum disease can lower systemic inflammatory markers associated with cardiovascular risk, suggesting a potential link between gum disease and heart health. The study suggests improving periodontal health could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

AGU journal highlights - 4 January 2006

Research on Martian aurorae reveals localized ultraviolet emissions near magnetic field lines. Air pollution reduction could exacerbate global warming due to increased solar radiation scattering. A new study detects potential oilfield brine leaks in Nueces Bay, Texas, using sediment resistivity and radium isotope analysis.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 4, 2006

Cell stress protein linked to aggressive breast cancer

Researchers found alphaB-crystallin protein promotes uncontrolled growth in breast cancer cells, suggesting it as a molecular marker for aggressive breast cancer. The study identified a key pathway activated by alphaB-crystallin and found drug inhibitors block its effects, paving the way for new targeted therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2006

Soy diet worsens heart disease

Researchers found that a soy-based diet caused significant growth in the hearts of male mice, whereas female mice showed no such effect. The study suggests that phytoestrogens may play a role in exacerbating heart disease, particularly in males.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2006

Tandem transcripts team together

Researchers identified over 200 cases of TIC involving 421 human genes, finding that genes often reside closer together and share standard splicing machinery. The discovery challenges the 'one gene, one protein' rule and may lead to the development of non-toxic engineered fused proteins for drug applications.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 4, 2006

Measuring the size of a small, frost world

A team of astronomers used a rare stellar occultation to determine Charon's radius with great accuracy, finding it to be 603.6 km. They also set an upper limit on the existence and pressure of Charon's atmosphere, suggesting it is likely icy with little or no nitrogen.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2006

Study: Exercise helps speed wound healing in older adults

A recent Ohio State University study found that exercise significantly speeds up wound healing in older adults, with wounds healing an average of 10 days faster in the exercising group. The study suggests that exercise may play a role in regulating cortisol levels, which could be a key biological pathway for enhanced wound healing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJan 4, 2006

JCI table of contents: January 4, 2006

Researchers found that mice fed a soy-based diet had significantly worse heart problems than those on a milk protein-based diet. This is the first study to show an environmental influence can affect the heart.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2006

Measuring Charon

A team of astronomers from MIT and Williams College observed the light from a star as it disappeared behind Charon and reappeared on the other side. They determined Charon's radius to be 606 ± 8 km, roughly twice the width of Massachusetts, and established a density of 1.72 g/cm3.

SourceWilliams College·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2006

GlaxoSmithKline's rotavirus vaccine candidate shown effective

The rotavirus vaccine candidate demonstrated 85% protection against severe disease and 100% protection against more severe disease in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The vaccine also showed lower incidence of serious adverse events compared to placebo, with no increased risk of intussusception observed.

SourceCohn & Wolfe·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 4, 2006

Breast cancer–causing gene predicts shorter survival

A study published in JCI Journal reveals that alpha-basic-crystallin is overexpressed in breast cancer tumors and triggers tumor development. The protein causes dysregulated growth, changes in cell structure, and diminished programmed cell death, ultimately leading to poor clinical outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2006