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Science News for July 5, 2006


Findings by Einstein scientists reveal possible strategy against obesity, diabetes and infertility

The study suggests a novel approach for duplicating leptin's actions when the body no longer responds to the hormone. STAT3 production is essential for leptin's best-known action: acutely reducing food intake. Activating STAT3 may allow normalizing appetite and producing health benefits for obesity, diabetes and infertility.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2006

Boost radiotherapy effective for very early breast cancer

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that boost radiotherapy is an effective strategy to prevent cancer recurrence in young women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Researchers found that the most effective approach was radiotherapy with a boost, which significantly reduced the risk of cancer return.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 5, 2006

Genes linked to daily flux in drug toxicity

Researchers identified PAR-domain basic leucine zipper transcription factors as key players in modulating detoxifying genes and handling chemicals. The study suggests that circadian clocks play a crucial role in modulating drug toxicity, potentially leading to improved treatment regimens.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2006

Exposure to radiation after Chornobyl increases risk of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that exposure to radioactive iodine after Chornobyl increases the risk of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents. Researchers estimate that 75% of thyroid cancer cases could have been avoided without radiation, highlighting a substantial contribution of radioac...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2006

U of M researchers discover compounds to shrink tumors

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a novel class of tumor-targeting compounds that inhibited tumor growth by up to 80 percent in animal studies. The compounds, designed to mimic anti-angiogenic proteins, show promise in treating solid and liquid tumors, including those found in leukemia and other blood cancers.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2006

Birds going extinct faster due to human activities

The study estimates that birds have been going extinct at a rate of about one species per year since 1500, exceeding the natural rate by 100 times. Conservation efforts are reducing extinction rates to about one bird species every three or four years, but more species are likely to disappear during the 21st century.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2006

Medium is the message for stem cells in search of identities

Embryonic stem cells diversify to form various neural structures when cultured on different surfaces, with laminin influencing specific pathways crucial for brain cell generation and survival. Laminin's role in directing stem cells to become specialized neurons sheds light on fundamental mysteries of brain development.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2006