Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2006 - Page 5


Page 5 of 16

JCI table of contents: June 22, 2006

Researchers develop a novel cancer vaccine delivery system using genetically modified Salmonella typhimurium that safely delivers antigens to the immune system, eliciting an immune response against cancer cells. Meanwhile, a DNA-based vaccine targeting tumor-associated fibroblasts significantly suppresses tumor growth and increases che...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2006

How plants avoid feeling the burn

Researchers at Arizona State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of photoprotection, finding that carotenoids can neutralize excess sunlight energy without oxidation. By measuring the electrical conductance within biomolecules, the team found that carotenoids can handle electron overload in a neutral state.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2006

Heartburn common in western populations

According to a study published in The Lancet, heartburn is more common in Western populations compared to non-Western populations. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking contribute to the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can lead to significant economic burdens.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2006

Earliest known 'bling' revealed

Researchers have discovered that beads date back between 100,000 to 135,000 years ago, indicating a sophisticated level of symbolic thinking in early humans. This finding has major implications for understanding the origins of behaviorally modern humans and their ability to use symbols.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

World's coral reefs left vulnerable by paper parks

A global assessment of coral reef protection reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) are often poorly managed and fail to effectively safeguard these critical ecosystems. The study found that many MPAs lack enforcement mechanisms, leading to threats such as resource extraction, poaching, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing.

SourceDalhousie University·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2006

Identification of role for proteins in children's muscle disease could open up new treatment options

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment target for children's muscle disease, where heat shock protein HSP60 plays an active role in controlling inflammation. This discovery could lead to therapies aimed at expanding T-cells with regulatory capacities reacting to HSP60, potentially contributing to disease remission.

Shells from Israel and Algeria may be the oldest known beads, researchers report in Science

Researchers found 100,000-year-old shells with holes bored into their centers in Israel and Algeria, suggesting that beadworking was widespread long before the explosion of modern culture in Europe. The discovery supports the idea that modern humans developed behaviors gradually instead of emerging later in Europe.

A neural mosaic of tones

Researchers created frequency maps for most of the 11 auditory cortex fields (ACFs) and observed a periodic pattern of topographic preference for certain frequencies. The ACFs were divided into two groups, with three core fields reacting to individual frequencies in simple sounds like tones.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2006

Refined stem cell therapy helps paralyzed rats recover

Researchers developed an effective treatment using embryonic stem cells to restore motor function in paralyzed rats. GDNF was found to be a focal attractive cue for transplanted axons, facilitating the establishment of neuromuscular junctions and resulting in noticeable recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 21, 2006