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Science News for March 14, 2006


Other highlights in the March 15 JNCI

A new study suggests that high dietary folate intake may be associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. The research followed over 81,000 men and women for an average of 6.8 years and observed 135 cases of pancreatic cancer during this time. Men and women with higher folate intakes had lower incidence rates of the disease comp...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2006

Newly discovered small molecules

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered small molecule activators of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), which could minimize dosage and reduce resistance. The findings hold promise for increasing the clinical efficacy of BoNT, a toxin with a range of therapeutic uses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 14, 2006

Study links 'smog' to Arctic warming

A NASA study found that ozone pollution, a significant contributor to global air pollution, played a substantial role in warming the Arctic during winter and spring. Ozone was responsible for one-third to half of the observed warming trend in the region, with its impact being most pronounced near sources of emissions.

Study finds shifts in treatment trends prior to publication of study results

The study found that the percentage of women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy who received taxanes such as paclitaxel increased more than sevenfold after early 1998, with rates rising in both node-positive and node-negative breast cancer. The authors suggest that publicity at ASCO and media coverage contributed to this shift.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2006

'Yanking' chemical bonds with molecular wires speeds reactions

Researchers used atomic force microscopes to 'yank' chemical bonds, accelerating reaction speeds while maintaining the order of bond formation and breaking. This discovery may aid in developing self-healing polymers and lead to a better understanding of fundamental energy exchange in chemical reactions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 14, 2006

Rice University researchers create 'nanorice'

The Rice University team created nanorice particles with improved properties for chemical sensing and biological imaging. The particles, made of non-conducting iron oxide and metallic shell, offer greater structural tunability than previous optically useful shapes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 14, 2006

Predicting chemotherapy outcome

A research group identified 679 genes differently expressed in responders to chemotherapy compared to non-responders. RT-PCR analysis validated the findings, confirming the differential expression of 22 genes. The study suggests integrating molecular networks could improve diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateMar 14, 2006

Wound monitor 'sniffs out' infections

A new wound monitor uses hybrid sensor technology to detect bad bacteria in the air emitted from a wound, enabling rapid and non-invasive infection diagnosis. The device aims to improve early detection of infections, reducing discomfort for patients with severe burns, skin ulcers, or gaping wounds.

Found: Key 'go-between' in heart disease

Researchers have uncovered a complex network of how one bad guy regulates another bad guy, finding a key peptide hormone called angiotensin controls the expression of an important part of PDGF. This discovery could lead to specific inhibitors of growth factor production to reduce the incidence of common vascular disorders.

Ice volcanoes on Saturn's moon Enceladus

Scientists have found evidence of volcanic activity on Enceladus, a key player in shaping the E ring. The discovery sheds light on the dynamics of ice particles in Saturn's system and challenges existing assumptions about how the moon contributes to the ring's mass distribution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2006

Exposure to volcanic mineral associated with increased mesothelioma incidence in Turkey

A prospective study of Turkish villagers found a significant association between long-term erionite exposure and an increased risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. The study, conducted over 23 years, revealed annual incidence rates significantly higher in erionite-exposed villages compared to a control village.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2006

Med students thrive in virtual classroom

A virtual classroom was found to be superior to a traditional one in teaching medical students to identify heart sounds, with accuracy rates increasing from 32% to 81% after intensive repetition. The study, led by Michael Barrett, suggests that cardiac auscultation can be mastered through online training.

Multi-million pound UK Biobank underway

The UK Biobank project is a revolutionary research undertaking that will gather and store vast amounts of medical data from 40,000 to 69-year-old volunteers. Researchers hope to identify more reliable reasons for why some people develop specific diseases and others do not.