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Science News for March 9, 2006


The first clinical test for saliva-based oral cancer detection: Ready now!

Scientists have developed a standardized saliva RNA test for oral cancer detection, showing high accuracy rates in detecting oral cancer. The test has been confirmed to be highly accurate in identifying four saliva oral cancer RNA biomarkers, reducing mortality and morbidity for oral cancer patients.

JCI table of contents, March 9, 2006

Researchers found that inhibiting an enzyme in the liver, CPT1A, improved feeding behavior and blood sugar levels in obese rats. The study suggests a biochemical pathway involved in nutrient sensing may play a critical role in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 9, 2006

Outsmarting the smartie bug

Researchers sequenced and analyzed over 1.8 million genetic codes to determine functions of genes involved in polysaccharide capsule production. The new vaccine protects children from many common serotypes, but monitoring is needed to track potential changes in capsular types.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 9, 2006

Light-based device probes for early cancer signs

A light-based device probe has been developed to detect early cancer signs in the esophagus, emitting light that scatters when it hits the cell nucleus. The technology could be adapted to detect pre-cancerous cells on any organ's surface, potentially increasing the likelihood of cancer detection.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 9, 2006

Identifying gems and minerals on Earth and on Mars

Robert Downs is almost halfway to creating a library of spectral fingerprints for all the Earth's minerals, with over 1,500 cataloged so far. The associate professor of geosciences is collaborating with colleagues to develop a pocket-sized Raman spectrometer for use on Mars and handheld instruments for identifying gemstones on Earth.

Fluoridated beverage consumption and dental fluorosis: There's a connection

Research suggests that high fluoride intake from beverages during infancy and early childhood increases the risk of dental fluorosis in permanent incisors. Consuming more 100% juice and infant formulas with naturally high water fluoride concentrations also contribute to increased fluoride intakes.