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Science News Archive April 2007 - Page 8


Page 8 of 17

Bioluminescence at the service of a novel cerebral imaging technique

Scientists have developed a novel technique for in vivo imaging of neuronal function using bioluminescence, enabling the monitoring of calcium activity in neurons or the brain as a whole. This approach has been validated by recording neurons in the ellipsoid body and demonstrates its sensitivity and ability to study all brain structures.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2007

Sleep enforces the temporal sequence in memory

Researchers found that sleep enforces the temporal sequence in memories by replaying experiences in a forward direction. This process enhances word recall when students were asked to reproduce learned words in the correct order.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2007

Study finds no survival benefit for gastric cancer patients

A randomized controlled trial of high-risk gastric cancer patients showed no significant difference in survival between two treatment groups. The five-year survival rate was around 50%, higher than previous studies, suggesting that the quality of surgery and potential toxicity of postoperative chemotherapy may be factors.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 17, 2007

Malaria-infected mice cured by 1 dose of new drug

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new series of potent synthetic drugs modeled on an ancient Chinese herbal folk remedy that cure malaria-infected mice with a single shot. The compounds, containing a crucial oxygen-oxygen unit, promise to be more effective and potentially safer than current treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2007

Biologists prove critical step in membrane fusion

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that hemifusion, a critical step in membrane fusion, allows vesicles to share membranes without releasing their contents. This stable state enables the rapid delivery of drugs to target cells by controlling the timing of fusion.

SourceBrown University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 17, 2007

Study projects effects of forest management in Oregon's Coast Range

The study, known as CLAMS, examines ecological, economic, and social consequences of forest policies in the Coast Range. The research found that maintaining current policies will lead to increased old-growth forests and habitat for old-forest species, but may result in declines in diverse early-successional and hardwood forests.

Obesity may be linked to middle ear effusions in children

Research suggests a possible association between childhood obesity and otitis media with effusion, characterized by fluid buildup in the middle ear space. The study found higher body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol levels among children with otitis media with effusion compared to those without the condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 16, 2007

AGU Journal Highlights -- April 16, 2007

Scientists have discovered that earthquake-induced gravity field changes can slowly recover to initial conditions, possibly due to simultaneous diffusion of mantle water. This self-healing system could significantly reduce permanent shifts in the Earth's rotation axis by earthquakes. Meanwhile, recent trends in Arctic Ocean mass distri...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 16, 2007

Pimp my meatballs -- collagen injections safeguard nutrients

A new study by researchers from the Agricultural University of Poznan in Poland found that collagen injections can help retain important nutrients like iodine and thiamine in meatballs. Thiamine is essential for energy conversion, while iodine deficiency can lead to severe health issues such as goiter and impaired mental development.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 16, 2007

Johns Hopkins develops pancreas cancer risk model

A new computer software tool, PancPRO, helps genetic counselors and physicians predict the chance of carrying a gene for hereditary pancreas cancer and the lifetime risk of developing the disease. The model, developed by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers, calculates a percentage score of probability that a person carries a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 16, 2007

Clinical studies evaluate potential treatments for mouth ulcers

A clinical study found that a cream commonly used to treat eczema may be effective in treating oral erosive lichen planus, a severe inflammatory condition. Another study showed limited benefit of pentoxifylline in treating recurrent apthous stomatitis, but the treatment was associated with significant adverse effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 16, 2007

Rotavirus can spread beyond the intestine

A new study found that rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in children, can also be present systemically, with infectious virus detected in the blood of infected children. The presence of virus in the blood is directly related to the presence of antigen but independent of diarrhea.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007