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Science News for July 3, 2007


Stem cell procedure successfully treats amyloidosis patients

Researchers from Boston University Medical Center successfully treat patients with immunoglobulin-light chain amyloidosis who did not respond to initial treatment. A tandem approach of high-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation shows improved overall survival and quality of life for these patients.

SourceBoston University·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2007

Getting old is a costly business

A study of over 3 million Italians found that men over 65 pay more for prescriptions than women, with costs escalating sharply after age 65. The research model developed in the study can help policymakers better allocate resources for prescription costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2007

Today's waste, tomorrow's fuel

Researchers at Cardiff University are developing cost-effective methods to recycle platinum and other precious metals from road dust and vehicle exhausts. This innovative approach aims to produce clean fuel cells, minimizing waste and creating reliable, greener energy.

Blood clotting protein may inhibit spinal cord regeneration

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discovered that fibrinogen inhibits neural cell growth in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. The study found that fibrinogen's binding to beta 3 integrin receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor prevents axonal growth, which is necessary for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2007

Alzheimer's prevention role discovered for prions

Researchers have identified a protective role for normal prion proteins in preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. High levels of PrPc reduced beta amyloid formation, while low or absent levels allowed it to return.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2007

Color is in the eye of the beholder

A recent study examines the remarkable two-tone color of pumpkin seed oil using imaging and CIE chromaticity coordinates. The observed color shift from red to green is attributed to changes in oil layer thickness and unique human retina cell characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJul 3, 2007

Reducing the cost of sleep disorders

The project aims to develop a cost-effective solution to reduce the financial burden of sleep disorders on the Australian healthcare system. The new web-based intelligent decision support system will enable more accurate diagnoses and help determine if a night at the sleep centre is necessary.

Cardiac surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis

Researchers found that hospital mortality increased significantly according to the Child-Pugh classification, with a mortality rate of 10 percent for those with class A, 18 percent for those with class B, and 67 percent for those with class C. Postoperative complications were also higher in class B and C than in class A.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2007

Reap what your ancestors sowed

A new model developed by Dr. Sam Brown recognizes the impact of durable goods on cooperation, showing that cheaters can increase without immediate consequences but ultimately face costs when others follow suit. This research has far-reaching implications for fields like ecology, economics, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2007

Fat kills cancer

Researchers have successfully engineered mesenchymal stem cells from human fat tissue into 'suicide genes' that seek out and destroy tumors. This gene therapy approach inhibits tumor growth by up to 68.5% in nude mice, showing promise as a novel cancer treatment strategy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 3, 2007

Penn State study suggests ways to improve US rail safety

A new Penn State study suggests ways to improve US rail safety by addressing inadequate security measures, improving coordination between agencies and leveraging the role of railroad police. The report recommends comprehensive legislation, increased funding for security efforts and enhanced training for personnel.