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Science News Archive April 2008


Page 1 of 22

UCLA stem cell researchers create heart and blood cells from reprogrammed skin cells

Scientists at UCLA have successfully differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) into three types of cardiovascular cells, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. This discovery could potentially lead to new therapies for heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular disea...

Does 1q31.1-32.1 harbor a tumor suppressor gene related to Chinese SCC patients?

A new study has identified a potential tumor suppressor gene related to Chinese colorectal cancer patients, located on the long arm of chromosome 1 (1q31.1-32.1). The researchers found a minimal region of frequent deletion in this area, which they believe may be responsible for the development of colorectal cancer in Chinese patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

Dual treatment of incontinence and dementia associated with functional decline

Researchers found that older adults with dementia and incontinence taking both medications experienced a 50% faster decline in function, from requiring limited assistance to complete dependence. The study highlights the potential risks of combining anticholinergic agents for incontinence and cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 30, 2008

Tree-lined streets mean lower rates of childhood asthma

Research suggests that areas with more street trees have lower rates of childhood asthma among 4-5 year olds and hospital admissions for older children. Tree density was found to be associated with reduced asthma prevalence, even after controlling for pollution and socioeconomic factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 30, 2008

Synergistic growth inhibitory effect of herbal extracts against HCC and lung cancer cells

Research found that herbal extracts from Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia bellerica exhibit synergistic growth inhibitory effects when combined with conventional cytotoxic agents like doxorubicin and cisplatin. This enhances therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects, offering a potential new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

Are you looking at me?

Researchers at the University of Bristol demonstrate that birds respond to subtle signals from humans, including eye-gaze direction, to avoid predators. This ability allows starlings to gain valuable feeding time before others join a competitive foraging patch.

UMCES-led research team quantifies nutrient pollution reductions from urban stream restoration

A UMCES-led research team has developed a new technology to quantify the environmental benefits of urban stream restoration, showing that stream restoration techniques can double nitrogen removal rates by microbes and reduce nitrogen levels in ground water. This breakthrough will help improve water quality in urban environments.

The most natural drug

Researchers develop new process to identify and clone human antibodies tailored to fight specific infections, offering rapid and effective treatments for influenza and other diseases. The technology has the potential to provide therapy for existing infections or passive immunity against future infection.

Graphene-based gadgets may be just years away

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed tiny liquid crystal devices with graphene electrodes, paving the way for computer and TV displays based on this technology. The graphene-based films are highly transparent and conductive, making them ideal for applications in various electro-optical devices.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 30, 2008

Gastric juice for diagnosis of H. pylori infection in patients on proton pump inhibitors

A new gastric juice PCR test has been evaluated as a highly specific and rapid method for detecting H. pylori infection in patients taking acid-reducing drugs. The study found that the test was more accurate than other methods for diagnosing the infection, which is associated with various gastrointestinal diseases.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

Melanoma of the rectum: A rare entity

A primary anorectal melanoma was reported in a 41-year-old man, presenting with rectal bleeding and polypoid tumor. Histopathology revealed a melanoma, but initial dissemination studies were negative. Unfortunately, metastases developed two years later, leading to the patient's death.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

Not just for the monkeys: New publication shows evolution is everywhere

A new scientific journal uses evolutionary biology to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, food safety, and infectious diseases. The journal features articles that discuss topics ranging from adapting to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide to predicting the extinction of certain populations due to human-mediated stresses.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateApr 30, 2008

How to manage Chinese obese children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

A recent study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that short-term lifestyle intervention is more effective than vitamin E capsule therapy in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese obese children. The researchers recommend lifestyle modification as the first step in treating NAFLD, citing its ...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

Climate change threats to HIV rates

Climate change poses a significant threat to global HIV rates, exacerbated by economic pressures and food scarcity. The event aims to address the topic of an HIV-free future and features discussions on prevention, antiretroviral therapy, and integrated care.

Salk study links diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a probable molecular basis for the interaction between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that damaged blood vessels in the brain of young diabetic mice suffered from significant memory loss and inflammation before any overt signs of Alzheimer's disease appeared.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateApr 30, 2008

Southern flavor in the Arctic

Researchers found a special geochemical signature in Arctic volcanic rocks that resembles the one found only in the southern hemisphere. The discovery suggests that processes at work in the Indian Ocean might have an analog in the northern hemisphere, and sheds light on the origin of the Dupal anomaly.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2008