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Science News Archive July 2009 - Page 20


Page 20 of 23

Mice with skin condition help scientists understand tumor growth

Researchers engineered mice with a persistent wound-like skin condition to study tumor growth. The study found that chronic skin wounds promote skin tumors by secreting molecules that activate dermal cells and increase inflammation. Notch1 signaling plays a critical role in this process, suggesting potential complications for drug design.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 6, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: July 6, 2009

Researchers have identified a potential tumor suppressor gene, CST5, that mediates the anticancer effects of vitamin D3 in human colon cancer cells. The study found that cystatin D protein inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and was induced by vitamin D3, suggesting its role as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 6, 2009

Amino acid may help treat patients with hair-pulling condition

A 12-week study found that N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced hair-pulling symptoms in patients with trichotillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive hair-pulling and significant psychosocial problems. The treatment was well-tolerated and compared favorably to existing treatment options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 6, 2009

Microscopic 'beads' could help create 'designer' immune cells that ignore transplanted organs

Researchers have discovered a method to deliver a natural suppressor of the immune response, HLA-G, directly to dendritic cells using microscopic beads. This approach shows promise in creating 'designer' immune cells that can tolerate transplanted organs. The therapy could potentially replace current anti-rejection drugs and improve pa...

Sugar substitute appears to prevent early childhood cavities

A recent study found that xylitol syrup can effectively prevent tooth decay in primary teeth of toddlers. The study involved 94 children aged 9-15 months and showed a significant reduction in decayed teeth among those receiving xylitol syrup, with up to 70% prevention rate.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 6, 2009

Ancient fossils shed light on anatomical changes accompanying evolution of first land vertebrates

Researchers studied 35 ancient tetrapods to understand anatomical changes during the transition from fish to amphibians. They found that bones changed size at different rates, resulting in reshaping of body shape over time. This study supports the idea that modern amphibians evolved through paedomorphosis and miniaturization.

Carbohydrate acts as tumor suppressor

Researchers discovered that certain carbohydrates on normal cells and enzymes like β3GnT1 function as tumor suppressors. Upregulation of β3GnT1 reduced tumor activity and metastasis in breast and prostate cancers. The study provides new insights into the role of complex carbohydrates in cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009

DNA variations linked to brain tumors

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of California San Francisco have discovered a connection between DNA alterations on human chromosome 9 and glioblastoma. The study found that individuals with specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are 50% more likely to develop the aggressive brain cancer.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 5, 2009

The GenoMEL project identifies a new region of the genome associated with the risk of melanoma

A new region of the genome associated with an increased risk of melanoma has been identified by researchers at Leeds University and IDIBAPS, funded by the European Commission. The study found a link between this region and skin pigmentation, as well as two previously identified regions linked to melanoma risk.

Ferns took to the trees and thrived

Researchers at Duke University found that ferns diversified significantly during the Cretaceous period, when flowering plants dominated plant communities. Ferns adapted by developing the ability to live on light with a red spectrum and becoming epiphytes, thriving in tree canopies.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2009