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BMC (BioMed Central)


Patients' lives at risk from needless lung scans

A recent study found that injecting contrast material before a CT scan can increase lung tissue volume in critically ill patients with ALI. This increase is attributed to fluid accumulation in the lungs, making breathing harder for these patients. The authors recommend avoiding this procedure in critically ill patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateDec 16, 2002

Comparisons of the new mouse genome sequence

The new mouse genome sequence comparison offers a consensus view of the mouse genome, helping researchers understand human genes and their role in diseases. The study's findings have significant implications for improving diagnostic tests and treatments for human diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 5, 2002

Blowing up diseased lungs could save lives

A small randomised controlled study of eight patients with ARDS found that re-inflation after suctioning increased lung volume and oxygen levels, suggesting a potential benefit for recovery. The researchers hope this technique could have a positive impact on patient outcomes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateNov 22, 2002

Geneticists tell ostrich farmers the secrets of sex

Researchers from Brazil have developed a genetic technique that can accurately sex ostrich chicks as young as five days old using feather samples. The new method involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and has been shown to agree with traditional surgical methods, opening up new possibilities for commercial ostrich breeders.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biotechnology·DateOct 16, 2002

Intensive care treatment may be bad for your health

Research by Dale Rublee and colleagues suggests that treating patients with sepsis with antithrombin III improves quality of life but not survival chances. Patients treated with the drug show marked improvements in social and psychological functioning, highlighting a new focus needed in clinical research.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateAug 12, 2002

'Sloppy genes' behave like their neighbours

Researchers found over 200 groups of adjacent and similarly expressed genes in Drosophila melanogaster, accounting for approximately 20% of the genome. The 'sloppy' regulation may reflect chromatin's packaging and influence gene expression more by accident than design.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateJun 18, 2002

Survey of intensive care units concludes that the current approach to preventing deep vein thrombosis is substandard

A survey of intensive care units found that many strategies to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were not being used, including support stockings and low molecular weight heparin. Physicians need more education on latest techniques to reduce DVT incidence, and fundamental research is needed to understand the condition.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateDec 17, 2001

Genomes on 'chips' boon to cancer research

Researchers used DNA-coated microchips to discover that flavopiridol works by broadly inhibiting messenger RNA molecules, which are responsible for carrying genetic information to cellular protein factories. This inhibition ultimately leads to a halt in the production of certain proteins, allowing normal cellular processes to continue.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateSep 13, 2001

Two bees or not two bees? Researchers take first look at the genetic differences between queen and worker honeybees

A team of researchers has discovered that queen and worker honeybees exhibit distinct gene expression profiles, with queen bees down-regulating certain genes and switching on others to support their development. This polyphenic study provides insight into the genetic processes that determine caste identity in honeybees.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 8, 2001