Quantcast

Cells From Fat Tissue Turned Into Functional Nerve Cells

Two years after transforming human fat cells into what appeared to be nerve cells, a group led by Duke University Medical Center researchers has gone one step further by demonstrating that these new cells also appear to act like nerve cells. The team said that the results of its latest experiments provide the most compelling scientific evidence to date that researchers will in the future be able to take cells from a practically limitless source — fat — and retrain them to differentiate along new developmental paths. These cells, they said, could then be used to possibly treat a number of human ailments of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate boosts blood vessel function

Scientists are publishing sweet results of a study examining chocolate’s effects on blood vessel function in healthy people. The team reports that small daily doses of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate consumed over a two-week period improved blood vessels’ ability to dilate, or expand. They also report that a particular flavonoid thought to be beneficial for blood vessel function, epicatechin, was absorbed at high levels in the blood.

Study offers new perspectives on NCAA coaching legend John Wooden

A study by researchers reveals the daily, detailed and deliberate planning behind the unprecedented coaching success of UCLA basketball legend John Wooden, who led teams to an unprecedented 10 NCAA championships. The researchers also revisit their methods and offer assessments of what they might do differently were they to conduct a similar study today.

Delivery system crosses blood-brain barrier to target brain cancer

Researchers have combined novel molecular targeting technologies to deliver gene-silencing therapy specifically to tumor cells shielded by a normally impermeable obstacle, the blood brain barrier. In the June 1 issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research, William Pardridge, M.D., UCLA, reported that a delivery packet equipped with two specific antibodies first recognizes the transferrin receptor, a key protein portal in the blood brain barrier, and then gains entry into brain cancer cells with the second antibody targeting the human insulin receptor.

Virus tied to breast cancer opens door to possible vaccine

A new study has found evidence of a link between a common virus and breast cancer in women under the age of 40 years. The research suggests that those women who are exposed in adulthood to the virus, cytomegalovirus, may have a greater risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer affecting women. 377 women were included in the study, and blood samples were taken to measure antibody levels to cytomegalovirus, and to another virus; Epstein-Barr virus.

Breakthrough Research to Improve Forecasts of Sunspot Cycle

Using a new computer model of the Sun, scientists have begun work on a groundbreaking forecast of the next cycle of sunspots. Mausumi Dikpati of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) announced new research leading to an improved forecast of cycle 24 at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in Denver. Predicting features of the solar cycle may help society anticipate sunspots and associated solar storms, which can disrupt communications and power systems and expose astronauts to high amounts of radiation.

Tropical Plants Help Identify Lags Between Abrupt Climate and Vegetation Shifts

Clues to the timing and cause of abrupt climate changes in the past may lie in ocean floor sediments, according to a study by scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In a paper published May 21 in the journal Science through its Science Express web site, Konrad Hughen, Timothy Eglinton, Li Xu and Matthew Makou used multiple records of climatic and terrestrial vegetation change preserved in ocean floor sediments in the Cariaco Basin in Northern Venezuela. The sediment cores revealed rapid changes during the last deglaciation 15,000 to 10,000 years ago.

All systems go for gravity probe at five-week mark

At five weeks past launch, the Gravity Probe B mission is now about half way through the Initialization and Orbit Checkout (IOC) phase of the mission. Thus far, the team has successfully transmitted over 5,000 commands to the spacecraft, which remains healthy on orbit. All spacecraft subsystems are continuing to perform well. The spacecraft’s orbit is stable, meeting our requirements for next month’s transition into the science phase of the mission. All four gyros are now digitally suspended, and the team is in the process of locking the on-board telescope onto the guide star, IM Pegasi.

Breast reduction might diminish cancer in high-risk women

Women at high risk of developing breast cancer may have an additional preventative alternative to having their breasts removed — breast reduction surgery, according to a new study. Although the complete removal of a woman’s breasts can diminish the chance of developing this potentially fatal disease, most women find it extremely difficult to elect to remove their breasts. Women may now have an additional preventative option, based on this report, to have their breasts reduced rather than removed. This represents a real alternative for someone who is a candidate for breast reduction, even though the amount of tissue removed may be small.

New mouse species found in the Philippines

A team of American and Filipino biologists has discovered a new species — or perhaps a new genus — of mouse in the Philippines that took them quite by surprise. The tiny mouse was captured on Mount Banahaw, a national park in the south-central portion of Luzon Island, only about 50 miles from Manila. The bright-orange animal has a large head, heavily muscled jaws and powerful teeth that can open hard nuts. It weighs about 15 grams, and has a body length of 3 inches and a tail of four inches. The mammal’s whiskers are about eight times as wide as its head, and there is a second set of ”whiskers” that arise from a patch at the back edge of each eye.

Data Mining: Federal Efforts Cover a Wide Range of Uses

Federal agencies are using data mining for a variety of purposes, ranging from improving service or performance to analyzing and detecting terrorist patterns and activities. Our survey of 128 federal departments and agencies on their use of data mining shows that 52 agencies are using or are planning to use data mining.