Ecology :: Pendulums, predators and prey – The ecology of coupled oscillations
Connect one pendulum to another with a spring, and in time the motions of the two swinging levers will become coordinated.
Food
Diabetes :: Highlights from the December 2006 Journal of the American Dietetic Association
The December 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association contains articles and research studies you may find of interest. Below is a summary of some of this month’s articles.
Theory of oscillations may explain biological mysteries
An article by John Vandermeer of the University of Michigan shows how extensions of established theory can model coupled oscillations resulting from interactions such as predation and competition. Such coupling can have far-reaching effects that may explain the higher-than-expected diversity of plankton in aquatic ecosystems and other paradoxes of species distribution.
Breast Cancer :: Abortion pill Mifeprex, RU-486 blocks breast cancer
Cell biologist Eva Lee of the University of California, Irvine, who led the research published in Friday’s edition of the journal Science, reported that a pill that women can take to abort a fetus, has the ability to put a strangle hold on the gene primarily responsible for breast cancer. The drug is called RU-486, and when given to genetically developed mice who were destined to develop breast cancer, proved to halt the progression of the disease.
Gene :: Found — the apple gene for red
CSIRO researchers have located the gene that controls the color of apples — a discovery that may lead to bright new apple varieties.
Gene :: Living view in animals shows how cells decide to make proteins
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have visualized in a living animal how cells use a critical biological process to dice and splice genetic material to create unique and varied proteins.
Wheezing :: Infants wheeze less in homes with multiple dogs
Living in a home with multiple dogs may help reduce an infant’s risk for developing wheezing in the first year of life, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC).
Cancer :: What cures your aches might prevent cancer
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has begun three clinical studies looking at the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent cancer — colon, esophageal or lung.
Heart Disease :: Barr’s Subsidiary PLIVA Receives Approval for Pravastatin Tablets
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: BRL) and its subsidiary PLIVA d.d. (LSE: PLVD; ZSE: PLVA-R-A) today announced that PLIVA has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to manufacture and market Pravastatin Tablets 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg, the generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s PRAVACHOL(R) (Pravastatin Sodium) Tablets. The Company plans to launch its product immediately. PLIVA has also received tentative approval for its Pravastatin Tablets 80mg strength and plans to launch this strength following the expiration of a competitor’s 180-day generic drug exclusivity period and subsequent final approval of PLIVA’s application.
Embolism :: Oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban shows efficacy and safety for prevention of VTE
Phase II clinical trial results published today in Circulation (2006;114:2374-2381) highlight the potential of a simple, once-daily dosing regimen of the novel, oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban (BAY 59-7939), a direct Factor Xa inhibitor. In this trial, rivaroxaban demonstrated that it may have similar safety and efficacy to subcutaneous enoxaparin (the current standard), for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing elective total hip replacement surgery.