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Planet Earth, Space Debris
Abstract The Astronomy and Space Exploration Society’s 6th annual conference in early 2009 discussed the new: new space robots, new space nations, new space motives, and new space problems. That is the general purpose of a conference, after all – to discuss what’s new. Included in the discussion was the concept that space flight is ...
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The Evolution of Breast Tumor Therapeutics – A review
Abstract Survival rate among breast cancer patients has significantly increased over the past 20 years due to improved therapeutic regimens and better screening strategies. Though the mainstay of tumor treatment has been surgical removal of the tumor mass, it is the improvement in adjuvant chemotherapeutic armamentarium that has contributed most to a decline in the ...
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The place and function of non-coding DNA in the evolution of variability
Abstract The function of intergenic and intragenic non-coding DNA, also called ‘junk DNA’ is a highly debated topic in evolutionary biology. We find an extensive amount of non-coding DNA in eukaryotes. In contrast, the prokaryotic genome has no introns and very few non-coding areas. Researchers have attributed various functions to some parts of the non-coding ...
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Human Endometrial Adult Stem Cells May Differentiate Into Odontoblast Cells
Abstract Tooth regeneration is a biological technique used to solve problems of tooth loss. The detection of various stem cells in unerupted tooth buds, dental pulp or bone marrow has provided opportunities for their management in dentin-pulp repair. However, these cell types are limited by availability, invasiveness of extraction and in some cases limited proliferative ...
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Reducing mercury release from dental amalgam fillings and improving patient acceptability
Abstract Currently, the most common types of materials used for dental restorations are silver amalgam and composite resins. Unfortunately, both have disadvantages. Silver amalgam is favored for its ease of use, moderate cost and physical properties such as strength, durability and relative insensitivity to moisture. However, it lacks esthetic appeal. In addition, mercury is released ...
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How Does Bariatric Surgery Cure Type II Diabetes? The hypothesis of a pathogenic insulin analogue that interferes with the function of endogenous insulin causing insulin resistance and NIDDM
Abstract This hypothesis proposes the existence of a Pathogenic Insulin Analogue (PIA), which is absorbed in the proximal gut and interferes with the insulin binding receptors, preventing the normal function of endogenous insulin. PIA, causes or substantially contributes to, the development of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). PIA is produced ...
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The “Genius Germs” Hypothesis: Were epidemics of leprosy and tuberculosis responsible in part for the great divergence?
Abstract There is evidence to suggest that infectious agents may be involved in the chain of causation of schizophrenia – a disease characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism in the brain and increased creativity. Manipulation of host lipid pathways represents a significant mechanism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae to cause and sustain infection. Leprosy and ...
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Vol.7 No.1: In This Issue…
When Stems Branch Odontoblasts Though tooth loss is becoming less common in developing countries, it is still a problem that has both functional and aesthetic consequences. Tooth replacement techniques, like tooth implants, bridges and dentures, are successfully used; however, none of these can create a new tooth. Regenerative medicine is the only path towards the ...
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Trust in Science
A recent article by Lisa Gross in PLoS Biology provides a retrospective look at the vaccine-autism controversy (1). The report of a possible link between the MMR vaccine and an increased incidence of autism originated from a small case study published in 1998 in The Lancet, a well-respected medical journal (2). Public fear was further ...