Stem cells used to combat heart disease in human

Australian surgeons have carried out the world's first trial using adult stem cells to repair heart damage in a 74-year-old man, researchers said yesterday. Surgeons at John Hunter Hospital extracted stem cells from the patient's bone marrow and then injected them back into his heart wall to stimulate blood vessel growth in areas which lacked sufficient blood supply.

The patient, who was discharged from the hospital Tuesday, will be monitored over the next six months by researchers in Australia, Hong Kong and China as part of the international experiment.

Success in using stem cells during operation could eventually offer hope to 30 percent of patients in the final stages of coronary heart disease and those unable to undergo angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Last week, Australia announced support for using human embryos in stem cell research.

Changes to ballot layout proposed by psychologist

The prevention of controversies similar to the infamous "butterfly ballot" used in Florida's Palm Beach County during the 2000 presidential election has undoubtedly become a key goal for the Federal Election Committee.

To assist the FEC, cognitive psychologist John O'Hara of the U.S. Department of Energy has been appointed to revise federal guidelines on voting systems. O'Hara specializes in the way humans respond to complex systems.

"Whether you're designing a simple voting ballot or a complex control room for a nuclear power plant, the systems have to be designed to minimize human error," O'Hara said.

Some of O'Hara's recommendations include providing all necessary voting information in a single space - on paper, machine or computerized ballot - to minimize attention shifts. He also wants to institute a means for correcting a vote response and feedback on whether or not a vote was properly registered. O'Hara added that voters should be given the opportunity to practice before they vote, especially if using a computer-based voting system.

Spice substance may curtail cancer

Curcumin, the substance that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color, may help fight cancer, according to a new study. Preliminary evidence suggests that curcumin can enhance the cancer-fighting power of treatment with TRAIL - tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand - a naturally occurring molecule used to kill cancer cells.

"Using these two agents - curcumin and TRAIL - we killed up to 80 percent of cells in culture," said study author Subhash Gautam, a researcher at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. "That's pretty remarkable."

A common ingredient in Indian food, turmeric has been known to reduce inflammation and may even protect against Alzheimer's disease.

Researcher finds carcinogenic ties to permanent dye

Women who use permanent hair dye on a regular basis may have higher risk for bladder cancer, according to a new study from the University of Southern California.

"In earlier research, we found that permanent dye was a significant, independent risk factor for bladder cancer. Now we have found a genetic connection. Women who eliminated the carcinogen more slowly are more at risk," research author Manuela Gago-Dominguez said.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires inspection of all coloring agents used in cosmetics and food, hair dyes have historically been exempt from safety testing.

However, the probability of developing bladder cancer is fairly low. Approximately 6 percent of new cancer cases in men and 2 percent of cases in women arise in the bladder.

- Compiled by Daily Staff Reporter Kylene Kiang.