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Science News for August 13, 1997


Protein Escort Service

A Weizmann Institute study suggests that master-key antibodies interact with proline on proteins and protein fragments to escort them out of the body. This research provides scientific basis for theory that these antibodies may remove broad range of unneeded proteins without affecting beneficial ones.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 1997

Altered Genes, Altered Metabolism--Longer Life?

Researchers have identified the daf-2 gene as a potential target for slowing aging in humans. Altering glucose metabolism may be crucial in extending lifespan. By understanding this mechanism, scientists hope to uncover new strategies for promoting healthy aging and increasing human longevity.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 1997
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New Gene May Intensify Breast Cancer Growth

A new gene, AIB1, has been discovered in breast cancer cells that amplifies their growth. The gene is part of a family known as SRC-1 and interacts with steroid hormone receptors, enhancing tumor cell growth.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 1997

A Mismatch Made In Heaven

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute successfully created uniformly oriented crystals of varying sizes by fine-tuning the small remaining mismatch between two materials. The method, using a technique called electrodeposition, holds promise for developing tiny semiconductors with new optoelectronic properties.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 13, 1997

Female Adolescents Need Calcium During 'Window Of Opportunity'

A study by Purdue University researchers found that adolescent girls aged 12-15 require 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day to achieve maximum bone growth. The new recommendation aims to address the fact that nine out of ten teenage girls do not meet the current daily intake of four cups of dairy products.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 13, 1997
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Where Fossils Fear To Tread: Scientists Follow Genes To An Ancient Ancestor

Researchers have discovered powerful evidence that an ancient common ancestor invented a set of body-building genetic machinery that has survived to this day. This discovery revolutionizes our understanding of the origin of animal life, as it reveals that the development of appendages was solved just once in the distant past.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 1997

First-Of-A-Kind Study By University Of Georgia Ecologist Estimates Role Of Natural Forces On Insect Populations

A University of Georgia ecologist has estimated the relative importance of predation and plant quality on insect populations using time-series analysis. The study found that top-down forces regulate winter moth populations, while bottom-up forces dominate green oak leaf roller moth populations.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 1997

New Approach To Multidrug Resistance

The study reveals that a low-dose pretreatment with certain DNA-crosslinking agents can temporarily suppress P-glycoprotein production, increasing the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to chemotherapy. This approach may increase the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy in patients and minimize drug interactions.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 13, 1997

Study: Device Prevents Epileptic Seizures, Doesn't Damage Hearts

A new vagus nerve stimulator device has been shown to prevent epileptic seizures in over 30% of patients, with some becoming completely seizure-free. The device, which is battery-operated and inserted just below the collarbone, sends electric current to stimulate the vagus nerve without impairing heart rate or cardiac cycles.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalSeizure·DateAug 13, 1997
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Condemnation May Be Driving Circumcised Women From Health Care

Researchers say that physicians' negative reactions to female circumcision may drive circumcised women away from health care. A study found that more than 80 percent of African refugee women in the US are circumcised and need knowledgeable treatment. Guidelines for caring for circumcised women have been developed to address this issue.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 1997

Controlling Tropical Chaos

Researchers successfully controlled El Nino's behavior in a complex prediction model by altering values for deep ocean waves. This achievement may help improve El Nino event predictions, leading to measures that reduce global damage.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 13, 1997

Sleep Apnea Is A Risk Factor For Hypertension

Researchers found a causal relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and hypertension in a substantial number of American adults. People with mild to moderate sleep apnea were 1.8 times more likely to have hypertension than those without, with the severity of apnea linked to increased blood pressure risk.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 1997

Language Barriers Can Be Hazardous To Your Health

A Canadian survey analysis suggests that language barriers are a significant factor in reduced healthcare access for non-native English speakers. Researchers urge improving communication with such patients to increase participation in preventive health programs, but caution that some solutions may be too costly or ineffective.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 1997
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

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Reality Bites

Scientists pinpoint exact spot where snake venom latches onto receptor, paving way for synthetic antidote. The new treatment could be more effective and faster-acting than current method, eliminating risk of allergy.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 1997