Buckyballs Fight Nerve Damage
Researchers found buckyballs protect nerve cells from various types of damage, including stroke and spinal cord injury. In a mouse model of ALS, modified buckyballs delayed symptoms and increased lifespan by up to 15%.
Science News for August 19, 1997
UF Researchers Build A Runway As A Landing Zone For Lightning Bolts
Researchers at the University of Florida have built a 300-foot experimental runway to study the effects of lightning strikes on existing runway lighting systems. The runway, equipped with various lighting systems, will be struck by lightning-induced electrical discharges from rockets launched into dark skies.
Sexual Assault Victims Don't Have Trouble Perceiving Danger Cues
A study of 224 female college students in Ohio found that those who had experienced sexual assault listed as many danger cues in a rape video as those with no history of victimization. This suggests that victim status may not be related to the perception of danger, and raises questions about why re-victimization occurs.
Acquiring Herpes Late In Pregnancy Brings Special Dangers To The Newborn
Research found that 2-3% of pregnant women acquire herpes during pregnancy, with the greatest risk to infants when acquired late. Routine testing for herpes can help prevent transmission and inform birthing decisions.
Harvard Medical School Researchers Identify A New Family Of Candidate Pheromone Receptors
Researchers have identified a multigene family of candidate pheromone receptors expressed by sensory neurons in the vomeronasal organ, which may recognize different classes of pheromones. The discovery could lead to understanding of innate behaviors and mating behaviors in mice.
Wild Plant Genes Increase Food Production
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a way to increase food production in crops by using wild plant genes. By combining domesticated and wild gene varieties, they observed significant improvements in grain yield, with some increases of up to 48%.
NIH Leads International Group That Identifies Gene For Familial Mediterranean Fever: Mutations Date Back To Biblical Times
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), an inherited disease characterized by recurring fevers, abdominal pain, and inflammation. The discovery of the pyrin protein mutations may lead to a simple diagnostic blood test and improved treatments for FMF.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases·JournalCell·DateAug 19, 1997
Preventing Perinatal Infections -- For Pennies
A low-cost antiseptic solution significantly reduced postpartum infectious problems in both mothers and babies, resulting in a three-fold reduction in infant deaths related to sepsis. The solution, 0.25 percent chlorhexidine in sterile water, was applied at each vaginal examination before delivery and to babies after birth.