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Science News for October 29, 1997


Potential Test For Lou Gehrig's Disease At Hand

Hopkins neurologist Jeffrey Rothstein's team finds 65% of ALS patients have mutations in EAAT2 protein, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment. The new test aims to detect these mutations in cerebrospinal fluid to enable doctors to check for ALS at first sign of symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateOct 29, 1997

SFSU Astronomer Sees Cataclysms At Heart Of Million-Star Cluster

Researchers have detected unusual light patterns from faint stars in a globular cluster, suggesting catastrophic star interactions. The study's findings reveal that these clusters are regions of intense stellar activity, with stars locked in orbital duets that can prevent core collapse into black holes.

SourceSan Francisco State University·DateOct 29, 1997

"Virus" Delivers Dystrophin To Mice With Muscular Dystrophy

University of Michigan scientists develop viral vector delivering dystrophin gene to adult mice with muscular dystrophy, inducing high levels of normal dystrophin protein for several months. The breakthrough could pave the way for effective gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateOct 29, 1997
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Inactivation Of Key Gene Allows Worms To Develop Without Insulin

Scientists have identified a crucial gene that controls metabolism in worms and may be responsible for diabetes. The discovery reveals that humans can live without insulin if they carry an inactive version of this gene, opening up new avenues for treating the disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 1997

New Study Casts Doubt On 'Bell Curve' Theories

A new study published in Social Science Research found that cognitive ability does not create growing differences among socioeconomic classes in the United States. Instead, educational attainment is the key variable in the American class system.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalSocial Science Research·DateOct 29, 1997

HIV Subterfuge Revealed

HIV scientists discovered a biochemical cascade initiated by virus envelope proteins that activate cells and increase their vulnerability to infection. The study found macrophage-tropic viruses use CD4 and CCR5 for cell entry, while T-cell tropic strains do not trigger signalling.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 1997