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Science News for July 1, 1998


New Penn State Software Predicts Battery Failure

Researchers create neural network pattern recognition software to predict battery performance and life, providing faster and cheaper data for manufacturers. The software uses only minutes of laboratory test data and can be used to build better batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateJul 1, 1998

Pharmacologists Discover Linkage Of Key Cell Switches

Researchers found that an enzyme called kinase IV is regulated by another enzyme called phosphatase 2A, which attaches to it and quickly shuts it down. This discovery provides insight into how cells control their activities and offers potential for developing targeted drugs to kill cancer cells or bacteria.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJul 1, 1998

Novel Liver Steroid Slows Brain Tumor Growth

Squalamine, a novel liver steroid, has been shown to inhibit the growth of brain tumors called gliomas by disabling blood vessel formation. In laboratory tests, it proved as effective as carmustine in slowing tumor growth and constricting blood vessels, suggesting potential as a human therapy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 1, 1998

Obesity And Breathing Capacity

A study of 1235 adults found that obesity was associated with reduced breathing capacity, but only when fat mass was present. Handgrip strength and muscular fitness were also linked to improved lung function, suggesting a mediating role in the relationship between body composition and respiratory function.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 1, 1998

Fish Oils And Heart Disease

The study found that dietary DHA and EPA supplementation significantly influenced heart rate, with improved left ventricular diastolic filling observed in the marine oil groups. The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids may affect cardiac mechanics in humans.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 1, 1998

Scientists Learn How Cells Limit Their Stress

Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a new regulatory molecule, HSBP-1, that regulates the production of heat shock proteins in response to stress. This finding may lead to new insights into cell death associated with aging and diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 1, 1998

Researchers Document Transmission Of Protease-Resistant HIV

A team of researchers documented a case of transmission of protease-resistant HIV, which is resistant to six of the 11 approved HIV anti-retroviral drugs. The patient was infected through unprotected anal intercourse with a partner who had previously been treated with these drugs, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 1, 1998