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Science News for August 17, 1999


Pinpoint targeting promises improved success in gene therapy for blood and other disorders

Researchers at UNC-CH have developed a gene therapy method that targets specific types of cells, avoiding the less effective 'shotgun' approach. The technique successfully corrects genetic defects in primitive stem cells, which can be used to treat inherited blood disorders like hemophilia and non-inherited illnesses such as cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 1999

Immune molecule found to kill indirectly by closing receptor to live-saving help

Researchers found an immune molecule that kills damaged cells indirectly by closing receptors to a life-saving protein, shedding new insight on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and stroke. The findings could lead to targeted treatments for brain injuries and diseases involving neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 1999

Microbial janitors tackle nuclear clean-up problems

Researchers are using naturally occurring microbes to clean radioactively contaminated walls and ceilings at a shut down reactor in the UK. The technology removes surface contamination through a microbial decontamination process, significantly reducing waste treatment costs and improving personnel safety.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateAug 17, 1999
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Women find physician guidelines on estrogen replacement therapy are lacking

A Harvard Medical School study reveals that physician guidelines for estrogen replacement therapy fail to address women's concerns and needs. Researchers found that patients value healthcare provider opinions, media influences, and friend opinions when making decisions about hormone replacement therapy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 17, 1999

Images of enzyme suggest way to improve DNA sequencing

Researchers have identified a structural anomaly in the Taq DNA polymerase enzyme that hampers its performance in DNA sequencing. By modifying this anomaly, scientists created an improved version of the enzyme, which increases sequencing speed and reduces errors.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 1999

New study finds graduating nurses ill-prepared to care for the elderly

A recent study found that the majority of nurses in hospitals and nursing homes are ill-prepared to care for the elderly, with many having no formal training in gerontology. The study calls for increased geriatric education in nursing programs to ensure optimal care for older adults, who account for a growing share of healthcare needs.

SourceNew York University Division of Nursing·DateAug 17, 1999

National award recognizes local researcher Andrew Hamilton

Andrew Hamilton, an organic chemist at Yale University, is being honored with the American Chemical Society's Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for his work on designing molecules that can control cell growth in cancer treatment. His research focuses on targeting a protein called Ras, which accounts for over 30% of all cancers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 17, 1999
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Study suggests potential new approach to glaucoma therapy

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential new approach to treating glaucoma by inhibiting an enzyme that produces excessive nitric oxide, leading to cell damage. The study found that rats with elevated eye pressure lost less than 10% of their retinal ganglion cells when treated with the inhibitor.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 1999