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Science News for December 11, 2000


Blocking enzyme imprisons malaria parasites

Researchers found a way to prevent infectious malaria particles from bursting out of their protective sacs by blocking the activity of a protein-snipping enzyme called protease. This discovery suggests that protease inhibitors could be used to treat malaria infection and keep the infectious particles imprisoned until they deteriorate.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2000
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HIV research takes promising new direction

Researchers have discovered a new family of anti-viral compounds, guanidinoglycosides, that target the genetic structure of HIV essential to its replication. These compounds aim to prevent HIV from forming and spreading throughout the body by targeting the 'Rev' protein responsible for producing and spreading infected cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateDec 11, 2000

Violent media not to blame for violent people

A University of Toronto professor's comprehensive review of research on media violence reveals no link between watching violent shows and aggressive behavior. The majority of studies found little to no evidence of a correlation between media violence exposure and increased violence in viewers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateDec 11, 2000

Crime in a pill only a myth, say researchers

A study by University of Toronto researchers found no rape charges involving drinks laced with club drugs on two Ontario campuses. The focus on date rape drugs distracts from real problems that lead to sexual assaults involving alcohol.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEconomy and Society·DateDec 11, 2000

Lifting the pressure on holiday party perfectionists

Perfectionists experience anxiety and depression when minor hassles pile up during the holidays. To mitigate this, Blankstein suggests planning ahead, involving others in tasks, and accepting help from loved ones. His study based on 443 university students provides valuable insights into perfectionism's impact on mental health.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology·DateDec 11, 2000
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Home-based primary care improves quality of life for VA patients and caregivers

A home-based primary care intervention program by the Department of Veterans Affairs significantly improved health-related quality of life and satisfaction for patients and their caregivers. The study found that Team-Managed Home-Based Primary Care (TM/HBPC) improved HR-QoL scales, caregiver outcomes, and reduced hospital readmissions.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJAMA·DateDec 11, 2000

Scientists perform whole-genome, whole-brain study of Down syndrome

Researchers compared whole genome activity in trisomy mice brains to normal mice detecting 25,000 genes active, with altered protein manufacturing found in trisomy mice. This study provides a preliminary look at how the whole genome operates in the brain and suggests protein manufacturing could be altered in Down syndrome patients.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateDec 11, 2000

Safe diving poses no risk of brain injury

A study published in Neurology found that long-term scuba diving has no effect on brain function or structure. The researchers tested 24 professional divers and 24 non-divers and found no significant differences in cognitive function or brain imaging.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 11, 2000

Researchers push back the clock on native farming history

Researchers have discovered evidence of agriculture dating back 1,400 years to the Princess Point people in southwestern Ontario. Well-preserved remnants of these ancient corn crops can still be found in the area, providing valuable insights into the transition from a hunting and gathering society to an agricultural one.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateDec 11, 2000
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Difficult mood disorder successfully treated

A large-scale study has found lamotrigine to be safe and effective in preventing episodes of mood swings in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. The study, published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, showed that 41% of patients who received lamotrigine remained stable without relapse for six months, compared to 26% on placebo.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 11, 2000

First-ever complete plant genome sequence is announced

The complete genome sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana reveals clues to genetic behavior in plants and animals, with potential applications for agriculture and medicine. The public domain genome catalog provides a resource for scientists worldwide.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2000

Study in JAMA shows benefits of innovative VA home care model

The study found that the VA home care model significantly improved health-related quality of life and caregiver satisfaction compared to private-sector home care. Terminally ill patients scored higher on several quality-of-life measures, while non-terminally ill patients showed significant increases in satisfaction with care.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA·DateDec 11, 2000

More study needed on creatine use among athletes, Mayo Clinic reports

A recent survey of high school athletes found that most users rely on friends for information, take unknown dosages, and experience minor side effects. The Mayo Clinic authors stress the need for larger studies to understand the long-term effects of creatine supplementation in this age group.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateDec 11, 2000
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