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Science News Archive October 2000 - Page 5


Page 5 of 6

Putting muscle in the nucleus

A team of scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago has discovered a molecular motor called myosin-1 in the nucleus, where it powers the assembly line that forges RNA messages off DNA templates. This finding offers insight into the DNA transcription process and may lead to new ways to treat cancers and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2000

The human side of restoring nature

A new book examines the human aspects of environmental restoration, exploring moral and ethical questions, conflicts over nature definition, and the role of stakeholders. The study suggests ways to resolve restoration conflicts and highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement in sustaining projects.

Golgi lipids regulate protein trafficking

Golgi lipids play a crucial role in regulating protein trafficking, disrupting the organization of the Golgi apparatus and blocking certain proteins from being trafficked. The study found that PLA2 overexpression causes the fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, similar to changes during mitosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 10, 2000

Global capital mobility stifles union organizing

A study by Cornell labor experts found that global capital mobility and ineffective labor laws create a climate where employers threaten to close plants or move investments to avoid unionization. This leads to increased job insecurity and no real wage gains for workers, despite the longest economic boom in US history.

How streptococci go for the throat

Streptococcal bacteria use the bacterial capsule containing hyaluronic acid to bind to epithelial cells of the pharynx and cause sore throats. Suppression of CD44 levels or use of antibodies/ exogenous hyaluronic acid can block this interaction.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 10, 2000

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Puget Sound Oncology Consortium to participate in nationwide study to evaluate benefit of Herceptin therapy

The Puget Sound Oncology Consortium is partnering with the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project to evaluate Herceptin therapy in women with early stage breast cancer. The trial, Protocol B-31, aims to assess the safety and efficacy of combining Herceptin with chemotherapy in treating node-positive breast cancer patients.

Driving differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute successfully directed human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into three germ layers: ectodermal (brain, skin), mesodermal (muscle) and endodermal (liver and pancreas). The study suggests that a combination of growth factors may be needed to achieve specific cell lineages.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2000

UIC to begin prenatal diagnosis study

Researchers at UIC College of Medicine are developing a powerful new prenatal diagnostic technique to detect genetic abnormalities in fetal blood cells. The technique, using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), will identify defects in individual genes and could potentially be used by all women who wish to undergo screening.

Sensor system sees missile launch

A new airborne infrared search and track system, called Risk Mitigation Sensor (RMS), recently passed a key test detecting the launch of a Black Brant missile. The RMS technology has applications in various military aircraft and systems, potentially entering Fleet use within five years.

The Knowledge Wall

The Knowledge Wall is an ONR-funded concept using commercial technology to display relevant data on a single wall. It was installed onboard the USS CORONADO, addressing issues faced by naval decision-makers.

Green light special

The US Navy is adopting new green LEDs in traffic lights that can deliver up to 10 times more power at microwave frequencies as traditional silicon semiconductors, promising improved radar systems performance. Gallium nitride-based materials are being used to replace vacuum tubes in high-power military microwave systems.