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Science News Archive 2001 - Page 28


Page 28 of 47

Licensing and registration of firearms makes it harder for criminals and juveniles to get guns, new study shows

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that states with mandatory licensing and registration of handguns reduce the number of crime guns sold by in-state dealers. Cities with stricter gun laws have lower rates of crime guns sold outside the state, supporting the benefits of comprehensive handgun sales laws.

Cancer-detecting microchip - a micromachined cantilever - is sensitive assay for prostate cancer and potentially other diseases, researchers report

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a sensitive assay for detecting proteins associated with prostate cancer, which could lead to fast screening and molecular profiling for various diseases. The technique uses micromachined cantilevers that can detect levels of protein markers 20 times lower than the clinically relevant threshold.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 30, 2001

Plastic is forever -- or not

Virginia Tech researchers have made a breakthrough in creating polymers that can be reversed using heat, opening up new possibilities for thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and novel adhesives. The team synthesized nano-phase separated polystyrene and polyisoprene based materials containing reversible linkages.

Chemists use statistics to improve creativity

Chemists are using statistical design of experiments and parallel reactors to improve the creation of polymers. This approach enables the efficient production of novel elastomers by determining the optimal reaction conditions. By doing so, researchers can generate predictive models and discover new materials.

New dinosaur expert publishes in Nature

Dr. Peter Makovicky's discovery sheds new light on the feeding behavior of ornithomimid dinosaurs, revealing a possible adaptation to filter-feed tiny invertebrates and particles from water and sediment. The find is significant as it provides evidence for the unique beak structure found in two well-preserved specimens.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2001

T cell responses in aplastic anemia

Research in aplastic anemia reveals crucial insights into immune system dysfunction and potential therapeutic targets. Patients with aplastic anemia display impaired T cell responses, indicating a critical link between immunodeficiency and disease progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 29, 2001

Plastic tube may help treat paralysis

A team of researchers has developed a novel treatment for spinal cord injuries using a plastic tube filled with chemicals that promote nerve growth. The tube, designed to mimic the flexibility of the spinal cord, provides a pathway for neurons to grow and potentially reconnect severed nerves.

Too much soy could lead to kidney stones

Researchers found that store-bought tofu, soy cheese, and soy drinks contain significant levels of oxalate, which can bind with calcium in the kidneys to form kidney stones. The American Dietetic Association recommends limiting oxalate intake to 10 milligrams per serving for patients with a history of kidney stones.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 28, 2001

New bar coding system helps decode drug discovery

A new bar coding system developed by Purdue University chemists can quickly identify the most biologically active compounds among thousands of candidates. The method uses standard spectrometers and reduces the laborious process to a few hours, cutting down time needed to identify active compounds to zero.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 28, 2001