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Science News for August 2, 2001


UCSD biologists identify genetic mechanism conferring resistance to 'Bt toxins'

Scientists have discovered the genetic and molecular means by which roundworms develop resistance to Bt toxins, which are safe to humans but threaten long-term effectiveness. The researchers identified a galactosyltransferase enzyme as key to toxin recognition, enabling the development of strategies to delay or circumvent resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2001

American Thoracic Society Journal News Tips for July (Second Issue)

Researchers found upper airway sensory impairment in snorers and OSA patients, increasing the risk of obstructive breathing episodes. The study also showed partial reversibility of sensory changes with continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 2, 2001

NSF program director press statement on dinosaur nasal discovery

The National Science Foundation has funded a study that sheds light on the soft tissue biology of dinosaurs, specifically their nasal structures. The research, led by Lawrence Witmer, provides clues to how air flowed and affected olfaction and heat exchange in these prehistoric creatures.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2001

Designer chemical offers Alzheimer's hope

Researchers have designed and synthesized highly potent inhibitor compounds that could lead to an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The new inhibitors are substantially smaller, comparable in size to HIV protease inhibitor drugs, and still potent.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateAug 2, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

U of Minnesota researchers identify gene for myotonic muscular dystrophy Type 2

Researchers pinpointed the gene on chromosome 3 that causes myotonic muscular dystrophy Type 2 (DM2), a complex disease affecting multiple systems. The discovery allows for the immediate development of a genetic test and paves the way for a more complete understanding and treatment of this form of muscular dystrophy.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2001

Early detection of coeliac disease essential to prevent excess deaths

A prospective study reveals coeliac disease patients experience a substantial excess of deaths, particularly within the first three years after diagnosis and those with malabsorption symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent mortality, as delay in diagnosis and poor treatment adherence can significantly worsen outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 2, 2001

Scientists find drastic underestimations of malaria morbidity, mortality, and economic burden

Scientists have found that between 700,000 to 2.7 million people die annually from malaria, with African children being the hardest hit. The disease also has significant economic implications, as countries with severe transmission experience slower growth rates than those with fewer infections.

SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateAug 2, 2001

Dinosaurs' large noses may have been key to physiological processes

Research by Lawrence Witmer reveals that many dinosaurs had large nasal passages, contrary to previous depictions. The study suggests that these passages were positioned closer to the mouths and farther from the eyes, which could have been important for heat exchange and other physiological processes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2001
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.

New approaches to hiv treatment in less developed countries

Researchers propose integrating highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) into existing tuberculosis-control infrastructure in less-developed countries. Directly-observed therapy has shown effectiveness in resource-poor settings with sustained commitment to uninterrupted care that is free to the patient.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 2, 2001

Scientists find genetic basis of insect's resistance to engineered crops

Researchers have identified a gene that confers high levels of resistance in the tobacco budworm moth to genetically engineered crops with built-in insecticides. This discovery will enable farmers and government officials to take early steps to prevent uncontrollable outbreaks by detecting the early signs of pests evolving resistance.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2001

NYU researchers successfully immunize mice against Alzheimer's

Researchers at NYU Langone Health successfully immunized mice against Alzheimer's disease using a new vaccine that reduces amyloid plaque and soluble beta levels. The vaccine, modeled on a modified peptide, appears to be non-toxic and shows great promise for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 2, 2001
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

First HIV rat seen as best model for human studies

Researchers at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute have engineered rats to contain the genome of HIV-1, making them a valuable model for studying AIDS-related diseases. The rats develop clinical signs similar to those of AIDS in humans, including neurological abnormalities and organ damage.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Biotechnology Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2001

Low cholesterol linked to increased mortality in elderly people

A large-scale population study found that low cholesterol concentrations were associated with higher death rates among elderly people. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,500 men aged 71-93, suggested that long-term persistence of low cholesterol concentration increases the risk of death.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 2, 2001

Why patients request euthanasia or physican assisted suicide

A qualitative study of 32 people with HIV-1 or AIDS found that disintegration and loss of community are key factors driving desire for euthanasia and assisted suicide. The study suggests that clinicians must consider the complexity of patients' experiences when evaluating requests for physician-assisted suicide.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 2, 2001
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Dinosaurs had a "rostral nostril," says Science researcher

A new study in the journal Science found that dinosaurs' fleshy nostrils were typically positioned forward of their bony nose openings. This finding has implications for how dinosaurs breathed, smelled, and regulated body temperature and water loss, potentially providing clues to their adaptations to different environments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2001

Specific genotype could increase resistance to HIV drug therapy

A study found that a specific mutation in the human MDR1 gene affects P-glycoprotein expression, leading to decreased effectiveness of HIV-1 protease inhibitors in West Africans and African Americans compared to Caucasians. This could have significant implications for drug treatment in these populations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 2, 2001