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Science News for August 8, 2001


In first human trial, insulin shows ability to reduce components that inflame vessel walls

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that insulin can reduce pro-inflammatory components in the bloodstream while increasing anti-inflammatory components. The results suggest that insulin may have anti-atherosclerotic effects and potentially reduce the risk of heart attack, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 8, 2001

Robots make more cash than city traders

A recent study by IBM and researchers found that software-based robotic trading agents ('bots') made seven per cent more cash than people in a commodities market test. The bots used basic strategies to maximize their profit, while humans were given an upper spending limit and minimum sale price.

Virtual news could make journalists obsolete

The AI-powered Author system can generate readable prose, including dialogue and short stories, by analyzing a story plan and applying rules to create grammatically correct sentences. However, it still lacks the ability to discern fact from fiction, which is a significant hurdle before it can be used for hot news reporting.

Cannibalism in the North Atlantic: Scripps researcher finds crustacean species keeps population in check by eating its young

A new study by Scripps researchers reveals that tiny marine crustaceans called copepods use cannibalism as a mechanism to limit their population. The study found that egg mortality in copepod species Calanus finmarchicus is directly related to the abundance of females in the population, suggesting a self-regulating mechanism.

Widespread 'superbug' is expert at acquiring drug-resistance

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that a persistent lineage of Staphylococcus aureus is exceptionally adept at acquiring resistance to antibiotics. This 'Iberian' clone, first identified in 1986, has spread globally and is resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant threat to public health.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2001