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Science News for January 11, 2001


Enzyme is crucial for production of plant growth hormone

Researchers have identified a flavin monooxygenase-like enzyme central to auxin biosynthesis in plants, revealing an important pathway for auxin synthesis. The discovery offers clues that may aid researchers studying similar enzymes in mammals.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2001
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First human circadian rhythm gene identified

Researchers have pinpointed the first human gene that controls circadian rhythm, a discovery that raises hopes for treating sleep problems in adolescents, the elderly, and shift workers. The study found a mutation in the hPer2 gene, which is responsible for familial advanced sleep-phase syndrome.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2001

Researchers design new way to squelch errant enzymes

Scientists have developed a novel approach to inhibit protein kinase enzymes, which play a crucial role in triggering cancers, hardening of the arteries, and autoimmune diseases. The researchers' bisubstrate analogs effectively prevent these enzymes from working, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 11, 2001

Biological warfare: an emerging threat in the 21st century

The article highlights the risk of biological warfare, citing the existence of frozen stocks of smallpox virus and conventional biological agents. Genetic engineering also poses a threat, as microbiologists' knowledge could be used to create novel, deadly pathogens.

SourceStanford University·JournalAmerican Scientist·DateJan 11, 2001

Penn researchers protein's link to leukemia

Researchers discovered a plausible mechanism for a cancer-causing gene found in aberrant bone marrow cells. The study reveals the function of SET, a protein that helps regulate gene activity and protects cell integrity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 11, 2001

Stalking a Parkinson’s protein

Researchers have discovered a crucial genetic element that regulates alpha-synuclein protein activity, which is involved in both inherited and non-inherited forms of Parkinson's disease. By identifying this element, scientists hope to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of the devastating disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 11, 2001
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Antibiotics for the next generation

Researchers used 'gene chips' to analyze the effects of two antibiotics on bacteria, revealing distinct gene signatures that can aid in developing novel antibiotics. This technology helps classify and combat increasingly resistant bacterial strains.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJan 11, 2001

Researchers develop liquid form of DNA

Scientists have successfully created a liquid form of DNA, which can be processed in various ways and may improve genetic engineering and microelectronic circuitry. The liquid DNA is also soluble in several solvents that ordinary DNA is not, enabling new scientific studies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 11, 2001

UI researchers publish study on heart damage and muscular dystrophy

University of Iowa researchers found that long-term treatment with verapamil can prevent heart muscle damage in mice without serious side effects. They also identified a specific biomarker, cardiac troponin I, to detect early diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in patients with muscular dystrophy.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 11, 2001

Spherical motor allows 3D movement for robots, other uses

Engineers at Johns Hopkins University invented a globe-shaped motor that can rotate in any direction, giving robotic arms greater flexibility and precision. The device could also be used to create a computer mouse that interacts with the user, or as a three-dimensional wheel with omnidimensional characteristics.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJan 11, 2001
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.

Computer scientist solves old salesman problem

Weixiong Zhang developed an algorithm to tackle the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), a classic planning and scheduling problem, and found it to be the best solution for half of the tested problems. The algorithm has real-world applications in logistics, business, and even biological data analysis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJan 11, 2001

NASA Langley 2001 American Meteorological Society tip sheet

Researchers at NASA Langley studied various aspects of atmospheric science, including the tropical radiation energy budget, climate classification, and the impact of increased aircraft traffic on climate change. The study used data from the NASA Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) to analyze the effects of weather and climate para...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 11, 2001

New protein thwarts HIV attachment

Researchers have synthesized a protein called 5-Helix that jams the HIV grappling hook, preventing infection. The protein is stable and resistant to degradation, making it a promising candidate for injectable therapy.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2001