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Science News for January 29, 2001


Nagyvary's violin research to be celebrated Feb. 12

Nagyvary's work has concentrated on a chemical approach to the unique Stradivarius sound, focusing on wood quality, filler, and varnish. He believes chemicals are the prominent reason why a Stradivarius has such a distinct sound, with spectroscopic tests confirming his results.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJan 29, 2001
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Gene study to unlock causes of stroke

Researchers will examine genetic factors that might predispose people to ischaemic stroke, using a novel molecular strategy and data from 500 patients. The study aims to identify genes involved in stroke and develop new treatments, which could increase protection against subsequent strokes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateJan 29, 2001

African American teens at greater risk of tobacco addiction

Research highlights ethnoracial differences in nicotine dependence among adolescent African Americans, suggesting culturally-relevant cessation treatment. Tobacco use disproportionately affects African Americans, increasing risk of smoking-related health issues.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJan 29, 2001

Drug decreases blood vessel stiffness in older primates

A novel drug ALT-711 snips vascular collagen bonds, improving flexibility and reducing systolic blood pressure in older non-human primates. The treatment also increased blood flow through the heart, with effects persisting for over a year after administration.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2001

Novel route to lupus-like disease in mice

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have identified a link between faulty glycan construction and the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus. Knocking out a gene involved in modifying sugar molecules on cell surfaces led to mice developing lupus-like abnormalities, including inflamed kidneys and autoreactive antibodies.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2001
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mouse with iron disorder offers clues to Parkinson's, similar diseases

Researchers engineered mice lacking a gene involved in iron metabolism and found progressive brain deterioration similar to Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy. Iron deposits in key areas of the brain suggest a causative role for iron in these disorders.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 29, 2001

A persimmon a day could be better for your heart than an apple

A new study found that eating one medium-sized persimmon per day can help reduce the risk of heart disease by fighting atherosclerosis. Persimmons contain significantly higher levels of dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds than apples.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 29, 2001
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New grain variety opens up possibilities for Australian farmers

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have successfully produced a low-toxin white-vetch grain that can be safely consumed by monogastric species like pigs and poultry. The new variety has significant health benefits and marketing opportunities for farmers, offering a solution to previous export issues with toxic vetch grains.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·DateJan 29, 2001

Job outlook brightens for earth science graduates

The American Geophysical Union and the American Geological Institute conducted a survey of recent Ph.D. graduates in earth sciences, revealing significant shifts in job prospects and postdoctoral positions. 80% of geoscience Ph.D.s found jobs in the geosciences, with negligible unemployment rates compared to previous years.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateJan 29, 2001

Study shows patients with good periodontal health breathe easier

Research found that periodontal disease may increase a person's risk for respiratory disorders like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Patients with poor periodontal health had nearly a one-and-a-half times greater risk of developing COPD. Improved oral health may help prevent the progression of COPD.

SourceAmerican Academy of Periodontology·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateJan 29, 2001

UCSD researchers identify gene linked to lupus-like disease in mice

Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have identified a gene in mice that causes an autoimmune disease similar to human systemic lupus erythematous. The study found abnormal N-glycans in the mice, leading to SLE-like symptoms and organ damage, offering new insights into understanding autoimmune disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2001