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Science News Archive March 2002 - Page 6


Page 6 of 8

Oxidative damage to eNOS by tissue peroxynitrite

Research reveals that peroxynitrite damages endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), promoting uncoupled catalysis and oxidative stress in vascular tissues. This damage can propagate to other susceptible enzymes, exacerbating inflammation and oxidative stress.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 13, 2002

U.S. forests may be products of pollution

New research suggests that unpolluted forests may exhibit more uniform nitrogen biogeochemistry than previously thought, with complex and idiosyncratic responses to human activities. This challenges long-held assumptions about the ecological function of forests near populated regions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2002

Seeing the universe in a brand new light

Researchers at Northwestern University have created a novel device that detects ultraviolet light 10 times more efficiently than the Hubble Space Telescope. The innovative detector uses gallium nitride material to block visible and infrared light, allowing astronomers to study important objects in the universe for the first time.

Alcohol researchers find genetic locus of human brain wave

Scientists have identified a specific genetic locus associated with fundamental human brain oscillations, contributing to the understanding of brain neuroelectric activity and providing new insights into alcoholism risk. The study found an association between beta EEG frequencies and a cluster of genes located on chromosome 4.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2002

'Back at square one' to find culprit in familial ALS

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that removing copper had no effect on the pace of disease in mice with familial ALS-like paralysis. The study used CCS chaperone-deficient mice to rule out copper's role in the disease, suggesting alternative pathways may be responsible for the mutant enzyme's effects on motor neurons.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 12, 2002

New gene identified: Involved in both intellectual disability and epilepsy

Researchers from Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide have identified a major gene responsible for both intellectual disability and epilepsy. The new gene is found on the X-chromosome and acts as a master gene controlling other genes' function, contributing to normal brain cognitive function.

Endangered freshwater mussels saved

Researchers have developed a method to save endangered freshwater mussels by collecting and depositing parasitic larvae onto suitable fish hosts. This process allows for the mass production of juvenile mussels, which can then be released into the wild to improve water quality.

Hurricane floods pose risk to environment, health, new research on 1999 storm reveals

A study analyzing satellite images of the 1999 hurricane flood area found that over 200 NC livestock operations were flooded, contaminating wells and posing a risk to local residents. The research highlights the need for improved monitoring and regulation of industrial animal farms in flood-prone areas.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 7, 2002