Genetic variant protects people against malaria
A genetic variant in the NOS2 gene boosts nitric oxide levels, protecting against malaria disease. This trait explains why some people with malaria have mild symptoms and recover fully.
Science News for November 7, 2002
The pharmaceutical industry as political player
The pharmaceutical industry's political power can hinder effective drug regulation, leading to unsafe and ineffective drugs. A robust regulatory system is necessary to protect public health from the interests of the industry.
First 3-D magnetic reconnection measurements
Researchers at Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment (SSX) make 1st 3D measurements of magnetic reconnection, revealing a swept and sheared magnetic structure. This breakthrough helps understand plasma physics processes on the sun and new structures in fusion energy machines.
Coffee addicts at reduced risk of type 2 diabetes?
A large study of over 17,000 Dutch adults found that those who drank seven or more cups of coffee a day were 50% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes. The study suggests that components of coffee other than caffeine may be beneficial for glucose metabolism, but long-term effects are unknown.
New method strikes an improvement in lightning predictions
A new GPS-based index improves lightning strike forecasts by nearly 10% and reduces false alarm rates by 26% at the Kennedy Space Center. The index combines data on water vapor in the atmosphere with other meteorological data to provide valuable guidance for forecasters.
X-rays squeeze fuel to generate nuclear fusion energy
Researchers at Sandia National Labs successfully achieved symmetrical implosions and significant neutron production using intense x-rays to squeeze millimeter-scale fuel capsules, a crucial step towards nuclear fusion energy. The experiments demonstrate the potential for scaling up fusion reactions.
Turbulence restrains itself
Turbulence has been observed to generate its own self-regulating flows that destroy turbulent eddies, according to recent experiments at DIII-D. These flows, predicted theoretically and seen in computer simulations, create a 'shearing' or tearing action that destroys turbulent eddies.
Engineering researchers are designing the ultimate fabrics, for casual or military wear
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing e-textiles with embedded sensors and electronic components to create wearable computers and sensing systems. These fabrics can detect sounds, chemicals, and pick up satellite signals, enabling various industrial and military applications.
New treatment strategy for Crohn's disease shows early promise
Researchers found that patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease improved significantly after receiving GM-CSF, with 12 out of 15 patients in clinical remission. The treatment targets the innate immune response and has shown promise as an alternative approach to traditional therapies.
When it comes to sperm competition, size can matter—it’s the female who holds the aces
Researchers discover females actively select longer sperm for fertilization, leading to evolutionary changes in sperm size and female reproductive tract shape. This study challenges the long-held belief that males sacrifice quality for quantity in sperm production.
Ultracold gas shows 'lopsided' properties
Researchers at Duke University have created a strongly interacting fermi gas by cooling lithium-6 atoms to near absolute zero. The resulting gas displays unusual behavior, including rapid expansion in one direction and no movement in another, challenging existing theories of superfluidity.
Cellular pathway includes a 'clock' that steers gene activity
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a complex signaling pathway that regulates gene activity in living cells. The discovery reveals that the timing of signal transmission plays a critical role in determining which genes are activated, and could lead to the development of new medications targeting cancer cells.
Astrophysical jets in the lab
Caltech researchers use magnetic forces to create jet-like structures in a hydrogen plasma experiment, shedding light on the formation of astrophysical jets. The study involves running high electrical currents through a cylindrical metal chamber, producing spiral-shaped plumes similar to those observed in space.
Brains of elderly can compensate to remain sharp, study indicates
Researchers found that high-performing elderly adults showed significantly more bilateral activity in the prefrontal cortex compared to low-performing older adults and young adults. This suggests the possibility of using training or drugs to enhance cognitive function in the elderly by increasing brain recruitment.
Record-high magnetic fields in lab may allow re-creations of extreme astrophysical phenomena
Scientists at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory have successfully generated intense magnetic fields in a dense plasma using high-powered laser pulses. The resulting fields reached up to 400 MegaGauss and may soon be intensified further, enabling researchers to test models of extreme astrophysical conditions.
UF study: Adolescent girls who set goals too high may risk anorexia
Research suggests that adolescent girls who set high standards for themselves may be at risk of developing eating disorders like anorexia. Girls with bulimic tendencies and symptoms of depression are more likely to develop a full-blown disorder if they report these symptoms.
Mediterranean diet could reduce risk of coronary artery disease in Asian populations
A randomized trial of 1000 patients with a history of CAD found that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid significantly reduced cardiac events and mortality. The study demonstrated improved metabolic profiles without increased non-cardiac deaths.
Young blacks, Hispanics more prone to stroke than young whites
A study analyzing cases of first stroke among young people in Northern Manhattan found that young blacks and Hispanics were more likely to experience a stroke, with the risk being 2.4 times higher for blacks and 2.5 times higher for Hispanics compared to whites. Young men were also more likely to have intracerebral hemorrhage than women.
Plasma doughnut currents made hollow, leading to greater efficiency for fusion
Researchers at the DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory used computer simulations to explain how plasma doughnuts became hollow when current direction was reversed. This new understanding allows for a more practical design of compact next-generation fusion experiments.
Alaska interior reveals scars and ruptures from 7.9 Denali fault quake
A 7.9 magnitude earthquake on Alaska's Denali fault system created a 145-mile scar across the landscape, with measurable offsets of up to 22 feet. The earthquake revealed new surface ruptures, clearly developed scarps and cracks where faults pass beneath glaciers.