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Science News for October 14, 2002


Branching out: New insight into vessel branching during development

Researchers investigated the physiological roles of VEGF isoforms in embryonic vascular development, finding that different isoforms have distinct functions and are necessary for normal vessel branching frequency and width. The study uses transgenic mice to explore the role of soluble and heparin-binding VEGF isoforms in vessel growth.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2002

Study finds increased risk of liver injury with some TB medications

A large-scale clinical trial found that patients treated with the two-drug regimen had a much higher rate of major liver injury compared to those taking isoniazid. The study confirms CDC recommendations for frequent monitoring of patients, highlighting the importance of laboratory testing to detect early liver injury.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 14, 2002
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Allergic to your DNA?

Researchers found that ICAD-deficient flies lack apoptotic DNA fragmentation due to impaired CAD protein expression. Meanwhile, DNase II-deficient flies accumulate fragmented DNA and trigger an immune response. This study reveals a crucial role for innate immunity in apoptotic DNA degradation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2002

Crucial gene found for embryonic stem cell maintenance

Researchers discovered Foxd3 as a crucial gene regulating embryonic stem cell fate and pluripotency. The gene is required for normal embryonic development, including the formation of inner cell mass and extraembryonic tissues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2002
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Fish fat kills cancer cells

Researchers at the Norwegian Cancer Society have discovered that certain types of fish fat contain compounds with anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that these compounds may be used to develop new treatments for various types of cancer.

SourceNorwegian Cancer Society·DateOct 14, 2002

Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, October 15, 2002

Methadone treatment is being expanded to office-based practices for patients with addiction, aiming to make it more accessible. Hair analysis has been found to be a significant advance in assessing exposure to antiretroviral therapies and monitoring patient response to indinavir, an anti-HIV drug.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 14, 2002

Immediate treatment helps delay progression of glaucoma

Researchers found that treating people with early-stage glaucoma immediately can delay disease progression and slow vision loss. The study followed 255 patients with early stage glaucoma in at least one eye, finding that treatment led to a slower rate of disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateOct 14, 2002
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study suggests coenzyme Q10 slows functional decline in Parkinson’s disease

A phase II study found that coenzyme Q10 can slow the rate of functional decline in Parkinson's disease by improving mitochondrial function and energy-producing reactions. The study showed that higher doses of coenzyme Q10, up to 1,200 mg/day, were safe and more effective than lower doses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 14, 2002

New thinking needed on atmospheric physics, study suggests

Researchers collected sprite data during a balloon campaign to study the electromagnetic signature of lightning strokes that produce sprites. The results indicate that negative cloud to ground strokes produce sprite halos seven times more often than positive strokes, suggesting an energy imbalance in the mesosphere.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 14, 2002

Purdue scientist adds third dimension to earth beneath our feet

A new theory suggests that the Earth's surface features can be explained by rapid changes in crustal plate direction due to convection in the mantle. The research uses powerful computer systems to model the Earth's interior in three dimensions, revealing dynamic processes that shape our planet.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateOct 14, 2002
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Foxd3 gene allows stem cells to remain stem cells

A study published by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals the Foxd3 gene plays a vital role in maintaining stem cells' pluripotency. The findings suggest that Foxd3 is essential for embryonic development and has diagnostic significance for human embryonic stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2002

Study backs theory that accumulating mutations of 'quiet' genes foster aging

The study provides strongest support for mutation accumulation (MA) theory, proposing that aging results from accumulated mutations of genes kept in check early in life. This theory suggests that genes associated with diseases like Huntington's and cancer have noticeable effects late in life.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2002

Molecular biology and biological control team up to thwart pests and weeds

Scientists are exploring how molecular genetics can improve classical biological control by finding natural enemies well adapted to target invasive pests. Genetically modified crops with toxins like Bt may also be compatible with natural enemies, offering a new approach to controlling unwanted insect pests.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 14, 2002
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

MRI can predict risk of heart attacks

A new study published by the American Heart Association found that MRI stress tests can predict fatal and nonfatal heart attacks in patients with certain conditions. The study used MRI stress tests on 279 men and women referred for further testing after initial ultrasound screenings were inconclusive.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 14, 2002

Bristol: Successes and missed opportunities

The city has attracted significant investment from big companies in various sectors, but the lack of co-ordinated planning and strategic vision has hindered regional development. Despite this, the core urban area has experienced a significant turn-round with population growth and new housing developments.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateOct 14, 2002

Commercial driving not linked to permanent back injury

A study of 45 male identical twin pairs found no difference in disc degeneration between occupational drivers and their non-driving twin brothers. The researchers suggest shifting attention from degenerative changes to other explanations for the link between driving and back problems.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 14, 2002