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Science News for April 30, 2003


Drug shows promise in preventing type 1 diabetes

Researchers discovered that lisofylline treatment reduced the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in mice by 67%, indicating its potential to protect insulin-producing cells. The study published in Pancreas journal suggests that lisofylline may slow down or prevent the disease in people at high-risk.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPancreas·DateApr 30, 2003

Tailoring could enhance physical activity web sites

A study found that most physical activity web sites provide general knowledge but lack personalized assistance to users. Tailored messages can increase the chance of material usage and personal change. One site, JustMove.org, outperformed others in providing interaction and tailored assistance.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 30, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Butterflies use polarized light to attract mates

Researchers found that males of iridescent butterfly species approach females producing polarized signals more often when not depolarized. Non-iridescent species show no preference regardless of filter presence. Light bending by genetic scales may influence sexual selection and speciation in tropical forests.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003

Anthrax: 'A soil bug gone bad'

Researchers have deciphered the genome of Bacillus anthracis, a deadly soil bacterium that has been weaponized as a biowarfare agent. The analysis reveals that the bacterium's virulence is linked to specific genes and plasmids that enable it to thrive in environments rich in protein.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003

Researchers in Japan and UCSD discover novel role for pseudogenes

Scientists in Japan and UCSD have discovered a novel regulatory role for pseudogenes, which stabilizes a protein-coding gene on another chromosome. The study found that disabling the pseudogene led to abnormal kidneys and bones in laboratory mice, while re-introducing it resulted in normal development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

One in three HIV patients say life 'better' since diagnosis

A study of over 300 HIV patients found that 32% reported better life after diagnosis, with fewer worries about finances or disclosure. Patients who said life was better expressed more optimism and participated in non-organized religious activities.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·DateApr 30, 2003

Vaccine with University of Rochester roots saves thousands from illness

The Prevnar vaccine, developed at the University of Rochester, has shown remarkable real-world effectiveness in reducing invasive pneumococcal infections by 69% among children under two years old. This translates to approximately 20,000 fewer cases of infection each year in the United States.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 30, 2003

'Work stinks': It's more than just a slogan among ants, researchers find

Researchers found that ants use distinct body odors to signal tasks, such as foraging and patrolling, allowing them to coordinate complex behaviors without a hierarchical control structure. The discovery sheds light on the importance of scent in insect communication and has implications for fields like computer science and robotics.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003

Global fight against AIDS requires more than drug cocktails

The editorial emphasizes that providing affordable drugs is insufficient to combat HIV in the developing world. Comprehensive medical care, including training for healthcare workers and laboratory tests, must also be included to make Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) effective.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 30, 2003
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.

Anthrax genome decoded

Researchers from The Institute of Genomic Research sequenced B. anthracis genome to improve vaccine design and drug development. Despite similarities with closely related bacteria, the study found unique genes giving B. anthracis its ability to thrive on protein-rich matter.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003

Diamonds have oceanic origin, says University of Toronto geologist

A University of Toronto geologist claims that diamonds originated on the ocean floor, supported by a new study published in Nature. The research reveals that diamond formation begins when lava is pushed onto the ocean floor, interacting with sea water to alter its oxygen composition.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003

Senators' approval ratings influenced largely by factors beyond control

Researchers found that senators' efforts to boost approval ratings have limited impact compared to contextual factors like state population, economic performance, and president's popularity. Seniority and media coverage also play significant roles in shaping senatorial approval ratings.

SourceBrown University·JournalLegislative Studies Quarterly·DateApr 30, 2003
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Borrowing from Ebola virus could aid cystic fibrosis gene therapy

Scientists create hybrid virus that can attach to lung cells' top surface, allowing healthy genes to enter and correct genetic defects associated with cystic fibrosis. The new approach increases production of viral particles, a crucial step towards preclinical studies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 30, 2003

Earthquake testing lab for nation's lifelines

The Cornell laboratory will be a national center for calculating earthquake effects on structures, including soil deformation and seismic damage. The facility will use customized testing structures and actuators to apply displacements and loads, enabling researchers to study the behavior of structures during earthquakes.

SourceCornell University·DateApr 30, 2003

Researchers discover structure of Nature's 'circuit breaker'

Researchers have discovered the structure of voltage-dependent ion channels, crucial for nerve function and muscle contraction. The study reveals a novel mechanism that enables ions to flow through these channels, allowing for precise regulation of electrical impulses in the brain and heart.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Researchers find new piece of cell growth puzzle

Researchers at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have discovered a protein called GβL that helps regulate the mTOR pathway. The study reveals that when GβL is absent or disabled, cells become insensitive to nutrient levels and grow abnormally, which may be a cause of disease.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 30, 2003

Butterflies are flashers to attract mates

Research found that male butterflies of iridescent genus Heliconius are attracted to female wings displaying polarized light, suggesting a new role for polarization in mate attraction. The study also highlights the importance of polarization in maintaining species diversity among tropical butterflies.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003

MacKinnon lab's newest picture tells action potential story

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered the molecular mechanism by which potassium ions flow through living cells during a nerve or muscle impulse. The structure reveals four red-tipped paddles that open and close in response to positive and negative charges.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003
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.

Binding studies suggest drug development strategy for lupus

Researchers have identified a promising drug development strategy for lupus by targeting the Tall-1 molecule. Binding studies revealed that a short section of one binding domain on Baff-R holds promise, potentially preventing lupus-like symptoms in mice and people with autoimmune diseases.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2003