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Science News for August 20, 2003


Newly found gene resistant to economically crippling wheat disease

A newly discovered gene, Stb8, has been found in bread wheat species to be resistant to Septoria tritici leaf blotch, a fungus causing significant yield losses worldwide. The gene's longer duration of effectiveness compared to previous genes may make it a valuable addition to breeding programs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhytopathology·DateAug 20, 2003

How AIDS destroys immunity

Researchers found that the HIV vpr gene exploits the normal repair process of cells to stop vital white blood cells from replicating, thus disabling the immune system. The study suggests a possible treatment for AIDS-related immune-system damage using medicines that prevent the human ATR gene from being activated by HIV's vpr gene.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 20, 2003

Most resistance to Anti-HIV drugs created by good pill-taking patients

Research at UCSF found that patients taking 80% or more of their antiretroviral medications developed twice as many resistance mutations as those taking less than 40%. Despite this, excellent adherence remains the best way to prevent HIV/AIDS and prolong life with resistant virus.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAIDS·DateAug 20, 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.

'MicroRNAs' control plant shape and structure

Researchers have discovered microRNA JAW that controls the development of flat leaves, a key characteristic in capturing sunlight and energy. The study reveals the importance of microRNA regulation in plant morphology, paving the way for new avenues in agricultural advancements.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateAug 20, 2003

Genes that paint fly derrieres hint at convergence

Researchers found a common gene, Bric-a-brac2, responsible for diverse pattern and color pigmentation across 13 fruit fly species. The study suggests that similar genetic mechanisms govern body plans in related animals.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateAug 20, 2003

Tipping the balance of prion infectivity

Studies with yeast prions show that small mutations can cause transmission barriers, potentially explaining species barriers for mammalian prions. The findings suggest a new approach to treating disorders like Alzheimer's by influencing toxic protein folding.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 20, 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.

Scientists map signaling molecule crucial to survival, disease

Researchers have mapped the location of a dominant signaling molecule on proteins, which causes cancer and diabetes when it goes awry. The discovery allows scientists to block aberrant binding and treat diseases by designing drugs that target specific phosphate bonding patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 20, 2003

Textbook case of tectonic movement is wrong, says new study

A new study has found that mobile magma plumes, rather than stationary hotspots, are responsible for the formation of islands and subsurface mountains in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery challenges traditional theories of tectonic movement and sheds light on climate changes recorded in ancient rocks.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2003
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.

Salk News: Social behavior genes

A study at the Salk Institute found that children with Williams syndrome exhibit unique social behavior patterns, including high scores on tests measuring social interactions. Genetic screening revealed that one gene may be responsible for this hyper-sociability in some individuals, suggesting a potential genetic link to the disorder.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateAug 20, 2003