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Science News for July 31, 2003


Designer proteins

Researchers at Duke University have successfully redesigned sensor proteins that can detect a range of molecules, including explosives like TNT and neurotransmitters. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies for monitoring diabetes and locating underwater robots.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 31, 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.

Nitric oxide may change basic understanding of cellular machinery

The study reveals that nitric oxide alters protein interactions, leading to new insights into the underlying causes of disease and potential new therapies. The findings suggest that NO regulates a broad spectrum of cellular reactions, potentially underlining some disease symptoms.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

Study compares three weekly regimens of chemotherapy for lung cancer

A new study has found that a weekly regimen of paclitaxel and carboplatin is well-tolerated and effective in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment resulted in a response rate of 32% and median survival time of 49 weeks, with fewer side effects compared to standard regimens.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 31, 2003

Haemophilia carriers have a reduced risk of ischaemic heart disease

A study by Frits Rosendaal and colleagues found that haemophilia carriers have a significantly lower risk of ischaemic heart disease, with a 36% decrease in overall mortality. This reduction in blood clotting may offer protection against heart attacks and has implications for future prevention strategies.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 31, 2003

Stem cell death gives clue to brain cell survival

Researchers at UGA have identified a lipid-protein duo causing massive stem cell death during brain development, but also hinting at potential recovery mechanisms for devastating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study reveals that this 'deadly couple' leads to the survival of cells destined to form neurons.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 31, 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.

Risk of Hepatitis E from consumption of deer?

A study in Japan found that consuming raw Japanese deer meat may transmit Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a rare liver disease. The infected deer meat tested positive for HEV RNA, suggesting an animal route of transmission. This discovery adds the Sika deer to the list of foods with a risk of transmitting HEV.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 31, 2003

Waiter, there's a shark in my soup

Researchers have developed a DNA-based test to accurately distinguish great white sharks from other species, even when only dried fins or meat are available. This new test will help conservationists and fisheries managers better regulate and protect great whites, a species that has declined by up to 79% in the northwestern Atlantic.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Genetics·DateJul 31, 2003

How old mice get bright again

Max Planck researchers found that reducing SK3 channel production in the hippocampus of aged mice prevented learning and memory deficits. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline and suggests a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 31, 2003
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Salk news: Understanding gene function

The Salk Institute's latest study, led by Joseph Ecker, provides a detailed map of Arabidopsis genes and their functions. The team has also identified key molecular pathways involved in ethylene gas signaling, which is crucial for plant growth, yield, and drought tolerance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

Congress is not so easily 'bought'

A study published by the American Sociological Association finds that campaign contributions and lobbying have limited impact on policy, with party lines and ideology playing a greater role. The average PAC donation to candidates is $1,700, which is not enough to win significant influence.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateJul 31, 2003

Emory University researchers find clue to Huntington's disease mechanism

Researchers discover that the HAP1 protein plays a crucial role in brain damage caused by Huntington's disease. The protein's interaction with mutant huntingtin leads to apoptosis in neurons, particularly in the hypothalamus. This finding offers new hope for therapeutic strategies aimed at bolstering HAP1 function.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·DateJul 31, 2003

Study affirms safety of oxaliplatin for colorectal patients with advanced cancer

A recent study confirms oxaliplatin's safety in treating advanced colorectal cancer, with low rates of high-grade gastrointestinal side effects. The treatment regimen, combined with fluorouracil and leucovorin, showed improved results in patients who had previously failed first-line chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 31, 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.

New 'knockout' map helps study gene functions in model plant

Scientists have inactivated almost three-quarters of all genes in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, creating a public database of genome-wide gene mutations. The study provides significant new information on the function of individual and groups of genes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

Ground-breaking work in understanding of time

Peter Lynds' paper challenges assumptions about determined instantaneous physical magnitude and time, proposing a necessary trade-off between precisely determined physical values and continuity through time. He addresses long-standing issues in physics, including cosmology and the role of imaginary time.

SourceIndependent Communications Consultant·JournalFoundations of Physics Letters·DateJul 31, 2003

Is science stuck in the middle ages?

Innovation in biomedical research is being stifled by pharmaceutical companies' increased risk aversion. Small biotech firms, often spun off from universities, are taking on more risk to develop new drugs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 31, 2003

Animal studies show CA4P suppresses development and induces regression of ocular neovascularization

Researchers used transgenic mice to study CA4P's effect on choroidal neovascularization, finding it suppressed development and induced partial regression of established CNV. CA4P joins a growing list of drugs with potential as prophylactic agents for retinal and/or choroidal neovascularization.

SourceSharon Merrill Associates, Inc.·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 31, 2003

Researchers solve structure of key drug target

A research team led by H. Ronald Kaback solved the three-dimensional structure of the bacterial membrane transport protein lacose permease (LacY), shedding light on its mechanism and function. The resulting structure revealed intricate interactions between amino acids, sugars, and protons, providing crucial insights into membrane trans...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lengthening achilles tendon reduces recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers

A study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that lengthening the Achilles tendon can reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers by up to 75% after seven months. The procedure, which involves stretching the tendon and immobilizing the foot for six weeks, also requires caution to prevent increased stress on the heel.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 31, 2003

'Knockout' research eases study of plant gene functions

Researchers can now study specific gene function in Arabidopsis by quickly searching for and ordering genetically modified plants with knocked-out genes. Over 21,700 genes were identified as having been turned off using insertional mutagenesis, representing a significant advancement in understanding plant genome functions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

Anthony Hyman receives EMBO Gold Medal 2003

Anthony Hyman, group leader at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, wins prestigious EMBO Gold Medal. His research focuses on microtubules' role in cell division, shedding light on their dynamics and functions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·DateJul 31, 2003
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Severe sentences no deterrence, say criminologists

A report by U of T professors Anthony Doob and Cheryl Webster finds that harsher sentences do not reduce crime, citing the likelihood of apprehension as a key factor. The researchers argue that more resources are needed for social and educational programs to help children and youth thrive in school and prevent crime.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateJul 31, 2003

New mechanism for gene silencing identified

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered a new mechanism for gene silencing that involves multiple enzymes and histone modifications. This discovery could lead to the development of new cancer therapies by re-silencing inappropriately activated genes.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 31, 2003

Folic acid may have no immediate impact on Down Syndrome

A study by Dr. Joel Ray found that folic acid fortification has no immediate effect on the incidence of Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) in Canada. Research suggests that genetic mutations may occur before fetal development, making folic acid supplementation less effective in preventing the condition.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJul 31, 2003

First structure of transporter enzyme family is solved

Researchers from Imperial College London and UCLA have visualized the structure of lactose permease, an enzyme in E. coli that pumps lactose into cells. The structure data reveals a possible mechanism of action for this protein family, which plays critical roles in depression, stroke, and diabetes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2003

Battle lasers

The US Navy is developing a powerful free-electron laser that can transmit infrared light for use in ship-defense systems. The laser has the capability of generating extremely short pulses, sub-picosecond pulses, and breaking records for tunable high-average power lasers.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 31, 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.

Traffic navigation systems linked to accident risk: Study

Researchers found that in-car traffic guidance systems cause a temporary increase in accident risk after drivers are informed of traffic congestion and change their routes. However, the accident risk drops significantly when safety measures such as route selection criteria are added to the system.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Transportation Engineering·DateJul 31, 2003

Eating peanuts helps keep heart healthy without weight gain

Research by Richard Mattes and Corinna Alper found that regular peanut consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease without causing significant weight gain. The study involved three trials where participants added peanuts to their diet, with no increase in body weight detected despite adding 500 calories a day.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateJul 31, 2003