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Science News for November 20, 2003


Investigational drug brings new hope to kidney cancer patients

A phase II trial found that 42% of patients with metastatic kidney cancer experienced at least a 25% reduction in tumor size, with 6 patients experiencing a 50% or greater response. The study's innovative design validated a new approach to phase II trial design.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateNov 20, 2003

Tree root life controls CO2 absorption

A study by Argonne National Laboratory and Duke University found that the roots of loblolly pine trees can last up to 4.2 years, controlling CO2 absorption in soils. In contrast, sweetgum trees have shorter root lifetimes, leading to faster carbon transfer.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

1700 Japan tsunami linked to massive North American quake

Scientists from Japan, Canada, and the US conclude a 1700 Japan tsunami was caused by a magnitude 9 North American earthquake. Computer simulations reveal the Cascadia subduction zone can produce such a massive earthquake, posing a threat to coastal regions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateNov 20, 2003

GlaxoSmithKline Drug Discovery and Development Research Grant Program 2003

The GSK Drug Discovery and Development Research Grant Program awarded $125,000 grants to Paul Bieniasz for genetic screening of cyclic peptides and Michael Farzan for tyrosine-sulfated peptides. Additionally, Michael H. Malim received a grant for his research on the Vif gene, which plays a critical role in HIV infection.

SourcePublic Communications Inc.·DateNov 20, 2003

DNA used to create self-assembling nano transistor

Researchers have successfully created self-assembling nano transistors using DNA, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing of nanoscale electronics. The transistors can be switched on and off by applying voltage to them, making them a promising application in computing technology.

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 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.

Calcium channels control coronary artery relaxation

Researchers discovered that mice lacking calcium channels exhibit constricted coronary arteries and fibrous tissue in their hearts, suggesting a potential target for treating cardiovascular disease. The study found that drugs targeting the T-channel, responsible for relaxation, might be used to open arteries.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003

Hassle-free stroke prevention offered by new drug, Stanford researcher says

A new study found that ximelegatran, a novel oral thrombin inhibitor, is as effective as Coumadin in preventing strokes in people with atrial fibrillation but without the need for regular blood tests or dose adjustments. The drug has been shown to reduce major bleeding incidents and may be approved by the FDA within the next year.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 20, 2003

The beginning of the end of flagella

The discovery of protein EB1 at the tip of Chlamydomonas flagella sheds new light on intraflagellar transport (IFT) and its regulation. IFT is crucial for flagellar growth and maintenance, and EB1 may play a key role in controlling the molecular transport system responsible for IFT.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 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.

NIST/University of Colorado researchers create Bose-Einstein 'super molecule'

NIST/University of Colorado researchers create a Bose-Einstein condensate of weakly bound molecules from a gas of fermionic potassium atoms cooled to 150 nanoKelvin. The molecular condensate was produced by passing through conditions that mimic fermionic superfluidity, paving the way for further research into this phenomenon.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2003

Calcium channel involved in coronary artery relaxation

Researchers found that T-type calcium channels are essential for normal nitric oxide-controlled relaxation, and their loss leads to constricted coronary arteries. The study provides insight into the role of this channel in coronary artery relaxation and may lead to new therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003

Three molecular-targeted compounds show promise against cancers

Researchers found tumor shrinkage and arrest in patients with advanced malignancies treated with SU11248, an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA, and BAY 43-9006, targeting angiogenesis and cell growth signaling molecules. These preliminary results confirm the promise of these therapeutic approaches.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateNov 20, 2003

Protein involved in cell division now found key to cell growth

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that ARF is a crucial regulator of both cell growth and division, two critical processes in cancer development. By inhibiting B23, another protein involved in cellular growth, ARF can control the cell cycle and prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 20, 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.

New technology will speed genome sequencing

The BioMEMS 768 Sequencer can sequence the entire human genome in just one year, outpacing its nearest rival by seven times. The machine's new technology also reduces material costs and minimizes DNA sample requirements.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·DateNov 20, 2003

Welcome alternative to warfarin for people at high risk of stroke

The SPORTIF III study found that oral ximelagatran was at least as effective as warfarin in reducing the frequency of stroke or systemic blood clots, with a lower risk of bleeding. Ximelagatran may offer a safer alternative to warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation and high stroke risk.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 20, 2003
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers design and build first artificial protein

Scientists successfully designed and built an artificial protein using a novel computational approach, opening up new possibilities for medicine and industrial applications. The achievement represents a significant breakthrough in understanding protein folding and design.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003

Stop to smell the flowers - But do it before they're pollinated

Researchers at Purdue University have identified the molecular mechanisms responsible for shutting down floral scent after pollination, which may help improve floral scent in unscented flowers. The study found that fertilization triggers a decline in scent production and that plant hormones play a role in regulating this process.

SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 20, 2003

A new hypothesis on the origin of 'junk' DNA

A new hypothesis on the origin of 'junk' DNA proposes that smaller population sizes in eukaryotes lead to a weakening of natural selection's potency, allowing extraneous genetic sequences to accumulate. This theory suggests that genetic drift is responsible for preserving junk DNA and other extraneous genetic sequences in organisms.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Children's genetic factors determine HIV progression according to UCSD study

A UCSD study of 1,049 HIV-infected children found that specific genetic mutations can affect disease progression and immune system response to the virus. Children with certain polymorphisms, such as CCR5-delta32, showed slower disease progression, while others were more susceptible to worsening symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 20, 2003

High-tech analysis of vineyard soil

Scientists review state-of-the-art ground-penetrating radar methods for measuring water content in vineyard soil, offering improved precision irrigation approaches and optimizing grape crop prediction. The technology provides high-resolution information to develop uniform blocks of optimal soil properties, enhancing overall wine quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateNov 20, 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.

U of T team makes 'movie stars' of atoms

The U of T team has developed a technique to capture the atomic-level melting process of aluminum, revealing the solid's arrangement as it changes into a liquid. The researchers observed the transformation in real-time using laser and electron pulse technology, shedding light on the fundamental processes governing chemistry and biology.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2003

Emory scientists find marker for long-term immunity

Researchers found a marker for long-term immunity in CD8 T cells using the interleukin 7 (IL-7) receptor. This discovery can help scientists create more effective vaccines and develop new treatments for chronic viral infections and cancer.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 20, 2003

Experimental drugs show promise in halting brain tumors

New class of drugs targets specific molecules within brain cancer cells, slowing growth and reducing side effects. Three drugs - ZD6474, SB431542, and AEE788 - demonstrate significant promise in treating glioblastoma and other types of brain tumors.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateNov 20, 2003