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Science News for August 26, 2004


Strep disrupts blood clotting to infect humans

Researchers discovered that Streptococcal bacteria use an enzyme called streptokinase to block the human blood clotting response and spread within the body. The study found that subtle variations in plasminogen genes may explain why some people are more susceptible to strep infections.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2004

Review article makes case for a new source of cells in the body

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have discovered a new category of multi-potent cells called VENT cells, which play a critical role in development and contribute to the formation of various human tissues. The discovery challenges long-held notions about what type of cells form specific types of tissue.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateAug 26, 2004

New data validate the low-glycemic diet

A large-scale study validates the benefits of low-GI diets in rats, showing significant reductions in body fat, blood glucose and insulin levels. The study suggests that glycemic index is an independent factor contributing to major chronic diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2004
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.

New tool predicts how long pollutants will stay in soil

A new modeling approach predicts how long pollutants will stay in soil by using a method developed by medicinal chemists to understand chemical interactions with natural organic matter. This tool could help environmental regulators and cleanup consultants make informed decisions about hazardous contaminant persistence and migration.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateAug 26, 2004

Streptococcus infects humans by thwarting blood clotting

Researchers discovered that streptokinase, an enzyme produced by Streptococcus, enables its infection in humans while showing minimal activity against other mammals. The study creates a transgenic mouse model for studying human-specific microbes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2004

Protein fishing in America: The movie

A team of scientists at PNNL has observed real-time interactions between single proteins, supporting the 'fly-fishing mechanism' theory. The technique used, single-molecule photon stamping spectroscopy, allows for dynamic measurements of protein dynamics.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateAug 26, 2004

Tiny collars fitted on youngest-ever tiger cubs

Researchers fitted six-week-old tiger cubs with radio collars to study mortality rates and potential improvements. The third generation of radio-collared tigers for the project will enable scientists to track the cubs until they die or their collars fall off.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·DateAug 26, 2004

Statins effective in long term, Nordic study suggests

A Nordic study found statins decrease mortality rate and incidence of cancer over 10-year follow-up. Statin therapy with simvastatin reduced cardiovascular and coronary mortality, with a 17% reduction in cardiovascular mortality.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NSF funds Clemson model

The Clemson University program aims to help undergraduates develop team-building skills, adapt to the industry pace, and understand marketability of their research. With $85,000 grant from NSF, students will collaborate with industry leaders and faculty to gain insights into the school-to-work transition.

SourceClemson University·DateAug 26, 2004

OHSU-VAMC study sheds light on estrogen's benefit for MS

Researchers at OHSU-VAMC found that estrogen increases regulatory cells and FoxP3 protein, key for fighting autoimmune diseases like MS. The study provides a new mechanism for understanding how pregnancy reduces MS symptoms.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateAug 26, 2004

Paediatric research should take centre stage

Paediatric research is crucial for disease prevention and treatment, yet data are lacking due to a lack of legislation requiring companies to conduct trials on children. The UK Government's new initiative aims to invest £100 million in research networks but falls short of centre stage for acquiring research-based evidence.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2004
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.

New HIV findings

Researchers at McGill University have made a groundbreaking discovery that patients can be infected with more than one type of HIV, which poses significant challenges for treatment and management. The study's findings, published in the August issue of AIDS, suggest that existing drug cocktails may need to be tailored accordingly.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAIDS·DateAug 26, 2004

Study of flu patients reveals virus outsmarting key drug

A study of Japanese children with influenza treated with oseltamivir found nearly 20% produced mutant drug-resistant viruses within four days. The study highlights the risk of rapid emergence of resistant flu viruses, threatening a line of defense against deadly diseases.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2004
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New research set to reveal similarities between terrorists and tourists

A new study by Dr Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor of the University of Warwick explores the strategic management implications of global terrorism on international service organizations. The research highlights the impact of terrorism on organizational learning, planning, and decision-making for both business and leisure travelers.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateAug 26, 2004

Laboratory advances the art and science of aerogels

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a process to modify silica aerogels with silicon and transition metal compounds using chemical vapor techniques. This enhancement increases the aerogel's strength by four-fold while retaining its valuable porosity and density characteristics.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·DateAug 26, 2004

'Electronic crystal' in high-temperature superconductor

Researchers have explained puzzling behavior in a high-temperature superconductor by discovering an electronic crystal, where electrons arrange themselves into a neat pattern. This phenomenon occurs in a phase called pseudogap and was observed using a highly sensitive scanning tunneling microscope.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2004
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Man enjoys first meal in 9 years after jaw-bone graft

A 56-year-old man with a cancer-induced jawbone removal underwent a new bone grafting procedure, resulting in successful bone remodelling and mineralisation. He regained the ability to chew and enjoyed his first solid meal in 9 years after transplantation.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 26, 2004