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Science News for March 22, 2004


Researchers identify the pattern of gene-expression changes for tuberculosis in a living host

Researchers used gene chips to analyze the pattern of gene-expression changes for tuberculosis in a living host, discovering a specific set of genes activated after 21 days post-infection. This indicates that these genes help the pathogen survive within the host while avoiding detection by the immune system.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004
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.

Ribozyme package effective against hepatitis B virus

A new ribozyme package has been shown to be effective against the hepatitis B virus in an animal model, reducing viral production by over 80% in just three to five days. The treatment uses a specialized cassette that targets and destroys the virus's RNA, making it a promising approach for fighting other viruses as well.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 22, 2004

Smoking linked to accelerated cognitive decline in the elderly

A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong link between smoking and accelerated cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Smoking was shown to lower MMSE scores by up to .16 points per year, with higher cigarette pack-year exposure leading to greater declines.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 2004

New tumor suppressor may play important role in deadly brain tumors

Researchers discovered the ING4 gene's significant reduction in glioblastomas, which led to faster growth and complex blood vessel networks. The study found that ING4 suppresses angiogenesis by inhibiting NF-kappa B, offering potential targets for glioma treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MGH study details brain changes in autism, language disorder

Researchers identified specific areas of white matter enlargement linked to myelination delays in autistic and DLD patients. Enlargements were most pronounced in the prefrontal area and the outer layer of white matter was significantly larger than in normal controls.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 22, 2004

'His is lighter than mine'

A study by researchers at University College London found that when participants were lifting a heavy box, they perceived the weight of an actor's lifted box as lighter than it actually was. This suggests that our brains use simulation theory to understand others' actions, which can lead to biased judgments in social situations. Accord...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 22, 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.

Researchers confirm novel form of the Rett syndrome protein

Researchers have identified a novel form of the Rett syndrome protein, which is more abundant in human brain than previously thought. This discovery may provide insights into potential functional differences between the two proteins and help identify mutations in exon 1.

SourceRett Syndrome Research Foundation·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 22, 2004

Study finds little effects in patients who take prescription drugs and dietary supplements

A study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that most interactions between prescription medications and dietary supplements are not serious, affecting approximately 94% of patient population. Healthcare providers should continue to inquire about supplement use to consider potential interactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2004

New guidelines for cerebral palsy recommend early neuroimaging tests

The American Academy of Neurology recommends early neuroimaging tests to diagnose cerebral palsy. This helps parents and physicians understand the disorder's cause and create effective treatment plans. The guidelines also suggest screening for related disorders, such as mental retardation and speech disorders.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 22, 2004

New insight into how tumors evade the immune system

Researchers found that galectin-1, a molecule present in various tumor types, negatively impacts T cell survival and contributes to tumor progression. Inhibition of galectin-1 significantly reduces tumor formation in mice, highlighting its potential as a molecular target for cancer immunotherapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 22, 2004
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.

New data on ant adaptability within their environment

Researchers found ants in Florida, North Carolina, and New York exhibit different caste structures and body sizes, suggesting adaptation to local environments. Behavioral experiments show soldier castes play a key role in colony defense.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 22, 2004

Details of an unusual type Ia supernova

Researchers using European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope discovered a unique type Ia supernova that exploded within a flat, dense disk of dust and gas. The findings suggest that this and other precursors resemble protoplanetary nebulae, which may indicate wide differences among their progenitors.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 22, 2004
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

UK industry is the loser from parallel trade in pharmaceuticals

A new study finds that parallel trade in pharmaceuticals has a negative impact on the UK economy, with estimated losses of £290 million to manufacturers. The study concludes that the short-term benefits for consumers are outweighed by the long-term costs to innovation and investment in research and development.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 22, 2004

Fetal lungs provide a signal initiating labor, UT Southwestern researchers find

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found evidence of a substance secreted by the lungs of a developing fetus that contains the key signal to initiate labor. The study, led by Dr. Carole Mendelson, suggests a link between a specific fetal lung protein and labor in humans.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004

Activity of calcium-handling gene appears to prevent cardiac arrhythmias

Increasing SERCA2a expression could correct heart failure without causing arrhythmias, a well-known side effect of current treatments. The study found that rats with overexpressed SERCA2a had lower incidence of arrhythmia and smaller injured area of heart muscle.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004

UCSD pharmacologists collaborate on new approach to drug design

Researchers at UCSD and TSRI have developed a method for creating highly specific inhibitors of the AChE enzyme, a key target for treating neuromuscular and cognitive disorders. The new approach utilizes click chemistry to bring reactant components into proximity on an enzyme template, resulting in potent and selective inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

For some gorillas, local kin may mean local peace

Researchers analyzed DNA from western gorilla fecal and hair samples to find that neighboring social groups are often led by genetically related males. This suggests connections between genetic relationships and group interactions, parallels with human social structures, and clues to the early human social world.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 22, 2004

Tigers: Big cats need cat food

Researchers created a model linking tiger populations to prey density, revealing that human hunters are primary drivers of wild tigers' decline. The study spans eight years and 4,200 miles, providing rigorous insights into the macro-ecological dynamics of tigers and their habitats.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004

Exposure to homeless people increases sympathetic public attitudes

A study published in the American Sociological Review found that exposure to homeless people can increase sympathetic attitudes towards homelessness. The researchers examined how contact between domiciled and homeless individuals affected views on homelessness, finding that all four forms of exposure promote sympathetic attitudes.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 22, 2004

Ohio State wetlands professor wins prestigious Water Prize

Professor Bill Mitsch of Ohio State University has won the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for his work on preserving and studying wetlands. The award recognizes his decades-long research on ecosystem behavior and his efforts to address water crises, including the annual hypoxia problem in the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 22, 2004

Study offers new model for breast cancer

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have developed a new experimental model of human breast cancer in mice, allowing for the study of early stage development and tumor growth. The model involves grafting human breast tissue into mouse mammary glands, enabling the production of human breast milk and pre-cancerous tumors.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Antibiotics within 4 hours of arrival at hospital better for pneumonia patients

A study by Peter M. Houck and colleagues found that administering antibiotics within 4 hours of hospital arrival significantly reduces mortality rates among Medicare patients with pneumonia who haven't received prior treatment. The early antibiotic treatment also shortens hospital stays, with an average reduction of half a day.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2004

Geoenvironmental researchers to join Technium

The Geoenvironmental Research Group (GRP) has joined the Sustainable Technologies Technium, a £10.8m innovation centre in Wales. The partnership aims to create additional companies, new jobs and increase turnover through world-beating technologies for sustainable solutions.

SourceCardiff University·DateMar 22, 2004

Too much sleep can lead to restless nights

A study by Michael A. Grandner and Daniel F. Kripke found that long sleepers and short sleepers report more sleep complaints than those who sleep seven to eight hours a night. Long sleepers experienced difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, and feeling unrefreshed upon waking.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMar 22, 2004
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.

Highway of WIMPs may solve cosmic mystery

A study suggests that debris from the gobbled-up Sagittarius dwarf galaxy may be 'smoking gun' for detecting dark matter's WIMPs. The combination of WIMPs from the Milky Way and Sagittarius could produce a distinct pattern on the DAMA detector, confirming their existence.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 22, 2004

Mild noise damage can be detected by cells in the inner ear

Researchers have found that deliberate damage to sensory receptor cells in the inner ear can trigger a cascade of signals through ATP release, leading to the spread of calcium ions. This mechanism is activated by loud noise levels commonly experienced in nightclubs and when using personal headphones.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 22, 2004