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Science News for March 24, 2004


A&M researcher studying genes of mosquitoes

Researchers are cloning mosquito genes to understand the hormone-controlled mechanism of diuresis, a fast process by which mosquitoes excrete waste. This study aims to develop new, selective insecticides targeting the hormone receptor, potentially controlling vector-borne diseases like dengue fever.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateMar 24, 2004

Genetic mutation linked to infant lung disease

A genetic mutation in the ABCA3 gene is linked to severe surfactant deficiency in infants, leading to fatal lung disease. Researchers found mutations in 16 infants, with 15 dying from their illness, and discovered a potential mechanism for the defective transport of phospholipids critical for surfactant function.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 24, 2004

Odorants enhance survival of olfactory neurons

Olfactory sensory neurons can adapt to odorant stimulation, but the ability to enhance long-term survival after stimulation has been unclear. Researchers found that odorants stimulate the Erk/MAP kinase/CREB pathway, leading to cell survival and dynamic long-term adjustment to sensory information.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 24, 2004

Study points to possible cause of asthma exacerbations

A study suggests that viral infections like RSV can increase the expression of Toll-4 receptors on airway cells, leading to a heightened response to endotoxin exposure and potentially causing asthma exacerbations. This increased sensitivity could also make airways more responsive to other environmental exposures.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 24, 2004

Soft drinks not linked to decreased calcium intake

A study found that adolescent girls and boys drink fewer soft drinks than perceived, with an average of one can per day. Despite this, younger children and African-American children have lower calcium intakes. The study suggests increasing milk consumption and calcium supplements to improve dietary habits.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateMar 24, 2004

Antibiotics in the environment

Researchers developed a simple method for ultra trace determination of chlortetracycline and tylosin antibiotics in animal manures and surface/ground waters. Tests showed high concentrations of these antibiotics in swine manure samples, highlighting potential environmental pollution risks.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 24, 2004

The human brain and comparative judgments

A new study published in Neuron reveals that the brain processes continuous dimensions such as size and luminance in distributed regions of the cortex. The researchers observed that there is considerable overlap between local brain regions and no single region uniquely selective for one particular stimulus.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 24, 2004

Titania nanotube hydrogen sensors clean themselves

Researchers developed self-cleaning hydrogen sensors using titania nanotubes that can recover from contamination by exposing them to ultraviolet light. The sensors' photocatalytic properties allow for efficient removal of contaminants, enabling real-world applications with minimal sensor error.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateMar 24, 2004

Martian mystery explained

Researchers found that heating and cooling alone can create spiral patterns on Mars, contrary to previous theories. The model suggests that differential melting and refreezing cause the spirals' unique shape and spacing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateMar 24, 2004