Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 15, 2004


Major missile defense study published

A new study published by the American Physical Society finds that boosting-phase defense systems have significant limitations, making them impractical against many potential threats. The report highlights issues with timing and range, limiting the effectiveness of boost-phase defenses.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateOct 15, 2004

Magnetic stars

Researchers found stable ring-shaped magnetic field configurations in magnetic A-stars, White Dwarf stars, and neutron stars, supporting the 'fossil field' hypothesis. These fields can persist for hundreds of millions of years, surviving the star's life span.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2004

New study demonstrates co-administration

Researchers found that taking Welchol, a bile acid sequestrant, with TriCor, a fibrate, resulted in no significant interaction. The study involved 30 healthy volunteers who received different treatment regimens involving the two drugs, showing that co-administration is safe and effective.

SourceHill and Knowlton·JournalClinical Pharmacokinetics·DateOct 15, 2004

Mini-Mouse is a bad mom

A team of scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that mice without the TR4 gene are born smaller, less fertile, and have poor parenting skills. The miniature mice exhibit reduced nest-building, nursing, and offspring care, resulting in high pup mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2004

Sniffing out the culprits of dust allergies

A team of scientists has developed a novel method to detect the culprits behind dust allergies, using PNA-encoded protease substrate microarrays. This innovative approach reveals the specific proteins responsible for triggering allergic reactions in humans, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying dust allergy.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateOct 15, 2004