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Science News for September 15, 2004


University of Alberta researcher offers promising treatment for premature ejaculation

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a promising treatment for premature ejaculation using gabapentin, which increases aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. The study suggests that gabapentin can prolong ejaculation without significant side effects, making it a potential option for men with PE.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 15, 2004

Major EU project shows 'Killer bacteria' more common than expected

A new study by the European Union shows that group A streptococci (GAS) infections are more common than previously thought, with an estimated 18-20,000 cases per year across the EU. The study also reveals a higher number of different bacterial types, with nearly 200 types currently identified, and potential antibiotic resistance issues.

SourceSwedish Research Council·DateSep 15, 2004

'Mighty mouse' helping find ways to prevent osteoporosis

Researchers are using genetically engineered 'mighty mice' to study the relationship between muscle and bone health. They hope to find a way to build bone and avoid osteoporosis in young people. Early evidence suggests that exercise may not have as much of an impact on bone density as previously thought.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 15, 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.

Venn diagram tactics to vet complex disease

A study using Venn diagram tactics categorizes mutation types in cells from different patients, identifying a novel cause of lethal neonatal mitochondrial complex I deficiency. The authors demonstrate the technique's strength by pinpointing mutations in the NDUFS6 gene, a previously unknown contributor to this disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

Researcher looks at racial identity as part of healthy lifestyle

A researcher is creating a new health program that takes into account an individual's ethnic identity to improve health outcomes for African Americans. The program, which will involve 1,000 participants categorized into five ethnic identity groups, aims to match educational materials to each person's cultural beliefs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateSep 15, 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.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for September 2004 (second issue)

The American Thoracic Society has published a revised statement on diagnosing nonmalignant asbestos-related diseases, which includes chronic lung disease, pleural plaques, and airway obstruction. The updated guidance also discusses the diagnosis of asbestos-related pleural disease using chest X-rays.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 15, 2004

Ecology of infectious diseases grants awarded

The National Science Foundation has funded six projects under its Ecology of Infectious Diseases program to understand the ecological and biological mechanisms behind relationships between human-induced environmental changes and infectious disease emergence. The research will focus on understanding disease transmission, unintended heal...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 15, 2004

European common frog found to use novel mating strategy

The European common frog has a complex breeding strategy where males engage in clutch piracy, fertilizing eggs left unfertilized after the initial encounter. This behavior leads to a greater percentage of fertilized eggs and clutches with multiple fathers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 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.

JCI table of contents September 15, 2004

Researchers develop methodology to efficiently pinpoint mutations in mitochondrial respiratory chain, identifying new cause of lethal neonatal disease. The technique uses cell-fusion experiments and bioinformatics analyses to categorize mutation types, revealing complex genetic backgrounds.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

Maggot therapy linked with reduced post-operative wound infections

A small study found that maggot-treated wounds had a significantly lower infection rate compared to untreated wounds. Maggots' unique properties make them an effective treatment option for preventing post-operative wound infections.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 15, 2004

Protein is key to fatal disorder and normal cell function

A study at Duke University Medical Center discovered the cln3 protein transports a vital lipid that is essential for normal cell function. The breakdown of this system leads to uncontrolled apoptosis in Batten disease, but the protein also plays a role in cancer, Alzheimer's, and AIDS.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 15, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human chromosome 5 final sequence analysis released to public

The completed sequence of human chromosome 5 reveals 66 known disease genes and 14 additional genes linked to diseases. The vast terrain also holds important regulatory elements and conserved noncoding regions with powerful influence on gene activity.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2004

A one-two punch for tumors

Researchers found that combining histone deacetylase inhibitors with anti-angiogenesis drugs reduced tumor growth in mice by up to 85% and controlled new blood vessel formation by 60%. This combination therapy may provide a greater impact on cancer development than using the drugs alone.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 15, 2004

Picking prostanoids to provide protection

Researchers found that prostacyclin (PGI) protects against atherosclerosis, while thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes its development. TP antagonists and molecules with PG-like activity may aid in atherosclerosis prevention, aligning with previous work on low-dose aspirin therapy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

Brain has center for detecting sound motion

Researchers identified a brain region that processes sound location and motion, with impaired function leading to 'cortical motion deafness'. The study provides evidence of an auditory motion module within the right posterior superior temporal gyrus.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 15, 2004
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Hardy buoys: Texas A&M project predicts oil spill movements

The Texas Automated Buoy System (TABS) uses nine buoys to predict oil spill movements, saving the state up to $250,000 in cleanup costs. The buoys also aid in locating ship passengers lost overboard and helped retrieve the Ehime Maru, a Japanese vessel sunk by a U.S. submarine.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateSep 15, 2004

Decoupling the control of brain cancer cells to find better treatments

Scientists identified two proteins as the key switches controlling brain cancer cell growth, revealing a potential new target for glioblastoma treatment. The study found that blocking one protein enables the other to inhibit cancerous growth, offering hope for more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 15, 2004
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Earth's best view of the stars – Antarctica's Dome C

Astronomers have successfully taken high-quality images using a ground-based telescope at Dome C, Antarctica, which rivals the capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope. The site offers excellent seeing conditions and low atmospheric interference, making it an attractive alternative to space-based astronomy.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2004

The machinery of forgetting fears

Researchers found that the amygdala is involved in both fear acquisition and unlearning, while the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a critical role in retaining extinction learning. The study provides evidence that the mechanisms of extinction learning may be preserved across species.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 15, 2004

Carbon nanotube oscillator might weigh a single atom

Researchers at Cornell University have created a tiny oscillator that uses a carbon nanotube to vibrate at radio frequencies, enabling mass sensing and gas detection capabilities. The device is so small that it can potentially weigh individual atoms, offering new possibilities for scientific research and applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2004
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.