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Science News Archive 2005 - Page 95


Page 95 of 165

Multi-drug resistant TB persists in California

California continues to experience cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which requires prolonged treatment and poses significant public health risks. The majority of MDR-TB cases are foreign-born, highlighting the need for international TB control measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 7, 2005

Cell's power plants also sense low oxygen

Researchers have found that mitochondria function as oxygen sensors, producing reactive oxygen species in response to low oxygen conditions. However, a dual-mode mechanism involving the enzyme PHD emerges when oxygen levels are extremely low, suggesting a new strategy for enhancing the body's natural protective response.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 7, 2005

Geckos: It's not always about sex

A study found that parthenogenetic Bynoe's geckos, a hybrid species, can reproduce without sex and outperform their sexual counterparts in endurance tests. The geckos' 'clonal' way of reproducing allows them to be genetically identical to their mother, and research suggests they are super tough and robust.

SourceLewis & Clark College·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateJun 7, 2005

Public release of pig genomic sequences

The release of pig genomic sequences has significant implications for biomedical research, production, food safety, and animal health. The data reveals genetic similarities between pigs and humans, which may lead to improved models for medical testing and drug development.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJun 6, 2005

Animal model demonstrates course of epilepsy

Researchers created rat pups with subtle cortical malformations and found that they developed temporal lobe epilepsy after experiencing prolonged fever-related seizures. The study suggests that early identification of children with atypical febrile seizures could lead to neuroprotective treatments to prevent later epilepsy.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 6, 2005

New finding in studying dopamine transporter

A new study found that healthy individuals carrying a specific variant of the dopamine transporter gene have significantly higher levels of dopamine transporter in their brains. The results suggest that this variation may influence concentrations of extracellular dopamine and are relevant to conditions such as substance abuse, tobacco ...

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 6, 2005

Pathogens shape evolution of humans' most diverse genes

A new study reveals that pathogens play a significant role in shaping the evolution of human's most diverse genes, specifically those encoding Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) proteins. High HLA diversity is found to correlate with high pathogen diversity, particularly for certain types of HLA genes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 2005

Monkeys understand numbers across senses

Researchers at Duke University found that monkeys prefer to look at video images matching the number of sounds they heard, suggesting an innate ability to represent numbers across senses. This discovery resolves a longstanding debate on whether animals possess numerical abilities tied to specific senses.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 2005

Newly published summer camp health guideline advises parents, camp directors

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of open communication between parents, camp officials, and medical professionals about a child's health needs. Camps are advised to provide parents with detailed information about their programs, including risks associated with certain activities, and to have staff trained in first aid and CPR.

Traditional models underestimate extinction rates

A new study reveals that traditional models of extinction underestimate species extinction risk by ignoring a critical parameter. The researchers used water fleas as a model organism and found that incorporating density-dependent demographic stochasticity into the models accurately predicted extinction rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2005

Chemical that triggers hibernation may protect muscles

A study found that a chemical hibernation trigger may help protect skeletal muscles from damage caused by lack of oxygen. The researchers discovered that the plasma from hibernating woodchucks improved muscle activity after a period of hypoxia and reoxygenation.

SourceWiley·JournalMuscle & Nerve·DateJun 6, 2005

Ancient DNA confirms single origin of Malagasy primates

A recent study using ancient DNA has confirmed that all living lemurs on the island of Madagascar descended from a single primate ancestor. The researchers analyzed DNA from nine subfossil individuals and found that they are closely related to living indriids, but not to other extinct species.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2005

Astronomers find evidence supporting theory of quasars

Researchers at Cornell University have found clear bumps in infrared emissions at 10 and 18 microns in five type 1 AGNs, confirming the existence of silicate dust and supporting the unified theory. This evidence may provide insights into the inner temperature of dusty tori and shed light on the structure of active galactic nuclei.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 6, 2005

Opiate cocktail may spare cells from morphine's dark side

Researchers developed a drug cocktail combining morphine with methadone to prevent cellular signaling imbalances associated with opiate tolerance. The study found that rats receiving the cocktail experienced reduced morphine dependence, suggesting a potential approach for treating chronic pain.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 2005

NASA: Earth and space sciences at risk

The American Geophysical Union issues a position statement warning that NASA's commitment to innovative Earth and space science programs is under threat due to new financial demands. This could lead to decimated effective programs and degraded capabilities in weather forecasting, search and rescue, and life and property protection.

Resettling the 'Lost Boys of Sudan' in the United States

A US study assessed the functional and behavioral health of unaccompanied Sudanese refugee minors one year after resettlement in foster care. The youths reported high levels of trauma and stress, with increased risk of PTSD associated with separation from family, group home living, and feelings of loneliness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 6, 2005