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Science News for August 16, 2005


Simple explanation for complex pattern of feather development

A team of biologists has discovered that plumed feather structures involve the coordination of at least two genes that activate and inhibit barb growth. This finding provides the best experimental evidence for a classical theory of growth in complex biological structures.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2005
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.

Gene loss accelerates aging

Researchers have discovered that the loss of the p63 gene accelerates aging in mice, leading to hair loss, reduced fitness and body weight, progressive curvature of the spine, and a shortened lifespan. This study suggests that p63 plays a fundamental role in maintaining health and preventing cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 16, 2005

Slower care for heart attack patients treated off hours and weekends

A study by Yale University researchers found that delayed treatment for heart attacks treated outside regular hours leads to increased mortality rates. PCI therapy, which opens narrowed coronary arteries, is more effective when administered promptly, but delays result in reduced survival benefits.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2005

U of M researchers show that increasing sugar processing in the liver can lower blood sugar

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that increasing fructose-2,6-bisphosphate in the liver can decrease blood sugar levels in mice. This process may also lead to weight loss by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. The study's findings could potentially lead to new treatments for diabetes and obesity.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 16, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Gene expression levels may reveal stage of Huntington's disease

Researchers analyzed gene expression patterns in blood samples from patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and asymptomatic carriers to identify potential biomarkers. The study found 12 genes with significantly altered expression levels, which rose to disease-associated levels as carriers approached symptom onset.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2005

Dual-drug therapy targets one colon cancer gene

Researchers found that combining interferon with irinotecan boosts IRF5 protein levels in colon cancer cells, leading to increased cell death. The combination therapy may limit side effects and make it harder for cancer cells to build resistance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 16, 2005

Temperature sensing by the circadian clock

Researchers found that low temperatures trigger a specific splicing mechanism in frq mRNA, excluding the l-FRQ translation initiation site and modulating circadian rhythmicity. This temperature-dependent inhibition of translation by uORFs effectively regulates FRQ levels and circadian rhythms.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 16, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two designer drugs hit same lung cancer target, but only one is effective

Researchers found that gefitinib (Iressa) was significantly effective in treating lung cancer cells containing a mutant EGFR molecule, while cetuximab (Erbitux) had little effect. The study suggests that mutations in the targets of designer drugs critically influence their effectiveness.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 16, 2005

Breast cancer detected through mammography has survival advantage

Researchers found that breast cancer detected by mammography has a substantially better survival prognosis, even after adjusting for stage of disease and tumor characteristics. The study suggests that this is due to the detection of slower-growing tumors, which are more likely to be node-negative.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 16, 2005

Other highlights in the August 17 JNCI

Researchers found that screen-detected breast cancers tend to have better prognoses than clinically detected ones, but may not lead to lower mortality. Meanwhile, patients on cetuximab therapy are at risk of hypomagnesemia and require magnesium supplementation. Additionally, men with Klinefelter syndrome may be more likely to develop c...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 16, 2005

Kidney failure a significant cause of ICU deaths worldwide

A large international study found that 6% of critically ill patients develop kidney failure, with 60% dying while hospitalized. Researchers also discovered that 86% of surviving patients do not require dialysis after discharge, providing a clue for treating acute renal failure.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2005
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Driving metastasis

Researchers found RhoC essential for tumor metastasis, but dispensable for embryonic development and tumor initiation. RhoC-deficient mice display reduced tumor metastasis, lower cell motility, and survival properties in secondary sites.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 16, 2005

Weight control protein may yield antiobesity drugs

Researchers found that SH2-B regulates leptin sensitivity, energy balance, and body weight in mice, leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study identifies SH2-B as a critical component in maintaining leptin sensitivity, potentially serving as a therapeutic target for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 16, 2005

Gene's discovery could help prevent a leading cause of blindness in the elderly

Researchers identify PLEKHA1 as a key gene associated with age-related macular degeneration (ARM), a leading cause of untreatable blindness in the elderly. The discovery may lead to the development of DNA tests to identify individuals at increased risk and new preventive strategies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 16, 2005

Bush sneaks in vetoes under a veil of formality

The president's statements provide interpretation of law language and announce constitutional limits on some provisions. This allows the administration to shape policy without passing new legislation, strengthening veto threats.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPresidential Studies Quarterly·DateAug 16, 2005
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.

New title from SSSA: Chemical Processes in Soils

The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and biological processes occurring in soil, essential for those studying or working in related fields. Readers will find chapters on various topics, including soil organic matter, macronutrients, and redox processes.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateAug 16, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New analytical tool helps detect cancer

Researchers at Ames Laboratory developed a method called dynamic multiple equilibrium gradients (DMEG) that enables hyperselective separation and concentration of specific analytes. This advancement allows for the detection of smallest substance traces, including estrogen-derived conjugates and DNA adducts in human fluid samples, poten...

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateAug 16, 2005

Life-extending protein keeps blood sugar in check

Researchers found that Sirt1 protein enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in mice, improving glucose tolerance. The study suggests therapeutic interventions for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 16, 2005
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.

Purdue simulation to help merge molecules with silicon electronics

Researchers at Purdue University have created a nanotech simulation tool that helps design molecular electronic devices. The tool simulates how current flows between silicon atoms and individual molecules, enabling the development of new technologies such as biochips and advanced sensors. By studying the interaction between molecules a...

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 16, 2005

Tumor suppressor activity of PTEN

Research reveals PTEN regulates VGF signaling, enhancing angiogenesis and accelerating tumor growth in mice. Individuals with mutated PTEN alleles are at risk for increased tumorigenic mutations and accelerated tumor growth due to enhanced angiogenesis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 16, 2005

Common painkillers linked to high blood pressure in women

A study of over 4,000 women found that taking high doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Women taking these painkillers were more likely to develop hypertension compared to those who didn't use them.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateAug 16, 2005

Galactic survey reveals a new look for the Milky Way

Astronomers have conducted the most detailed survey of the Milky Way's inner regions to date, revealing a long stellar bar spanning 27,000 light years. The bar is oriented at about a 45-degree angle relative to the galaxy's center, providing new insights into the galaxy's structure and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 16, 2005
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.