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Science News for August 22, 2005


A novel virus for croup

A novel coronavirus, HCoV-NL63, is strongly associated with croup in children under three years old. The study found that 43% of patients with high viral load and no co-infection had croup, compared to 6% of those without the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 22, 2005

Children's health in southern Italy is in crisis

Children in southern Italy face a constellation of risks including high school dropout rates and low youth employment. The region also struggles with low vaccination uptake rates, leaving kids vulnerable to preventable diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 22, 2005

Chickens orient using a magnetic compass

Researchers demonstrated that birds can be trained to respond to a magnetic direction and found that the ability to orient with magnetic cues is present in an ancient avian lineage. The new approach uses a social stimulus, unlike most previous attempts which relied on food rewards.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2005

New hope for patients with rare genetic diseases

ERDITI, a collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers, aims to repurpose 'abandoned' compounds for rare diseases. The initiative, launched by Alain Fischer, could lead to discoveries of effective treatments and profitable new drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 22, 2005

Early clinical signs of ovarian cancer

Researchers found that women with ovarian cancer were more likely to present to physicians with abdominal swelling or pelvic pain up to 12 months before diagnosis. Diagnostic testing showed only a minority of patients received necessary tests, highlighting the need for earlier detection.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 22, 2005

Case researchers find exercise, eating right and maintaining weight benefit oral health

Researchers found that exercising regularly, eating a high-quality diet and maintaining a normal weight can reduce the risk of periodontitis by up to 40%. These healthy behaviors also contribute to lowering diabetes risk factors. Regular monitoring and promotion of these habits by oral health professionals can help prevent gum disease.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateAug 22, 2005

Possible new compound for treatment of cerebral malaria

Researchers discovered a new compound, LMP-420, that potently reduces activation of endothelial cells and inflammation in cerebral malaria. This finding offers a promising avenue for treating the condition, which has a high fatality rate despite existing treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 22, 2005

Genomics reveals mechanism of heat resistance in bacteria

Researchers discovered that thermophilic bacteria have an abundance of disulfide bonds, which improve protein stability and boost heat-tolerance. The study identified a specific protein, protein disulfide oxidoreductase (PDO), playing a key role in forming these bonds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 22, 2005

Beetle-inspired switch uses water for bonding

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a beetle-inspired switch that uses surface tension to create bonds, opening up possibilities for powerful adhesive bonding in arrays. The switch can be scaled down to the size of a micron and operates using water and electricity.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2005