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Science News for August 25, 2005


Sleeping sickness epidemic spreading in Uganda

A study found that mass treatment interventions in Uganda had no significant impact on reducing the prevalence of human infective T b rhodesiense parasites. Since 1998, over 428 new cases have been diagnosed in the Sorotic district, with an additional 300 cases likely going undiagnosed.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 25, 2005

Locating crucial atoms in superconductors

Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in understanding superconductors by locating crucial atoms that increase conductivity but decrease it in localized spots. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective superconductors and unlock new materials for various applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2005

JCI table of contents September 1, 2005

Researchers have identified the Dido gene as a potential tumor suppressor in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases. Additionally, SOCS-7 has been found to regulate insulin signaling and enhance insulin action. Furthermore, aldose reductase expression has been linked to accelerated diabetic atherosclerosis in transgenic mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 25, 2005

The link between fasting and acute attacks of porphyria

A team of researchers has discovered a molecular missing link that explains why fasting brings on acute attacks of the genetic disease hepatic porphyria. Fasting increases levels of PGC-1a, which regulates the activity of an enzyme in the heme production pathway, leading to toxic buildup of precursor molecules.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 25, 2005

Insulin sensitivity gets a kick out of SOCS-7

The study found that SOCS-7-deficient mice have increased IRS protein levels and prolonged IRS activation, leading to enhanced insulin action and glucose homeostasis. The researchers also observed increased growth of pancreatic islets with elevated fasting insulin levels and hypoglycemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 25, 2005

UA physicists find key to long-lived nanowires

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a theory explaining why nanowires thin away at non-zero temperatures. The discovery reveals that higher surface tensions stabilize the wires, making them suitable for repeated use. Copper is identified as the best metal for creating stable nanowires.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 2005

High blood lactate levels may indicate poor prognosis in liver failure

Research suggests that high blood lactate levels can accurately predict a poor outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The study examined the relationship between serum phosphate and lactate levels in FHF patients, finding that lactate levels were significantly higher in those who died or underwent a transplant.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateAug 25, 2005

The right hitchhiker can save an aphid's life

Aphids vary in their resistance to wasp parasitism, but new research suggests that the difference lies in the symbiotic bacteria carried inside them. Carrying these bacteria reduces parasitism by up to 40% and demonstrates a heritable form of acquired resistance.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2005