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Science News for July 21, 2005


Minimally invasive solid tumor biopsy may replace surgery to get diagnostic specimens

A minimally invasive core-needle biopsy guided by CT scans or ultrasound appears to be an effective way to obtain tumor samples, replacing surgery. The technique shows high accuracy rates for diagnosing childhood cancers, with a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 100%, according to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital researchers.

How bacteria break B cell tolerance

Researchers found that bacterial infections can activate self-reactive B cells with significant affinity, driving them to mature into harmful memory B cells. This activation is facilitated by the cooperation of autoantigens, innate immunity, and T cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 21, 2005

'Satellites and the city'

Urban areas affect climate, with satellite data showing changes in surface properties like thermal conductivity and vegetation cover. NASA satellites capture these changes, enabling improved simulation of urban effects in climate models.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJul 21, 2005

'Tall' crystals from tiny templates

Ames Laboratory researchers have fabricated PBG crystal microstructures in open air using a modified technique called microtransfer molding. The team's achievement enables the creation of multilayered photonic band gap crystals, a key step towards creating photonic crystals within a single computer chip.

JCI table of contents August 1, 2005

Researchers discover hemoglobin's novel function as a nitrite reductase, generating nitric oxide to regulate vasodilation. Separate studies reveal that M cells are not necessary for oral tolerance induction, while bacterial infections can break B cell tolerance by activating self-reactive B cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 21, 2005

Size matters: Preventing large mammal extinction

The study identified key factors contributing to large mammal extinction, including biological disadvantages and human impact. Smaller mammals are more vulnerable due to limited distribution sizes and exposure to humans, while larger animals face additional challenges such as long gestation periods and late weaning ages.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2005

The sound of a distant rumble

Scientists captured T waves from the Sumatra earthquake using underwater microphones at Diego Garcia, providing a direct look at the entirety of the large underwater event. The study reveals two phases: faster rupture to the south and slower to the north, with implications for tsunami risk and emergency relief.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2005

Researchers figure out how hearts fail

Researchers have discovered that during early stages of heart failure, the heart uses too much fatty acid and not enough carbohydrate; later on, it doesn't use enough fat. This new knowledge can lead to better treatments, but the existing drugs don't remedy the inefficiency.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPhysiological Reviews·DateJul 21, 2005

Hamill Foundation funds innovation program at Rice

The Hamill Innovation Grant program supports high-risk, high-impact research at Rice University, aiming to develop new technologies and treatments for various diseases. Four inaugural awards will fund research in areas such as respiratory viruses, protein titin, glycosaminoglycans, and resveratrol biosynthesis.