Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 4, 2005


Keeping cancer in check

A recent study by Penn researchers found that a metabolic enzyme works with the tumor-suppressor protein p53 to control cellular replication. The enzyme, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acts as a sensor to detect energy levels in cells and prevents them from replicating under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 2005

New GP contract may not improve treatment for heart failure patients

A new general medical services contract in the UK may not adequately address the needs of patients with chronic heart failure. Despite efforts to improve management and diagnosis, concerns remain about the level of support provided by secondary care, particularly access to specialist advice and diagnostic resources.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalPostgraduate Medical Journal·DateMay 4, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA & NOAA set to launch new environmental satellite

The NOAA-N satellite will collect data on Earth's surface and atmosphere for weather forecasts, climate predictions, and search and rescue operations. With advanced imaging and sounding capabilities, the satellite aims to improve understanding of environmental changes worldwide.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2005

Discovery of an American salamander where it shouldn't be: Korea

A newly discovered lungless salamander in Korea has significant implications for the understanding of amphibian evolution and biogeography. The species, named Karsenia koreana, is distinct from other lungless salamanders and sheds light on their historical distribution across Asia and Europe.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 2005

Study agrees, just do it!

A study by the University of Alberta found that successful exercisers use plans and action, not pep talks, to maintain regular exercise. Boomer-age women tend to have higher activity levels, while older men are less active due to fear of injury or illness.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateMay 4, 2005

New insights into how Huntington's disease attacks the brain

Researchers at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute developed a mouse model showing that mutant HD proteins exert influence on nearby brain cells, which interact with target cells to spark disease. The study provides direct genetic evidence for the role of cellular interactions in Huntington's disease progression.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 2005
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Slow balls take the swing out of young ball players

A study by McMaster University found that children's brains are less adept at judging speed in slow motion due to immaturity. As a result, adding speed to a pitch helps them perceive it more accurately. The research, set to be published in July, was triggered by a correlation between eye problems and perception.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalVision Research·DateMay 4, 2005

Gene variants predict bleeding after heart surgery

A study at Duke University Medical Center found that genetic variations in platelet surface receptors and coagulation proteins are associated with increased post-operative bleeding. This discovery may lead to genetic screening as a tool for pre-operative evaluation of heart surgery patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateMay 4, 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.

Biologists determine genetic blueprint of social amoeba

An international team has determined the complete genetic blueprint of Dictyostelium discoideum, a simple social amoeba long used by researchers to gain insight into human diseases. The genome contains nearly twice as many protein coding genes as previously thought and provides a new tool for studying human disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 2005

How monarch butterflies are wired for navigation

Researchers found that monarch butterflies rely on ultraviolet light for navigation and that this process is linked to their circadian clock. The study revealed the importance of polarized light in guiding butterfly migration.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 2005

Aeras and UCLA announce license deal for new TB vaccine

Aeras and UCLA announce a license deal for rBCG30, a live recombinant vaccine technology developed at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. The vaccine has shown promising results in initial clinical studies and holds potential to reduce TB disease burden globally.

SourceAeras·DateMay 4, 2005

Researchers develop new method for facile identification of proteins in bacterial cells

Researchers have created a new method to identify specific proteins in bacterial cells, simplifying the process and increasing signal-to-background ratio. The technique uses peptide mass fingerprinting with mass spectrometry, allowing for rapid identification of target proteins amidst hundreds of other cell components.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 4, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Human eggs can develop from ovarian surface cells in vitro

Researchers have successfully developed human eggs from ovarian surface cells (OSE cells) in a laboratory setting. This breakthrough has potential applications in human reproduction, including increased chances of conception for women with reduced fertility and premature menopause.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology·DateMay 4, 2005

Scripps research scientists identify infertility molecule

Scientists discovered that mice lacking LPA receptors experience fertility problems, with embryos failing to implant in the womb. This finding may lead to new insights into female infertility and potential therapeutic interventions for human fertility issues.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 2005

Soliciting organs over the Internet

The article discusses the rise of online organ donation platforms like MatchingDonors.com, which have successfully paired donors with recipients. However, the medical community is divided over the ethics of soliciting organs online, with concerns about subverting the UNOS system and policing financial remuneration for living donors.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateMay 4, 2005
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New insight into Huntington's disease pathology

Studies in mice with genetically engineered mutant huntingtin protein found that widespread production led to locomotor problems, neurodegeneration, and abnormal brain connections. Conversely, restricted production showed little difference from normal mice, suggesting cellular interactions play a significant role in HD pathogenesis.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 2005

UCLA scientists pinpoint region of autism gene on chromosome 17

Researchers at UCLA have pinpointed a specific region on chromosome 17 associated with autism in males. The discovery may help explain why girls are less likely to develop the condition, as the gene contributing to autism only affects boys.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 4, 2005

Exercise in cold water may increase appetite, UF study finds

Researchers found that exercising in cold water led to a 44% higher caloric intake compared to warm water or resting periods. The study suggests that environmental conditions during exercise may influence post-exercise appetite, and individuals should consider the kinds of foods they eat after exercise.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateMay 4, 2005
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Different consultants mean different lengths of stay in hospitals

A study analyzing hospital discharge data found that consultants' practices differ significantly in length of stay, re-admission rates, and resource usage. General internal medicine consultants had the shortest median stay duration, while respiratory consultants had the highest readmission rate.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalPostgraduate Medical Journal·DateMay 4, 2005

Newly discovered genetic disease sheds light on body's water balance

Researchers discovered a new genetic disease, Nephrogenic Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis (NSIAD), in two infants who were retaining excess fluids and diluting sodium levels in their blood. The condition is caused by mutations in the AVPR2 gene that affects vasopressin binding, leading to inappropriate antidiuresis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 4, 2005

Genome of social amoeba shows its importance as research model

The sequencing of Dictyostelium's genome has clarified its relationship to humans, revealing nearly twice as many protein coding genes as fungi. This increase in gene function information makes it a more effective model for discovering targets for drugs against human diseases.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 4, 2005