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Science News for November 18, 2005


Polymer gel can block toxic leakage problem in gene therapy

Researchers have developed a biocompatible polymer that briefly changes from liquid to gel at body temperature to block gene-bearing viruses from leaking into the bloodstream and harming other tissues. This method reduces misdirected virus dissemination by a factor of 100-1,000 times, solving the problem of toxic leakage in gene therapy.

SourceDuke University·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 18, 2005

Grant to advance MCG/Emory nursing partnership

The Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing has received a $995,000 grant to support its new doctorate of nursing practice program, the 10th of its kind in the nation. The partnership with Emory University will prepare critical mass of nurse clinicians through increased collaboration.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateNov 18, 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.

Magnetic probe successfully tracks implanted cells in cancer patients

A new technique successfully tracks the location of injected cells in cancer patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and iron oxide particles. The study showed that injection accuracy is critical, but not perfect, and that MRI provides an accurate way to track cells' final resting place.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 18, 2005

Scientists discover how to flip a molecular switch

Researchers at Penn State and Rice University discover how to flip molecular switches by engineering their design and surrounding environment. They demonstrated that single-molecule switches can be tailored to respond in predictable ways, depending on the applied electric field direction.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 18, 2005

New drug target identified for fighting Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein called LRRK2 that could be the best new target in the fight against Parkinson's disease. The study found that LRRK2 is involved in controlling other proteins' activities and may play a role in the death of brain cells that produce dopamine.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 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.

One drug tackles two diseases, Case researcher finds

Researchers found that risedronate therapy significantly reduced plaque and improved periodontal status in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The study also highlighted the link between osteoporosis and periodontal disease, suggesting similar treatment and management may minimize tooth loss.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalMenopause·DateNov 18, 2005

Warning labels on high-risk drugs inconsistently heeded by doctors

A study found that doctors frequently prescribe high-risk drugs despite warning labels, with noncompliance rates ranging from 12.8% to 49.6%. The authors recommend improving warning clarity, patient education, and system support to enhance adherence to recommended practices.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateNov 18, 2005

APL provides a unique view of successful intercept test

A team from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) developed a multi-purpose sensor payload to collect video and infrared imagery of the target's boost, post-boost phases, reentry vehicle separation event, and SM-3 intercept. This provided scientists with the closest view of the intercept, enabling them to better und...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateNov 18, 2005
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Researchers zero in on the possible cause of Kawasaki disease

A study led by Northwestern University researchers suggests that Kawasaki disease is caused by a single respiratory viral agent, entering through the lungs and infecting bronchi. The research provides new insights into the disease's cause and course, and may lead to new treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 18, 2005

NASA'S ICESat: One billion elevations served

ICESat measures polar ice sheets, clouds, mountains, and forests with three lasers, enabling scientists to see objects in three dimensions. The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) instrument has fired its one billionth shot, collecting detailed information on the vertical structure of the Earth system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 18, 2005

APS physics tip sheet #57

A new nanoparticle sensor developed at the University of Rochester can detect individual flu viruses and particles, setting a high bar for detection techniques. Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Twente have found that thin grooves with sharp edges can speed up drying even in humid conditions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Loss of fear factor makes timid mouse bold

Researchers found that stathmin is critical for both innate and learned fear in mice. Mice lacking stathmin show reduced fear responses to stimuli, boldly exploring environments where normal mice would hesitate. This discovery advances our understanding of the neural circuitry involved in fear and offers potential therapeutic targets.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 18, 2005