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Science News for November 24, 2005


Potential malaria drug target identified

A team of researchers has discovered a parasite enzyme, PfSUB2, that sheds sticky surface proteins, allowing the parasite to invade red blood cells. The discovery could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs that target this enzyme.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 24, 2005

New evidence extends greenhouse gas record from ice cores by 50 percent, adding 210,000 years

The new ice core analysis provides insights into Antarctic climate and greenhouse gas concentrations during the most recent warm period, known as Marine Isotope Stage 11. This analog warm period occurred between 420,000 and 400,000 years ago and shares similarities with our current warm period due to similar Earth-Sun configurations.

Global warming doubles rate of ocean rise

A Rutgers-led team reports a steady millimeter-per-year rise in sea levels from 5,000 years ago until about 200 years ago, contrasting with the current two-millimeter annual increase. The findings argue against widely held tenets of geological science and provide a new baseline for addressing global warming.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2005

MUHC ensures blood without bugs

The new blood safety test is capable of detecting major parasitic diseases, including malaria and fasciola, with instant results. Developed by the Montreal Neurological Institute (NRCP) at McGill University, the test has the potential to save countless lives by reducing the risk of parasite transmission through blood transfusions.