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Science News for November 30, 2005


Artificial replication

The researchers created an artificial mammalian replication origin that can specify a DNA replication origin and enable scientists to explore the mechanism of replication initiation. This discovery will provide a new direction for creating vectors for gene therapy that are less mutagenic than current integrating vectors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2005

Nanotech discovery could have radical implications

Researchers at Princeton University propose a new mathematical approach to produce desired configurations of nanoparticles by manipulating their interactions. This method could lead to radical implications in industries like telecommunications, computers, and aerospace engineering, as well as our understanding of life.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 30, 2005

New kidney disease drug saves lives at low cost

Sevelamer, a new kidney disease drug, has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk by 12% in patients with chronic kidney disease, offsetting higher costs. The study found that the cost savings from avoiding cardiovascular events outweighed the increased cost of sevelamer, making it a favorable treatment option.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalValue in Health·DateNov 30, 2005

New pain research: Routine Tylenol for nursing home residents with dementia increases activity

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that nursing home residents with moderate to severe dementia who received acetaminophen were more socially active than those who received a placebo. The medication increased their engagement with their environment, including watching TV and talking to themselves.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 30, 2005

Buried craters and underground ice

The MARSIS radar has provided direct information about Mars' deep subsurface, revealing buried impact craters and hints of underground water-ice. The radar's measurements have changed our perception of the Red Planet, adding a new dimension to its knowledge.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2005

Skimmed milk reduces the risk of hypertension by 50 percent

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming skimmed milk products can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension by 50%. The research, which followed 6,000 people over two years, revealed no association between whole milk consumption and hypertension risk. These findings contribute to ...

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 30, 2005

The yeast glycome

Researchers created a protein chip containing 5573 purified proteins and performed the first global analysis of protein glycosylation in yeast. This effort identified nearly double the known yeast glycome, including over 100 new N-linked glycoproteins.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2005

p53 and organogenesis

Analysis found that increased p53 delta113 expression in def-mutant digestive organs leads to cell cycle arrest, reducing organ growth. The p53 isoform's role in hypoplasia of the digestive organs is believed to be significant but not fully understood.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 30, 2005

Young children getting fewer hours of sleep

A recent study published in the journal Sleep found that preschool-aged children are getting significantly less sleep than the recommended amount, with only 8.7 hours of sleep per night and less than 9.5 hours including naps. The research suggests that this may have serious implications for their physical and cognitive development.

SourceLifespan·JournalSLEEP·DateNov 30, 2005