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Science News for September 19, 2005


Researchers identify new target in fight against obesity

Scientists discover that amino acids enter the cell through a separate pathway than insulin, triggering the activation of S6K1 enzyme. This finding provides a potential new target for regulating obesity and insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2005

Protein structure key for AIDS, cell function

Cornell researchers identified a peptide that may play a role in interrupting the interface between CD4 and HIV-AIDS. The findings mark a major step toward designing drugs that could inhibit processes related to certain diseases.

SourceCornell University·JournalStructure·DateSep 19, 2005

NIMH study to guide treatment choices for schizophrenia

The CATIE study found that while newer medications have no substantial advantage over older antipsychotics, individual differences in patient response to these drugs remain crucial. Patients on olanzapine tended to stay on the medication longer but experienced increased side effects such as weight gain and metabolic changes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 19, 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.

Cytokinetics presents data on CK-1827452

CK-1827452 selectively activates cardiac myosin, increasing contractility without changes in cellular calcium transient. The drug demonstrates improvement in cardiac function and output in a dog model of heart failure, supporting its therapeutic hypothesis.

SourceBurns McClellan·DateSep 19, 2005

Gaining ground in the race against antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered four mutations that increase the efficiency of a bacterial enzyme rendering penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics useless. The mutations influenced the enzyme's active site, allowing it to survive on a drug dose 64 times higher than the original enzyme.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2005

Molecular pathway linked to breast cancer recurrence

A recent study has identified a molecular pathway linked to breast cancer recurrence, suggesting that the transcriptional repressor Snail may play a role in progression. Genetic screening of human breast cancer samples revealed that high levels of Snail expression predict decreased relapse-free survival.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 19, 2005

Neanderthal teeth grew no faster than comparable modern humans'

Researchers found that Neanderthals' tooth growth rate was comparable to that of modern humans, suggesting they may not have had a shorter childhood than us. The study used microscopic lines on teeth to estimate growth rates and found that Neanderthal enamel formation times fell within the range of three modern populations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 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.

Adult human neural stem cell therapy successful in treating spinal cord injury

A new study by UCI researchers shows that adult human neural stem cells can differentiate into new oligodendrocyte cells and neurons, restoring myelin and improving motor function in mice with spinal cord injuries. The treatment also leads to behavioral improvements, including the ability to step using hind paws.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2005

Use of antibiotics for acne may increase risk of common infectious illness

A study found that patients with acne treated with long-term antibiotics were more likely to develop upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The researchers identified individuals diagnosed with acne between 1987 and 2002, comparing the incidence of URTIs in those who received antibiotic treatment versus those who did not.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateSep 19, 2005

Tissue rigidity promotes tumor progression

A study published in Cancer Cell found that increased tissue rigidity promotes the malignant behavior of tumor cells by inducing Rho-generated cytoskeletal tension and focal adhesions. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 19, 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.

Ministers work toward viable mining communities

Federal, provincial and territorial mines ministers agree that vulnerable mining communities are a priority. The conference discussed ways to maintain community viability through cooperation on exploration initiatives, processing technologies, and Aboriginal engagement.

SourceNatural Resources Canada·DateSep 19, 2005

Monitoring the response to vaccination against melanoma

Researchers have identified distinct patterns of responses in patient cells after vaccination against melanoma, which may help monitor treatment response. The study found that certain compounds were secreted by cells in patients whose tumors did not grow after vaccination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005

Findings relate aspirin-induced ulcers, hearing loss

A study by Rice University researchers found that salicylate causes membranes to thin, soften, and rupture more easily, increasing the risk of hearing loss. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for the debilitating side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 19, 2005

Failure to suppress irrelevant brain activity in Alzheimer disease

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that people with Alzheimer's disease have difficulty suppressing irrelevant brain activity, which can lead to cognitive impairments. This defective focusing process is characterized by reduced cross-modal inhibition, where auditory and visual processing areas are not properly deactivated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UVa participates in landmark breast cancer screening trial

A landmark breast cancer screening trial conducted by UVa Health System found no significant difference between digital and standard x-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer. The trial, DMIST, enrolled nearly 50,000 women and used both digital and film mammograms.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005

Doctors survey hospital food, reveal current trends

A survey of 40 hospitals found that high-fat foods contribute to the risk of heart disease among staff and visitors. In contrast, healthier options featuring vegetables, beans, and whole grains are shown to support overall health and well-being.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005

Molecular defect found that may cause heart failure

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a molecular defect in specialized proteins called ryanodine receptors (RyRs) as a possible cause of heart failure. The RyRs malfunction, leading to calcium imbalances that prevent the heart from contracting effectively and relaxing adequately.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 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.

Tip sheet for Annals of Internal Medicine, Sept. 20, 2005 issue

A survey of 44 medications found that 43 were cheaper in Canada than in the US, with potential savings of up to 24% per dose. Second-generation antidepressants showed similar efficacy and safety compared to other options, making choosing an antidepressant difficult for patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 19, 2005

Diamonds are a doctor's best friend

Researchers have developed diamond-like carbon coatings for medical implants, reducing friction and corrosion while providing biocompatibility. The new method of coating plastics, metals, and collagen enables the production of harder-wearing implants and enhances patient outcomes.

SourceIOP Publishing·DateSep 19, 2005

Public patients denied effective obesity treatment

Australia's Director of Obesity Research highlights lack of access to life-saving bariatric surgery for those who need it most. Over 2.6 million Australians struggle with obesity, a growing public health crisis requiring urgent attention and action from hospitals and governments.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateSep 19, 2005
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Evolving trends in the treatment of vascular birthmarks

The current treatment approaches for port-wine stains, facial hemangiomas, and vascular malformations are presented. Pulse-dye laser therapy is found to be an effective treatment for port-wine stains, while observation may suffice for stable lesions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateSep 19, 2005

Earliest meteorites provide new piece in planetary formation puzzle

Researchers at Imperial College London analysed primitive meteorites, coal-like rocks older than the Earth, and found they are depleted of volatile elements. This suggests 'volatile depletion' may be an inevitable part of planet formation across many planetary systems.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 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.

Preschool children display innate skill with numbers, addition

Research at Harvard University reveals that preschool children have a basic understanding of number concepts and can perform addition before formal schooling. However, their ability to comprehend symbolic arithmetic is limited, suggesting that teaching methods may need to be revised.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2005

Clearing jams in copy machinery

Two DNA polymerases, Pol III and Pol IV, coordinate their action to cross obstacles in the replication process. Pol III copies DNA while proofreading for errors, but can stall if it encounters a problem, allowing Pol IV to take over.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 19, 2005

Surgeons lack training in palliative surgical options

A study found significant deficiencies in education on palliative surgical care among surgeons, with 84% not receiving any training during residency and 44% lacking continuing medical education. The lack of standardization in treatment recommendations may be due to diverse sources of training and experience.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateSep 19, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.