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Science News for September 30, 2005


Adult stem cells aid recovery in animal model of cerebral palsy

Researchers found that adult stem cell therapy significantly improves recovery of motor function and balance in an animal model of cerebral palsy. The treatment, which involves injecting stem cells directly into the brain, showed a 20% reduction in favoring the unaffected side and a 25% improvement in balance.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 30, 2005

Fast, accurate detection of explosives on airport luggage possible

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to detect trace quantities of hazardous materials, including explosives, on surfaces such as luggage and skin. The portable device can analyze samples within seconds, making it potentially useful for security screening in public places.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 30, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Innovation in nanoporous chemistry

Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility report the synthesis of a new material, MIL-101, with very large internal pores and high surface area. The novel metal organic framework material has potential applications in chemical separation, heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage, and more.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 2005

Telling axons where to go – and grow

The study reveals that Rnf6 targets LIMK1 for degradation, controlling actin dynamics and axonal growth. Changes in Rnf6 levels can be restored by compensatory changes in LIMK1 expression.

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

Scientist uses form to explain function of key building blocks of life

Researchers studied iron-sulfur proteins called rubredoxin, which play a crucial role in processes like photosynthesis and respiration. By analyzing the strength of hydrogen bonds in different variants of the protein, they were able to explain changes in protein function and predict its behavior.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 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.

Science survey ranks top biopharma employers

The 2005 Science survey identified top biopharma employers, based on 1,566 survey responses from readers of Science and other selected respondents. The rankings were determined using a mathematical process that took into account 42 specific characteristics or attributes in seven categories.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 2005

Climate change more rapid than ever

Climate models predict a rapid increase in global temperatures and sea level rise of up to 30cm, with severe consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and extreme weather events. The study also highlights the impact of human activity on the climate, fuelling global warming.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateSep 30, 2005
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Evidence of a new hereditary joint disorder

Researchers identified a novel syndrome marked by rapid cartilage debonding and stripping away from bone in an affected family. The condition causes joints to be exceptionally susceptible to shattering, despite being diagnosed with various disorders in the past.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateSep 30, 2005

Promote use of drugs to prevent AIDS infection, researchers urge

An international team of researchers suggests that people at high risk of contracting HIV should take daily antiretroviral medication as a preventative measure. This approach, known as PrEP, has been shown promise in clinical trials and is seen as a crucial strategy to combat the ongoing pandemic.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience·DateSep 30, 2005

UW-Madison small-scale research receives big boost

The UW-Madison MRSEC center will focus on designing materials with controlled chemical functionality and physical properties, enabling new sensors and cell differentiation capabilities. The center's interdisciplinary approach brings together experts from various departments to advance nanotechnology research and technology transfer.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateSep 30, 2005

Predicting where flooding will occur in the West

Researchers have developed a new approach to predicting flooding in the West, combining computer simulations with satellite imagery and field data. The method provides more accurate hazard information and could have significant economic impacts on rapidly growing Southwest cities.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateSep 30, 2005

Dark chocolate helps diarrhea

Researchers found that cocoa flavonoids can bind to and inhibit CFTR, a protein in the intestines that regulates fluid secretion. This discovery could lead to natural treatments for diarrhea that are inexpensive and have few side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital & Research Center Oakland·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateSep 30, 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.

Different but equal: Settling the dosage compensation debate

The study provides conclusive evidence for the activation model of dosage compensation in flies, revealing that MSL upregulates X-linked genes twofold in males. This finding resolves a longstanding debate and highlights the importance of fine-tuning gene expression.

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