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Science News Archive April 2006 - Page 2


Page 2 of 15

Keeping amyloid - and Alzheimer's - in check

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have identified a crucial protein called TMP21 that regulates amyloid-beta production. By controlling the specific cleavage of APP, TMP21 helps keep amyloid-beta levels in check, preventing the formation of toxic plaques. This discovery may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Hormone found to decrease appetite and increase activity

A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity discovered that oxyntomodulin, a hormone, can reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure in overweight volunteers. This finding holds promise for developing a new therapy to treat obesity, shifting focus from dieting alone to increasing spontaneous activity levels.

SourceImperial College London·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateApr 26, 2006

Micro-pump is cool idea for future computer chips

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new cooling system that uses a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pump to cool electronic devices on a tiny scale. The device is integrated onto a silicon chip and can create a cooling action through electrohydrodynamics, enhancing the pumping action by up to 13 percent.

Aspirin shows promise in combating a common, antibiotic-induced hearing loss

Researchers found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of hearing loss when paired with gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic. The study, conducted in China and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 75% lower incidence of hearing loss in patients given aspirin compared to those receiving placebos.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 26, 2006

Better model of deadly brain cancer

Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have created a mouse model of medulloblastoma, a common childhood brain cancer. The study found that mice lacking the XRCC4 gene or both XRCC4 and p53 died early from tumors, which displayed genetic abnormalities characteristic of human medulloblastomas. This new model will help understand...

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2006

Water and nanoelectronics will mix to create ultra-dense memory storage devices, researchers say

Scientists have discovered a new method to stabilize ferroelectricity in nanostructures using fragments of water, leading to ultra-dense memory storage devices with unprecedented capacities. This breakthrough could enable the creation of storage devices small enough to hold massive amounts of data, such as music or video libraries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 26, 2006

Training on virtual 'patient' improves carotid angiography skills

A study found that training on a virtual 'patient' improved carotid angiography skills in cardiologists, with reduced catheter errors and faster procedure times. The use of simulators provides an objective measure of performance, allowing for the tracking of individual trainees' progress and evaluation of their competence.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 26, 2006

Like mother, like cubs

A study by Michigan State University zoology professor Kay Holekamp found that high-ranking hyena mothers pass on high levels of androgens to their offspring, making them more aggressive and sexually vigorous. This unique trait helps females secure food resources and dominate their social group.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2006

Boosting newborns' immune responses

A study published in Blood found that the newborn immune system functions differently than adults, but one portion of the response is fully functional and can be harnessed to improve immunity. The researchers identified a specific Toll-like receptor, TLR8, that triggers a robust immune response in newborns.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalBlood·DateApr 25, 2006

Ferment and cook beans for gas-free nutrition

Researchers at Simón Bolívar University discovered that Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum are the bacteria responsible for fermenting beans. Fermentation increases nutrient digestibility, making beans a valuable source of nutrition for those with digestive issues.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 25, 2006