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Science News for July 28, 2006


UGA study explains peaks and troughs of dengue epidemics

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that cross-immunity between dengue strains explains the timing of epidemics, with an average three-year cycle and seasonal component. The study provides a new framework for creating models to predict dengue outbreaks in various regions.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2006

Study identifies potential drug target for Huntington's disease

A research team from Massachusetts General Hospital has discovered a potential drug target for Huntington's disease by identifying a novel inhibitor of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1). PARP1 inhibitors can protect HD-affected cells from damage and energy depletion in laboratory assays.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateJul 28, 2006

Researchers aim to give nurses a lift

Researchers found that nurses experience debilitating low back pain, especially in orthopedic and ICU settings, with 65% of orthopedic nurses developing the condition. Providing access to mechanical lifting devices and redesigning hospital rooms could help prevent such injuries.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJul 28, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pigeons provide clue to solving common problem in heart patients

Scientists have identified a regulator of genes that controls artery smooth muscle cell growth, which may hold the key to preventing vessels from re-closing after angioplasty. By studying genetically susceptible pigeons, researchers found a potential target for treating restenosis.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalExperimental and Molecular Pathology·DateJul 28, 2006

New genetic model for Parkinson's disease

Researchers have created a new genetic model for Parkinson's disease using mice with a deleted TFAM gene, which mimics the human condition. The study shows that dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain stem degenerate slowly, similar to humans with Parkinson's disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2006

Iowa State researchers convert farm waste to bio-oil

Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process to turn manure and corn stalks into a bio-oil that can be used as boiler fuel and potentially transportation fuel. Preliminary tests show promising results, with every kilogram of dried mixture producing .2 to .5 kilograms of bio-oil.

SourceIowa State University·DateJul 28, 2006
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.

MIT researchers watch brain in action

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory have developed a state-of-the-art imaging system that allows them to directly visualize molecular activity within individual neurons in the brain of live animals. This breakthrough enables the observation of changes in neuronal activity in response to environmental stimuli,...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJul 28, 2006

Role of protein in immune response may aid HIV research

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine – Northwest propose that a family of proteins producing PGLYRP can be used to develop medications for HIV/AIDS patients. These proteins appear to be the front line in defending the body from infection, mounting a defense long before the body's main immune system responds.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 28, 2006

An active Florida hurricane season adds to red tide

Scientists believe that high runoff from hurricanes in 2004 contributed to the development of extensive and long-lasting red tides off west-central Florida. Groundwater discharge is thought to provide the necessary nutrients for these blooms, explaining their persistence and frequent occurrence in the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 28, 2006
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Onchocerciasis treatment reduces prevalence and intensity by 38 percent

Researchers from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona found that a 8-year Ivermectin treatment reduced onchocerciasis prevalence by 38.4%, while incidence of disease decreased by 2.6 times in children aged 0-4. The study, financed by the Spanish Agency and WHO, marks a significant step forward in combating river blindness.

SourceIDIBAPS - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer·JournalTropical Medicine & International Health·DateJul 28, 2006

The myth of the 'security mom' and other insights from 'Gapology'

Recent studies examine voting gaps in America, finding significant differences in support for George W. Bush based on race, ethnicity, religion, class, region, gender, age, and education. The research also explores the impact of class divisions, the religion gap, and the urban-rural divide.

SourceAmerican Political Science Association·DateJul 28, 2006