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Science News for November 10, 2006


Neural networking nanotubes

Researchers developed carbon nanotube films that can stimulate nerve cells without damage, enabling potential use in pain management and muscle control. The technology bridges the gap between biology and electronics, offering new possibilities for biomedical devices.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 10, 2006

Health inequalities are a growing problem worldwide

The study reveals substantial global health inequalities influenced by geography, with countries like sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan facing higher child mortality rates. The authors found a four-fold difference in poverty levels and less investment in human resources between these countries and their low-mortality counterparts.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 10, 2006

Firefighters face increased risk for certain cancers

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that firefighters are twice as likely to develop testicular cancer and have higher rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 110,000 firefighters and confirmed previous findings on multiple myeloma risk.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 10, 2006

One signal elicits thousands of answers

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a technology to identify and quantify specific protein phosphorylation sites in response to stimuli. They discovered 6,600 phosphorylation sites in 2,244 proteins, with 90% being unknown, and created the Phosida database to share their findings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 10, 2006

New biomarkers for lupus found

Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified micro-ribonucleic acids (micro-RNAs) as potential biomarkers for lupus. The study found significant differences in micro-RNA expression between lupus patients and healthy controls, with certain micro-RNAs linked to histone deacetylases and the development of lupus.

HIV/AIDS linked to extensively drug resistant TB

A study by Yale researchers found that extensively drug resistant TB is prevalent among HIV co-infected patients in South Africa, with high mortality rates reported. The study suggests urgent intervention is necessary to address this global health issue, which threatens the success of TB and HIV treatment programs.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 10, 2006