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Science News for July 29, 2007


¡GI Caramba! Blue tortillas may help dieters and diabetics

Research suggests that blue corn tortillas are healthier for diabetics and dieters, with a lower starch content and higher protein levels than white tortillas. This makes them a potential solution for managing metabolic syndrome.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 29, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research links genetic mutations to lupus

A recent study published in Nature Genetics has found a genetic mutation linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, a complex autoimmune disease. The discovery identifies variations of the TREX1 gene as a risk factor for developing lupus, shedding new light on its causes and potentially paving the way for new treatments.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 29, 2007

Genetic finding sheds light on diseases causing blood vessel breakdown

Scientists have linked a genetic disorder to mutations in the TREX1 gene, which may also be relevant to common health problems like diabetes and vascular dementia. The discovery could accelerate efforts to understand and treat retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy, a rare condition that causes vision loss and mini-strokes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 29, 2007

System to analyze beating heart stem cells could lead to heart attack treatments

Researchers are developing a new system to analyze beating heart stem cells, which could lead to more detailed information on their electrical activity and potentially facilitate their use in regenerating damaged hearts. The team aims to engineer a novel system for real-time analysis of cardiomyocytes during early development.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateJul 29, 2007
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.

Graphene sniffs out dangerous molecules

Researchers have created graphene-based devices that can detect individual molecules of a toxic gas, offering potential applications for detecting hidden explosives and deadly carbon monoxide. The discovery was made by Dr Kostya Novoselov and Professor Andre Geim at the University of Manchester.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 29, 2007

Strains of laboratory mice more varied than previously thought

Researchers found that the genetic variation in laboratory mice is vastly greater than previously thought, with 8.3 million variations described. The pedigrees of the 15 mouse strains studied differ from each other to a far greater degree than previously assumed.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 29, 2007

Work-family stress studied among immigrant Latinos

A recent study found that Latino immigrants working in low-wage jobs report infrequent work-family conflict due to their collective culture's emphasis on work as a means to ensure family well-being. In contrast, women from the same background experience higher levels of conflict due to societal expectations of their caregiving roles.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 29, 2007
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Risk genes for multiple sclerosis uncovered

A comprehensive study has identified new genetic risk factors for multiple sclerosis, suggesting a link to autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed genomic data from over 12,000 people and confirmed the involvement of immune system genes in MS.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 29, 2007

First new multiple sclerosis gene found in 30 years

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a novel gene associated with increased susceptibility to multiple sclerosis, which increases risk by 30%. The gene variant affects the function of interleukin-7 receptor alpha, guiding immune system cell development and growth.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 29, 2007

Study helps explain origins of cardiac fibrosis in patients with heart disease

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered the source of cardiac fibrosis, a stiffening of the heart muscle leading to various cardiac diseases. They found that a bone morphogenic molecule, rhBMP7, can reverse the process, offering a new therapeutic target for patients with heart disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 29, 2007