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Science News for July 8, 2007


Discovery about obesity drug helping scientists develop new cancer treatments

Scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have discovered that an obesity drug, orlistat, can be repurposed to target and kill cancer cells. The breakthrough, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, provides a promising new avenue for the development of more potent cancer treatments.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 8, 2007

New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease

The new criteria focus on a clinical core of early and significant episodic memory impairment, incorporating biomarker-based tests. Validation studies are necessary to optimize sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJul 8, 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.

Hormone inhibitor promising for hard-to-treat prostate cancer

A new drug candidate, abiraterone, has shown significant anti-tumor activity in early trials for patients with advanced prostate cancer whose tumors have continued to grow despite medical or surgical castration. The drug reduced PSA levels and shrunk tumors in both pre- and post-chemotherapy patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 8, 2007

U-M, Israeli scientists report major advance in search for genes associated with colon cancer

Researchers found a significant link between genetic variation on chromosome 8 and the risk of colorectal cancer, with individuals carrying the specific marker being 23% more likely to develop the disease. The study suggests that this single genetic variation might account for 14% of colorectal cancer cases in Israel.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateJul 8, 2007

Pumpkin: A fairytale end to insulin injections?

Researchers found that pumpkin extract promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting insulin levels and reducing the need for daily insulin injections. The extract's protective effect is attributed to antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, which may provide a new source of medication for diabetics.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 8, 2007

Size and positioning of floral anthers facilitates

The sizes and positions of floral anthers facilitate pollen collection by buzz-pollinating bees, according to Dr. Endress's work. Slight genetic changes can affect flower morphology and pollinator compatibility, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJul 8, 2007
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Double identities lie behind chromosome disorders

A new study reveals an alternative distribution mechanism in female sex cells that cause chromosome disorders, leading to infertility and irregular numbers of chromosomes. This fundamental mechanism may help explain the common occurrence of such disorders in females.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 8, 2007
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A gene that protects from kidney disease

Researchers have identified a gene, GLIS2, that protects against a serious kidney disease called nephronopthisis. Mutations in this gene cause the disease, which leads to kidney degeneration and failure.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 8, 2007