PKG-mediated gametogenesis in malaria parasites
Research identifies PKG as essential molecule for malaria parasite's reproductive cycle. The protein is necessary for 'rounding up' transformation, allowing fertilization to occur.
Science News Archive June 2008
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Study finds healthy intestinal bacteria within chicken eggs
Researchers discovered a diverse community of beneficial bacteria within chicken embryos, suggesting that birds acquire these microbes from their egg environment. This finding could lead to improved poultry production and reduced risk of foodborne illness by administering probiotics in ovo.
New treatment combination safe for pancreatic cancer patients
Researchers at UPMC Cancer Institute have developed a new treatment combination that combines chemotherapy, biotherapy, and radiotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. The study found that this regimen is safe and may be beneficial for patients, with significant tumor shrinkage before surgery.
Evolution of an imprinted domain in mammals
A new study investigates the evolution of genomic imprinting in mammals, finding that different regions became imprinted at different times during mammalian evolution. This suggests that changes were in response to selection pressures and are adaptive.
Microrobots dance on something smaller than a pin's head
Researchers at Duke University have successfully assembled five micro-robots into a self-organized structure using global control and slight variations in device dimensions. The microrobots, measuring just 100 times smaller than previous designs, can move, turn, and circle together with precision.
Molecular changes in brain fluid give insight into brain-damaging disease
Researchers identify increased fatty acids and phospholipids in CSF of SIV-infected monkeys, linked to CNS damage. The study provides insights into mechanisms of CNS damage in HIV patients using global metabolomics approach.
Physicists at CCNY determine density limit for randomly packed spherical materials
A team of physicists at The City College of New York has discovered that the random packing of hard spheres in three dimensions cannot exceed a density limit of 63.4% of the volume. This finding has potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries where powders are mixed to achieve homogeneity.
Synergy between biology and physics drives cell-imaging technology
Advances in super-resolution imaging technologies, such as STED, STORM, PALM, and structured illumination microscopy, have broken the diffraction limit of light, enabling the imaging of cellular structures as small as 50 nanometres. These techniques are driven by both biological and physical needs, inspiring new questions and discoveries.
Certain potato preparation guidelines for kidney dialysis patients ineffective
A new study found that boiling cubed or shredded potato samples reduced potassium levels by 50% and 75%, respectively. Leaching had little effect on mineral content. Boiling thinly sliced potatoes can help renal failure patients reduce their mineral intake while maintaining other nutritional qualities.
Reshaping pharmaceutical quality
The Product Quality Lifecycle Implementation (PQLI) initiative aims to address pharmaceutical development, quality risk management, and pharmaceutical quality systems. The journal publishes high-quality papers on innovative research and applied technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
Mouse ovaries and testes age in unique ways
Researchers found that mouse ovaries undergo significant gene expression changes as they age, unlike the limited changes seen in testes. A calorie-restricted diet reversed some of these aging effects, particularly in females.
JCI online early table of contents: June 2, 2008
A team of researchers at The Scripps Research Institute identified molecular changes in the cerebrospinal fluid of monkeys infected with SIV, which can cause CNS damage. This approach may provide new information about other neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Fatal mine collapse covered 50 acres
A fatal mine collapse in Utah's Crandall Canyon coal mine was actually a massive cave-in that covered an area of approximately 50 acres. New calculations reveal the disaster began near where miners were excavating and quickly grew to four times its initially estimated size.
How advanced prostate cancer becomes resistant to androgen-deprivation therapy
Researchers found that metastatic prostate tumors produce significant levels of testosterone, fueling cancer growth despite low circulating androgen levels. This discovery suggests targeting the tumor itself, rather than systemic hormone suppression, to develop more effective treatments for all stages of prostate cancer.
Advances in C. difficile research
A recent study highlights the importance of understanding C. difficile's toxins and virulence factors, which can cause severe hospital-acquired infections. The research also explores the bacteria's transmission, symptoms, and treatment options, including the development of a potential 'designer' probiotic.
21,000 Victorians suffer from work-related depression
A new University of Melbourne study found that nearly one in five working women and one in eight working men experience preventable depression caused by job stress. The study estimates that more than 21,000 cases of preventable depression are caused by job stress each year.
Potential treatments from cryptic genes
Scientists have discovered two novel compounds produced by soil bacteria that show promise in combating MRSA infections and cancer. The breakthroughs come after years of genome mining, which identifies pathways to produce new compounds from microbial DNA sequences.
Bamboo instant houses will soon shelter Sichuan quake victims
A prototype of a sturdy bamboo house was built in under two weeks with a modular design that can be adjusted for specific family needs. The structure is made from processed bamboo veneer sheets and is fireproof, insulated for heat and sound, and sustainable.
Prenatal biochemical screening only detects half of chromosomal abnormalities
Current prenatal biochemical screening tests only detect half of chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomies and deletions. This limitation emphasizes the importance of counseling patients on the limitations of these tests to make informed decisions about invasive diagnostic testing.
New combination therapy safe, promising for melanoma patients
Researchers combined two biotherapies to induce an anti-tumor response, showing a 19% overall response rate in stage 4 melanoma patients. The treatment was found to be tolerable in terms of toxicity.
Mom's behavior key to dad's involvement in child care
A study of 97 couples found that fathers are more involved in infant care when their wives provide active encouragement, regardless of their own beliefs or the quality of parenting. Encouragement from mothers can either foster or limit fatherly participation, with mothers acting as 'gatekeepers' to their involvement.
Genetic mutation linked to walking on all fours
A genetic mutation in the VLDLR gene is implicated in quadrupedal locomotion in four families affected by Unertan syndrome. Despite shared DNA regions across chromosomes, distinct genes are responsible for the condition in each family.
Ecological globalization
Ecosystems are increasingly connected by human activities such as transportation and land use. This can lead to
Highlights from the June 2008 Journal of the American Dietetic Association
Researchers at the University of Guelph found that first-year college students gained an average of 5.29 pounds, not 15 pounds, over six months. The study also highlights the importance of educating employees on food safety measures to reduce the risk of foodborne illness in restaurants.
It's okay to keep those feelings inside, new study suggests
A new study found that people who choose not to express their thoughts and feelings after experiencing a collective trauma, such as a school shooting or terrorist attack, may be better off than those who do talk about their feelings. The research suggests that it's okay to keep emotions inside in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.
Combination therapy packs 1-2 punch against melanoma
A pilot study at Duke University Medical Center found that disabling a protein on melanoma cells makes them more vulnerable to chemotherapy, resulting in complete responses in 8 out of 16 patients. The compound ADH-1 was tested in combination with chemotherapy and showed promising results.