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Science News for March 30, 2008


Vaccine for Ebola virus

Researchers have successfully tested Ebola vaccines in primates, triggering a cell-mediated response and producing effective protection. The candidates are now set to be tested on humans for the first time, offering hope for controlling outbreaks and protecting healthcare workers.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2008

Major international collaboration offers new clues to genetics of type 2 diabetes

A collaborative effort by over 90 researchers from 40 centres analysed genetic data from 70,000 people to identify differences in the genetic code that make some individuals more susceptible to type 2 diabetes. The study found six new genes contributing to the risk, bringing the total to sixteen, and provides valuable insights into the...

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 2008

Team explains 'the wallpaper problem'

A team of researchers from MIT and CNRS studied the phenomenon of triangular tears in adhesives like tape and plastic sheets. They found that these tears arise from interactions between three properties: elasticity, adhesive energy, and fracture energy. The study has potential industrial applications in microtechnologies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 30, 2008

Green tea helps beat superbugs

Egyptian scientists have discovered that green tea boosts the effectiveness of antibiotics against superbugs by up to 99.99%, increasing the killing power of chloramphenicol and making 20% of drug-resistant bacteria susceptible to cephalosporin antibiotics.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Major collaboration uncovers surprising new genetic clues to diabetes

A team of researchers has discovered six new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, bringing the total number of genetic risk factors to 16. The study used combined genetic data from over 70,000 people and provides new clues to the processes that go wrong when diabetes develops.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 2008

Potential association of type 2 diabetes genes with prostate cancer

Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified six new genes that play a role in type 2 diabetes, including one also linked to prostate cancer. The study provides insights into the mechanisms controlling glucose levels in the blood, offering potential new methods for preventing or treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 30, 2008
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.

3-D imaging -- first insights into magnetic fields

Scientists at HMI and University of Applied Sciences in Berlin have successfully visualized three-dimensional images of magnetic fields inside solid, non-transparent materials. By detecting changes in neutron spin rotation, the researchers can reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the magnetic field distribution within the sample.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 30, 2008

MRSA in hospital intensive care -- what's growing where?

A standard sampling regime is being developed to identify superbug genes in intensive care unit environments. The technique uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to characterise micro-organism genes and spot antibiotic resistance, allowing for the detection of MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2008

Neurons hard wired to tell left from right

Researchers have identified neurons that form different spiral-shaped axons on the left and right sides of the brain, suggesting a possible explanation for brain asymmetry. The findings provide new insights into how the brain processes information and could lead to a better understanding of cognitive performance and social behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNeural Development·DateMar 30, 2008
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Communicating your way to a healthy heart

A recent study from Temple University's School of Medicine found that regular communication with doctors can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. By using an internet-based health reporting system and regular clinic visits, participants were able to improve their blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and cardiovascular...

SourceTemple University·DateMar 30, 2008

Most people believe smallpox not an extinct disease

A recent poll in Edinburgh revealed that 87% of respondents were unaware of smallpox's extinction, a disease that killed 300-500 million victims in the 20th century. However, many people showed knowledge of microbes' role in medicine, volcanoes, and other areas.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 30, 2008