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Science News for May 9, 2008


Suspected cause of type 1 diabetes caught 'red-handed' for the first time

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified dendritic cells carrying insulin fragments as a key player in the development of type 1 diabetes. The discovery sheds light on how an immune system attack can destroy the islets of Langerhans, leading to insulin deficiency and the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2008

How body size is regulated

A meta-analysis of over 26,000 participants found two known genes and 10 new ones related to human growth, influencing body size by approximately 3.5cm. The study also revealed connections between microRNA let-7 and other genes, as well as effects on chromatin structure.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 9, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers uncover mechanism of action of antibiotic able to reduce neuronal cell death in brain

Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University found an antibiotic that can reduce neuronal cell death in the brain, which could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery was made by identifying how a compound induces neurotransmitter activity in brain cells.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 9, 2008