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Science News Archive May 2008 - Page 11


Page 11 of 22

New study links fate of personal care products to environmental pollution and human health concerns

A new study has found that antimicrobial ingredients in personal care products, such as triclosan and triclocarban, persist in estuarine sediments and can harm aquatic life. The study also discovered a potential pathway for the breakdown of these chemicals, but notes that their continued use poses significant environmental risks.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 16, 2008

Precision control of movement in robots

Scientists at the University of the Basque Country have developed robots with improved precision control using shape-memory alloys. These materials enable precise positioning, making them suitable for applications such as machine tooling and large-dimension telescopes.

Novel enzyme inhibitor paves way for new cancer drug

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed a novel enzyme inhibitor that effectively blocks a key biochemical pathway in cancer development. By targeting the PI3K enzyme, the agent shows promise in treating melanoma by dampening overactive enzyme activity that leads to uncontrolled tumor growth.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateMay 16, 2008

Can one 'pin down' electrons?

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have made the first measurement of entangled states in nitrogen, resolving a long-standing debate on electron localization. The study uses COLTRIMS technology to probe the pathways of two electrons, demonstrating that electron location can only be determined for the complete system.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2008

Adding epratuzumab to standard therapy

A study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting found that adding epratuzumab to standard chemotherapy (R-CHOP) resulted in a 95% response rate and 63% disease-free survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The treatment was well-tolerated, but final results will be reported next year.

JCI online early table of contents: May 15, 2008

Researchers suggest a novel approach to reducing VEGF-induced vision loss by targeting Src kinases, offering a potential alternative to painful eye injections. Leaky Ca2+ release channels in the brain and heart may also contribute to seizures and irregular heartbeats in individuals with certain inherited disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2008

Adding up business and energy

Researchers apply Six Sigma methodology to improve energy efficiency at a thermal power plant, detecting faults in steam and water analysis systems and implementing cost-saving measures. The study finds significant energy savings of over three-quarters of a million dollars annually.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage·DateMay 15, 2008

Genes may play role in risk assessment for prostate cancer among Hispanics and caucasians

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that genetic polymorphisms are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer among Hispanic men. The research suggests that these genetic variations may help clinicians predict who is more likely to develop the disease, potentially reducing unnecessary screenings and treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 15, 2008

Small primate ancestors had a leg up

Researchers found that smaller primates have an evolutionary edge due to their ability to climb with minimal energy expenditure. This discovery challenges the longstanding assumption that climbing is energetically expensive for all primates.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2008

Carnegie Mellon scientists unveil new tool to understand evolution of multi-domain genes

Researchers have discovered a critical flaw in the standard method for analyzing gene evolution, particularly for genes encoding multi-domain proteins. A new tool called Neighborhood Correlation has been developed to correctly identify gene ancestry, which is essential for understanding gene function and regulatory circuitry. The tool ...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 15, 2008

Green tea compounds beat OSA-related brain deficits

Researchers found that green tea polyphenols administered through drinking water improved spatial learning and memory in rats with intermittent hypoxia, mimicking OSA. This suggests that GTPs may represent a potential interventional strategy for patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 15, 2008

Obesity and unhealthy lifestyles linked to more complex urinary problems

A population-based study of over 5,000 men and women found that obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are associated with a larger number of urinary problems. Women who have had hysterectomies and men who have undergone prostate or bladder surgery also face an elevated risk. The study highlights the importance of considering social economic...

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateMay 15, 2008

University of Miami's CSTARS to host valuable hurricane, typhoon satellite image library

The University of Miami's CSTARS will host a library of high-quality images collected via spaceborne C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to aid in understanding hurricane and typhoon dynamics. The database will provide approved scientists with free access to imagery that can help shape storm models and resource distribution.