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Science News for October 12, 2008


Nanotechnology boosts war on superbugs

Researchers have developed ultra-sensitive probes to investigate vancomycin's working mechanisms, paving the way for more effective new drugs. By detecting surface stress on bacteria, scientists can identify the disruption of cell walls and potentially develop more powerful antibiotics.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 12, 2008

Pectin power

Researchers found that pectin, a compound in fruits and vegetables, inhibits galectin 3, a protein linked to all stages of cancer progression. This discovery may lead to functional foods with added bioactive pectin and provide evidence for the importance of eating at least 5-a-day.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 12, 2008

Important new hair-loss gene discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a novel hair-loss gene variant associated with male baldness. The research found that this gene, located on chromosome 20, is inherited from both parents and may account for the similarity in cranial hair growth between father and son.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 12, 2008

Drug may reduce coronary artery plaque

A recent study suggests that olmesartan, a commonly used high blood pressure medication, can help reduce plaque in the coronary arteries of patients with stable angina. The trial involved 247 patients who received either 20-40mg/day of olmesartan or control, and showed significant decreases in plaque volume after 14 months of treatment.