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Science News for September 12, 2008


Tuberculosis drug shows promise against latent bacteria

A new study reveals that an investigational drug, R207910, is effective in killing latent tuberculosis bacteria. The drug targets a protein essential for energy production in active TB, suggesting a potential Achilles heel for dormant bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 12, 2008

Scientists develop a new technique that allows certain objects to be invisible

Scientists at the University of Granada have developed a new condensed TLM node to model meta-materials, allowing for the creation of structures that can hide objects in conditions difficultly reachable with commercial software. This breakthrough uses a combination of electromagnetic parameters and judicious frame design to improve hid...

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 12, 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.

Moving quarks help solve proton spin puzzle

Researchers have found that more than half of a proton's spin comes from the orbital motion of its quarks, rather than their spinning. This new theory resolves a long-standing puzzle in physics and agrees with recent experiments and supercomputer calculations.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 2008

Say 'goodbye' to back fat rolls

A new back lift procedure has been introduced by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, removing unsightly back fat rolls and bulges while hiding the scar under the bra line. The study found minimal complications and positive feedback from patients who underwent the procedure.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 12, 2008

New research shows physical therapy as effective as arthroscopic knee surgery

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physical therapy combined with medical management is just as effective as arthroscopic knee surgery in relieving pain and stiffness. Physical therapists can design personalized exercise programs to improve motion, strength, and conditioning.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 12, 2008

How corals adapt to day and night

Researchers have identified a coral gene called STPCA that responds to light cycles and produces bicarbonate to buffer against acidity. This adaptation allows corals to survive in shallow waters with limited food resources.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 12, 2008
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Curbing coal emissions alone might avert climate danger, say researchers

Researchers found that reducing coal emissions can keep atmospheric carbon dioxide levels below harmful levels if phased out within the next few decades. The study suggests that oil and gas should be used sparingly as well, but coal must be the main target of reductions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateSep 12, 2008

Purifying parasites with light

A team of researchers has developed a method to separate parasitic organisms from their host cells using fluorescent proteins, allowing for more detailed studies. The approach yielded the identification of 509 proteins in the parasites, providing valuable characteristics such as fatty acid degrading enzymes.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateSep 12, 2008

ASP announces 2008 T. Franklin Williams Scholars

The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the seventh class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, who will research and develop career plans focused on integrating geriatrics into internal medicine specialties. The 12 new scholars will join the previous 52 recipients to achieve the program's goal.

SourceAssociation of Specialty Professors·DateSep 12, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COPD? Eat your veggies

Research suggests that eating broccoli may help patients with chronic lung disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The study found decreased levels of NRF2-dependent antioxidants and increased oxidative stress markers in lungs of smokers with COPD.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 12, 2008

Key component of debilitating lung disease identified

A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that NRF2, a master gene regulating antioxidant and pollutant-detoxifying genes, is significantly decreased in smokers with advanced COPD compared to those without. This discovery could lead to new drug therapies targeting the condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 12, 2008
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Erectile dysfunction related to sleep apnea may persist, but is treatable

Research suggests that sleep apnea can lead to erectile dysfunction due to chronic intermittent hypoxia. However, treatment with tadalafil can reverse the effects and improve sexual function in mice exposed to CIH for extended periods. Further studies are needed to explore alternative interventions.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 12, 2008