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Science News for June 14, 2009


Study suggests new approach to common cause of blindness

Researchers have discovered a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration by blocking the activity of the CCR3 protein. This approach shows promise as a safer and more effective alternative to current treatments, which target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2009

Research supports World Blood Donor Day message on blood safety

Research by Carol Grayson highlights the risks of paid blood donors and the need for an open and safe blood policy to prevent patients from contracting blood-borne infections. The study found that successive UK governments failed to prioritize self-sufficiency in blood products, leading to the contamination of blood supplies.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateJun 14, 2009

Good news and bad for dad this Father's Day

A new study from the University of Utah Health discovers that sperm delivers more complex genetic material than previously thought, which may promote healthy baby development. The research also raises concerns about how a man's aging, health, and lifestyle affect fertility and embryo development.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2009

Michael R. Kilbourn receives SNM's 2009 Aebersold Award

Michael R. Kilbourn, a professor at the University of Michigan, received the prestigious Paul C. Aebersold Award for his contributions to molecular imaging and nuclear medicine. He has advanced research efforts in various areas, including positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 14, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIAID media availability: New strategy proposed for designing antibody-based HIV vaccine

Researchers suggest a promising approach to create an antibody-based HIV vaccine by leveraging naturally occurring broadly neutralizing antibodies. By understanding how these antibodies evolve and persist, scientists aim to develop a vaccine that can prime the body to make protective antibodies before exposure to HIV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 14, 2009

A tiny frozen microbe may hold clues to extraterrestrial life

Researchers have found a novel bacterium, Herminiimonas glaciei, trapped under glacial ice in Greenland for over 120,000 years. The tiny microbe, 10-50 times smaller than E. coli, has survived in extreme conditions and may provide insights into extraterrestrial life.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJun 14, 2009

Advance in understanding cellulose synthesis

A study published in Nature Cell Biology has shed light on the protein network that provides scaffolding for cell-wall structure and delivers growth-promoting molecules. The research discovered a novel mechanism by which microtubules guide cellulose synthase complexes to their place of action.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 14, 2009
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.

SNM honors originators of imaging agent for nuclear heart stress test

Alan Davison, Alun G. Jones, and Michael J. Abrams discovered a new class of technetium complexes that showed localization in cardiac tissue after intravenous administration, leading to the development of myocardial perfusion imaging agents. Their work has enabled millions of people to receive better diagnosis and treatment for heart c...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJun 14, 2009

Huntington's disease deciphered

The study reveals that the mutated huntingtin gene activates JNK3 enzyme, inhibiting axonal transport and leading to neuronal cell death. The mechanism explains the late onset of the disease, as young neurons have a robust transport system that gradually declines with age.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 14, 2009
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.