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Science News for September 7, 2009


Using insects to test for drug safety

Researchers use insects like fruit flies and moths to test new drugs, reducing animal testing by up to 90% and speeding up results. The study finds that insect immune cells are structurally and functionally similar to those in mammals, offering a promising alternative for drug development.

New genomic model defines microbes by diet -- provides tool for tracking environmental change

A new genomic model defines microorganisms by their dietary habits, providing a tool for tracking environmental changes. The researchers analyzed the genomes of two bacteria with distinct lifestyles and developed a predictive model that successfully identified the habitats of dozens of bacterial samples.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009

Small molecule inhibits pathology associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a small molecule that blocks an aberrant pathway associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The new compound, Ligand 1, binds tightly to its target, preventing the MBNL protein from binding to RNA and easing symptoms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009

Designing probiotics that ambush gut pathogens

Researchers have designed probiotics that can bind toxins in the gut, preventing them from interacting with host intestinal cells. These receptor-mimic probiotics offer a promising treatment for diseases such as cholera and traveller's diarrhoea, and may also be used to prevent outbreaks following natural disasters.

Stimuli for clinical research

The DFG has established five new Clinical Research Units to study highly topical medical issues such as bowel cancer metastases and hormone-related obesity. The units aim to develop individual forms of treatment for conditions like glomerulonephritis and improve diagnostic strategies,

Money won't buy happiness

Researchers found that poverty alone does not define an individual's overall well-being and that many qualities and attributes need to be considered when designing social programs. Only 24% of people classified as 'poor' reported low life satisfaction, while 18% of those not considered 'poor' also experienced low life satisfaction.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateSep 7, 2009