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Mad Cows and the Case of the Biomarker

Sep 08, 2008

Using 2D differential gel eletrophoresis and mass spectrometry, a group of researchers from Canada and Germany identified proteins in cattle urine relating to bovine spongiform encephalitis. Analysis of protein expression data from one protein could, the researchers report, identify cases from controls with 100 percent accuracy. A set of proteins could tell when the animal was infected (with 85 percent accuracy). The researchers are hopeful that a live cattle test for BSE will be possible.

Breaking News
The Scan

Tens of Millions Saved

The Associated Press writes that vaccines against COVID-19 saved an estimated 20 million lives in their first year.

Supersized Bacterium

NPR reports that researchers have found and characterized a bacterium that is visible to the naked eye.

Also Subvariants

Moderna says its bivalent SARS-CoV-2 vaccine leads to a strong immune response against Omicron subvariants, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Science Papers Present Gene-Edited Mouse Models of Liver Cancer, Hürthle Cell Carcinoma Analysis

In Science this week: a collection of mouse models of primary liver cancer, and more.