Botulism bug has few genome wrinkles

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The genome of the organism that produces the world's most lethal toxin is revealed today. This toxin is the one real weapon in the genome of Clostridium botulinum and less than 2 kg - the weight of two bags of sugar - is enough to kill every person on the planet. Very small amounts of the same toxin are used in medical treatments, one of which is known as Botox.


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All News summaries for May 23, 2007

Briton fuming over fine for smoking in own van

1 hour ago | User rating: not rated yet
A painter and decorator has been fined for breaching Britain's smoking ban -- by puffing on a cigarette in his own van, he said Friday.

Surgical Instrument Size Studied

2 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
The concept of one size fits all works with many things—smocks, baseball caps and inner tubes. But not disposable laparoscopic surgical instruments.

Hip Bone Density Helps Predict Breast Cancer Risk

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Measuring a woman’s bone mineral density can provide additional information that may help more accurately determine a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. That is the conclusion of a new study published in the September ...

Overweight elderly Americans contribute to financial burdens of the US health care system

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
Being overweight or obese is not only a personal issue that affects one's health but is also a public health issue that impacts other people in society. A new study in the journal Health Services Research reveals that ...

'Lazy eye' discovery of how an old gene learns new tricks

3 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers have made a discovery which could lead the way for new treatments into a rare eye disorder which if not treated can result in permanent blindness in childhood.