A Novel Antimicrobial Drug from an Unlikely Source - The African Clawed Frog: A recent article suggests that the growing problem of antibiotic drug resistance may be addressed with a new drug that mimics our innate immune system.  Pexiganan is a synthetic analog of magainin II, isolated from the skin of the African clawed frog and one of more than 1000 antimicrobial peptides identified in plants and animals. [January 6, 2009]

Restoring the American Chestnut Tree and Long-Lost Holiday Traditions: Few Americans today have gone chestnut hunting or have roasted chestnuts "on an open fire" due to a near complete eradication of the American chestnut tree from eastern forests of the United States.  The blight that kills these trees is caused by the fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica.  A recent article referenced in the CAS databases describes a method to enhance fungal resistance in the American chestnut tree. [December 16, 2008]

From Interstellar Sugar to the Substance of Life: Scientists recently announced the discovery of glycolaldehyde outside the rotational center of the Milky Way Galaxy.  Despite its simplicity, scientists suggest that glycolaldehyde is "directly linked to the origin of life" due to its fundamental role in the synthesis of ribose, a key component in RNA.  It should come as no surprise that this discovery has renewed speculation about life on other planets. [December 9, 2008]

Taking Vitamin E for Disease Prevention? Which Isomer?: A recent study found that long-term supplementation with the alpha-tocopherol isomer of vitamin E did not prevent heart attacks and stroke in men.  While there is significant justification for studying this isomer, there is a wealth of information in the CAS databases, available with SciFinder and STN, that suggests other isomers may be effective in disease prevention. [December 1, 2008]

CAS Registers 40 Millionth Substance: On November 21, CAS Registry Number 1073662-18-6 was assigned to a novel organic azulenobenzofuran derivative.  CAS REGISTRY, the world's most authoritative collection of disclosed chemical substance information, now includes 40 million organic and inorganic substances. [November 24, 2008]