Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2004 - Page 10


Page 10 of 12

First-of-its-kind experiment on San Andreas

Scientists are conducting an experiment to gather information about the deep underlying structures of the San Andreas fault line using a highly sensitive gravity instrument. The goal is to affordably gather data and compare future surveys to track changes in the shallow crust beneath the surface.

Study: First 10 minutes after meeting may guide future of relationship

A recent study conducted by Ohio State University researchers found that the initial impressions formed within the first 10 minutes of a meeting can significantly influence the development of a relationship. The study, which analyzed data from over 164 college freshmen, revealed that positive initial impressions were the strongest pred...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateSep 7, 2004

The promise of personalized medicine

A new system, Genomic Messaging System (GMS), has been developed to store and transmit whole sequences of patient DNA in a compressed form while maintaining privacy. This technology could enable doctors to prescribe tailored treatments based on unique genetic variations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateSep 7, 2004

'Planned-care method' of asthma care reduces kids' symptoms

A new planned-care method for children with asthma has been shown to reduce symptoms by 13 days per year, need for rescue medication by a third, and improve adherence to medication as prescribed. The method involves regularly scheduled visits with specially trained nurses and extra education for physicians in asthma management.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateSep 6, 2004

Heart gene yields insights into evolution, disease risk

A study of 2,400 British middle-aged men found that the positive selection for a gene variant in the MMP3 gene resulted in a 43% lower incidence of coronary artery heart disease. The researchers suggest that this variation is not just harmless mutation, but rather a process contributing to population health.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2004

Common cold virus can cause polio in mice when injected into muscles

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that Coxsackievirus A21 can cause polio-like symptoms in genetically engineered mice, as it bypasses the usual nasal cavity route and infects muscle cells instead. The findings have significant implications for the understanding of viral behavior and potential vaccine development.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2004

Mitochondrial genes cause nuclear mischief

Researchers found over 200 mitochondrial genetic fragments integrated into nuclear genome, potentially disrupting human health. These fragments, known as NUMTs, were more likely to insert themselves within active genes, causing disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 6, 2004

The doctors' view of flu vaccines for infants and toddlers

Pediatricians and family physicians surveyed by researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center support expanding flu vaccination to healthy infants and toddlers. The study found that 58% of doctors would favor this expansion, despite citing high costs and parental concerns about vaccine safety as major barriers.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateSep 6, 2004

Do genes respond to global warming?

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that climate change can shape genetic diversity in mammals. Researchers analyzed fossil samples and contemporary data from two mammal species, the Montane vole and northern pocket gopher, and discovered that climate-induced habitat alterations influenced variation in genetic diversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 6, 2004

Genetic map of important tree genes outlined

A groundbreaking study reveals a comprehensive genetic map of important tree genes, enabling scientists to unlock the secrets of tree biology. The database contains over 102,000 gene sequences from the Populus genus, allowing researchers to explore the genetic functions of trees and their responses to environmental stresses.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2004

Long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are an autoimmune reaction

A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that carbon monoxide poisoning causes changes in myelin basic protein, leading to an autoimmune response. The team discovered that immunosuppressant agents and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be effective treatments for preventing brain damage after CO exposure.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2004

Vulnerability of US power grid identified

A study published in Physical Review E found that a loss of just 2% of US power grid substations can cause catastrophic failure. Researchers identified high-load transmission substations as critical points, emphasizing the need for increased redundancy and distributed generation.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 2, 2004

Natural mineral locks up carbon dioxide

Researchers at Penn State have created a new method to speed up the process of capturing carbon dioxide from combustion gases using serpentine minerals. This innovative approach significantly reduces the time required for sequestration from geologic timescales, making it a promising solution for mitigating climate change.