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Science News Archive 2005 - Page 137


Page 137 of 165

New tumor-suppressor gene discovered

A new tumor-suppressor gene called mats has been discovered by researchers at Penn State, which works with another tumor suppressor to control tissue growth. The study found that the mats gene can shrink tumors in flies and may regulate cell number and tissue growth by restricting cell proliferation.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell·DateMar 10, 2005

Preventing SCD1 expression prevents obesity

Researchers found that inhibiting SCD1 decreased body fat and prevented obesity and metabolic syndrome in mice. Blocking SCD1 also increased expression of genes involved in energy expenditure, providing insights into its role in metabolism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 10, 2005

AGU journal highlights - 9 March 2005

Researchers improved hurricane prediction using high-resolution general circulation models, predicting the course of four storms with increased accuracy. A new study found that solar emissions likely control Jupiter's X-ray emissions, providing a potential proxy for monitoring flares invisible to space weather satellites.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 9, 2005

Colour profile exposes stolen gems

Researchers use microspectrometry to map the unique color patterns of individual gems, revealing differences even among same-type stones. This technique could provide valuable information for gemstone authentication and potential recovery of stolen stones.

Breakthrough in medical research: New chemotherapy gives hope to brain tumour patients

A new chemotherapy combination has shown significant improvement in survival rates for brain tumour patients, with almost half of those with an inactivated MGMT gene surviving after 2 years. The treatment also did not negatively impact patients' quality of life, offering a promising breakthrough in glioblastoma treatment.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2005

Canada's shrinking ice caps

Researchers have found that Canada's Arctic ice caps and glaciers are thinning at lower elevations due to increased melting. The study suggests that these changes contribute significantly to global sea level rise, with an estimated 0.065 millimeters per year added to sea levels during the 1995-2000 period.

3D animation gives evidence more bite

Forensic bite-mark matching has been criticized due to its fallibility and distortion problems. A new approach using 3D imaging has shown promise in improving accuracy, but with a 15% chance of incorrect matches. The technology could be useful in courtrooms for illustrating the likelihood of a match.

Dig Manchester!

The 'Dig Manchester' project has seen the community come together to uncover history, with businesses donating goods in kind and a sense of community pride emerging. The three-year programme will also involve similar projects in Northenden and Wythenshawe, aiming to promote local heritage and regeneration.

Could microbes solve Russia's chemical weapons conundrum?

Researchers found that P putida can transform mustard by-product toxins, decreasing their levels by up to 83%. This biotechnological method offers maximum environmental safety by degrading pollutants into harmless products. The bacteria strain could be used in plant-microbial associations for future remediation of contaminated soils.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 8, 2005

Panacea or Pandora's box

A University of Pennsylvania study identified 22 ways in which CPOE systems facilitate medication errors, including information errors and human-machine interface flaws. The researchers recommend that institutions focus on the organization of work within the hospital and continuously evaluate and improve their technology.