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Science News for April 15, 2005


Shape-altering genes linked to ovarian cancer

Researchers discovered that shape-altering genes, known for their role in embryonic development, direct ovarian cancer cells to take on various forms. These unique shapes make each form of ovarian cancer distinct from one another and the surface epithelium.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 15, 2005
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Signatures of the first stars

Researchers discovered two most chemically primitive stars, HE0107-5240 and HE1327-2326, offering insights into the universe's early stages. These unevolved dwarf stars have iron contents significantly lower than previously known stars, providing a glimpse into the elements produced during supernova explosions.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2005

Joining hands to solve a DNA replication problem

Fanning and Chazin found structural and biochemical evidence for the mechanism of ssDNA break free from its binding protein to allow repair or replication. The researchers developed a working model to answer how RPA gets dislodged, allowing enzymes access to DNA for processing.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 15, 2005

Watching microglia at work

Microglial cells are highly dynamic, constantly sampling their environment and interacting with neurons. In response to cerebral hemorrhage, microglial cells rapidly rush to the injured site, shielding it and decomposing damaged tissue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2005
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New EMBO/NPG journal - A first in systems biology publishing

Molecular Systems Biology is a new journal that publishes papers on complex biological systems using molecular components and their interactions. The journal features innovative technology for formal descriptions of biological systems and sharing of data in widely-used XML-based formats.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateApr 15, 2005

New isotope gives a glimpse of the origins of precious metals

Researchers at Michigan State University recreated a rare isotope of nickel called Ni-78, which existed briefly in the chain of events that formed elements. This breakthrough reveals that Ni-78 decays up to three times quicker than expected, changing models of element formation before Earth's creation.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 15, 2005

A kiss that binds

Researchers identify FMRP RNA ligands containing 'kissing complex' motifs, redirecting search for disease targets. The study also reveals a crucial link between FMRP, mRNA translation regulation and neurologic dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 15, 2005

MR spectroscopy may be superior for determining prostate cancer prognosis

A study found that analyzing prostate tissue's metabolic profile can identify the biologic status of the disease, allowing clinicians to make better-informed decisions on treatment. The technique outperformed standard histopathology in differentiating between cancer cells and benign cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 15, 2005

Highlights from the April issue of Ecology

Researchers found that Brown-headed cowbirds can affect the sex of host offspring, while commercial fishing led to changes in open-ocean fish communities. Additionally, a study on plant defense theory revealed that outbred plants are more resistant to certain insect herbivores.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateApr 15, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists model physics of stellar burning

Researchers have developed a new model to predict the physics of stellar burning, particularly in stars like V4334 Sgr that undergo brief rebirths. The model predicts that V4334 Sgr will become much hotter and then slowly repeat the stellar rebirth cycle, returning to its current temperature in roughly two hundred years.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2005

Study uncovers bacteria's worst enemy

Researchers found that bacteria's worst enemy in nuclear waste sites may be toxic metals, contradicting conventional wisdom. Actinides are less toxic than other metals, suggesting bioremediation using naturally occurring bacteria can still be effective.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateApr 15, 2005

Rice, NC State win NAS/Keck Futures funding

Barron and Monteiro-Riviere's project explores fullerene interactions with skin cells, aiming to develop new nano-biohybrid materials. The researchers will investigate physiochemical properties of fullerenes to predict uptake and activity.

SourceRice University·DateApr 15, 2005

Research urgently needed to treat blood clots in children

A review of treatments for pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in children reveals an acute need for more research into diagnosing the condition. The study found that only four per cent of blood clots in children presented without any risk factors, highlighting the importance of recognizing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPediatric Radiology·DateApr 15, 2005

The biggest family tree ever

The Genographic Project is a five-year global study of human migratory history, analyzing genetic samples from indigenous peoples and public participants. Researchers will use markers encoded into DNA to trace lineages, unveiling new aspects of family trees that persist through genes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateApr 15, 2005
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April 2005 (second issue)

A study found that family conferences in ICUs missed opportunities to discuss withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining therapy due to clinicians' failure to listen and respond appropriately. The missed opportunities fell into three categories: listening, acknowledging emotions, and addressing medical ethics principles.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 15, 2005

Lance Armstrong Foundation supports UHC research

The Lance Armstrong Foundation is supporting a University Hospitals of Cleveland research project exploring the impact of exercise and dietary counseling on obese endometrial cancer patients. Dr. von Gruenigen's study aims to improve quality of life for this high-risk group, which accounts for over 40,000 cases annually in the US.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Cleveland·DateApr 15, 2005