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Science News for January 6, 2005


Gene sequencing explains bioremediation 'bug'

Dehalococcoides bacteria can adapt to various environmental conditions through the use of mobile genetic elements, allowing them to degrade chlorinated pollutants. The genome sequence of Strain 195 reveals its ability to turn genes on and off in response to environmental cues.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2005

The dynamo in the Cornfield

Researchers have built a laboratory model of the Earth's molten core using sodium metal to simulate its behavior. The Madison Dynamo Experiment is designed to fill gaps in current understanding of how magnetic fields arise and grow, shedding light on fundamental questions about the planet's magnetic field generation.

No blind mice, thanks to UF scientists

Researchers successfully silenced SDF-1's signal in mice with simulated retinopathy, effectively halting the growth of new blood vessels. The study could lead to a treatment option using routine injections of an antibody-blocking substance into a patient's eye.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 6, 2005

Substructure maps show that dark matter clumps in galaxies

A Yale astronomer and her colleagues used gravitational lensing techniques to create a spatial map demonstrating the clumped substructure of dark matter inside galaxy clusters. The study found an excellent agreement between observations and theoretical predictions, supporting the concordance model.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 6, 2005