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Science News for November 3, 2005


Dyslexia: risk gene is identified

A German-Swedish team has identified a single gene, DCDC2, as an important factor in the emergence of dyslexia. The gene appears to affect the migration of nerve cells in the developing brain, with frequent changes found among dyslexics.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 3, 2005

UCR environmental scientists propose chemical solution to cleaning California's Salton Sea

Researchers found that alum and polyacrylamide were highly effective in removing dissolved phosphorus and suspended sediment in river waters entering the lake. This treatment could help meet California's growing population needs, support commercial growth, and develop the region as a water-sports recreational area.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 3, 2005

Making medicine 'smarter'

Anke Meyer-Baese is developing computer software to mimic the way a radiologist analyzes all of that information -- and to do it better and faster. The goal is to provide doctors with a new tool to better diagnose breast cancer using MRI technology, which holds promise in detecting hard-to-find cases.

Yale scientists confirm how crystals form

Researchers at Yale University have devised a way to predict the microstructure of crystals as they form in materials. This new method enables the estimation of grain size and subsequent material properties dependent on microstructure, opening up possibilities for tailoring material characteristics.

SourceYale University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2005

Compound in wine reduces levels of Alzheimer's disease-causing peptides

Researchers found that resveratrol, a compound in red wine, significantly reduces amyloid-beta peptide levels in cells. The compound is believed to stimulate the degradation of these peptides by the proteasome, a multi-protein complex. However, it remains unclear whether eating grapes can effectively prevent Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2005