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Science News Archive 2006 - Page 104


Page 104 of 178

JCI table of contents, June 1, 2006

Researchers investigate the effects of hypoglycemia on insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and discover a potential solution using urocortin I. Urocortin I suppresses the counterregulatory response to low blood sugar, impairing glucose-sensing neurons in the brain.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2006

Fatigue a lasting problem after liver transplantation

A study of 96 liver transplant patients found that 66% were fatigued, with physical fatigue and reduced activity being the primary concerns. Rehabilitation programs focusing on improving activity patterns and physical fitness may help alleviate fatigue after liver transplantation.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJun 1, 2006

USC/Duke team lets there be leisurely light

The USC/Duke team has made significant improvements in controlling light pulses, achieving a slowdown of up to 20-fold increase over previous methods. By using a simple optical fiber and exploiting the Brillouin effect, they can potentially accommodate higher data rates and enable more efficient processing with photonics.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Lightwave Technology·DateJun 1, 2006

Free radical cell death switch identified

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have defined a molecular signaling pathway linking oxidative stress to cell death in brain neurons. The discovery of the MST-FOXO biochemical switch mechanism may provide potential new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 1, 2006

Electric fish in Africa could be example of evolution in action

Researchers have discovered electric fish in Africa with the same DNA but different electric signals and appearances, sparking hope that they are on the verge of forming two separate species. The findings provide a rare example of sympatric speciation, where animals from the same geographic location diverge into distinct groups.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 1, 2006

UB scientist publishes first human microbiome analysis

A team of researchers led by UB microbiologist Steven R. Gill analyzed the DNA of microbes in the human distal gut using metagenomics. The study found significant differences between two microbial communities from healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of understanding the interactions between human and microbial genomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2006

Chemists forge a new form of iron

Chemists have synthesized a new species of iron, designated as iron VI, which has two valence electrons and is highly reactive. This discovery adds to our understanding of fundamental iron chemistry and its catalytic properties, potentially leading to novel compounds for industry and biomedicine.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2006

Female genital mutilation affects births: Study

A recent study found that women who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are more likely to experience difficulties during childbirth and their babies are at a higher risk of death. The study also estimated that in the African context, an additional one to two babies die per 100 deliveries due to FGM.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 1, 2006

Rice wins $2.2M for undergrad global health program

Rice University's new global health program aims to equip students with the skills to tackle complex health issues in developing countries, including poverty, access to medicine, and cultural factors. The $2.2M grant will support undergraduate engineering students in designing solutions to these problems.

Brain on chip

The 'brain-chip' from Martinsried allows biophysicists to visualize the influence of pharmaceutical compounds on neural networks. This breakthrough enables a novel test system for brain and drug research, advancing neurochip prosthetics and neurocomputation.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJun 1, 2006

Why we could all do with a siesta

Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which glucose blocks brain cells responsible for regulating wakefulness. This finding has implications for understanding and treating disorders such as narcolepsy, obesity, and addiction.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNeuron·DateJun 1, 2006

Raiders of the lost dimension

Researchers observe dimensional reduction in Han purple pigment at low temperatures, which affects magnetic waves' behavior and could aid understanding of quantum computers. The discovery provides insights into the quantum mechanics of the universe, potentially explaining mysterious properties of other materials.

Researchers discover how bacteria sense their environments

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered how bacteria sense their environments through a cooperative lattice of receptors on the surface of bacterial cells. This sensitivity allows bacteria to detect even slight changes in nutrient concentration, enabling them to respond to stimuli such as pollutants or explosives.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 1, 2006

Acid rain causing decline in sugar maples, say researchers

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that acid rain is causing a decline in sugar maple trees due to its acidic effects on the soil. The study used a test plot to replicate favorable soil conditions prior to industrial pollution and found that sugar maples rebounded dramatically when calcium levels were restored.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology·DateJun 1, 2006

Damaged Iraq marshes show renewed signs of life

Researchers found that over 40% of the marshes have been reflooded and native species are recovering, with growth in giant reeds and rare bird sightings reported. However, challenges remain, including water supply issues and potential environmental threats from oil exploration.

SourceDuke University·JournalBioScience·DateMay 31, 2006

Striking the right balance between excitation and inhibition

A study by Martyn Goulding and colleagues reveals that the Notch receptor protein determines whether a single progenitor cell produces excitatory or inhibitory neurons. The researchers found that activated Notch promotes excitatory neuron formation, while low levels of Notch lead to inhibitory neuron development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 31, 2006

AGU journal highlights - 31 May 2006

Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters highlight climate change impacts on Mars, with data from orbiting spacecraft and rovers revealing a hemispheric dichotomy. In the Arctic, sea ice reduction is linked to inflows from the Pacific Ocean, while the Indian Ocean experiences decadal variability in its circulation. Scientists st...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 31, 2006

Virginia Tech student selected to meet Nobel Laureates

A Virginia Tech student is selected to meet with Nobel laureates to discuss his research on bioremediation using bacteria-mineral interaction. The study aims to understand the fundamental reactions that dictate how bacteria interact with minerals, potentially leading to a safe and cost-effective means of environmental remediation.

Genetically altered mice no longer like cocaine

Researchers genetically altered mice to resist cocaine's effects, discovering that blocking dopamine transporters is crucial for producing a high. The study aims to find drugs that prevent cocaine from binding to transporters while allowing the transporter protein to function.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2006