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Science News for December 14, 2006


JCI table of contents: December 14, 2006

Researchers have discovered that oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, they found that IFN-gamma stimulates osteoclast formation and bone loss, while targeting FoxM1 may limit liver cancer progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2006

It's enough to turn your neighbors green

A study by Nives Dolsak and Maureen Dunn finds that developed countries invest in developing countries' greenhouse gas emission-reduction projects mainly due to economic reasons, such as reducing air pollution and transaction costs. The authors suggest policy makers to consider regional pollution dynamics when designing international r...

SourceSpringer·JournalPolicy Sciences·DateDec 14, 2006

Very high frequency radiation makes dark matter visible

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics have discovered a way to make a picture of everything that gravitates in the Universe using radio telescopes. By analyzing radio waves emitted from the early Universe, they can create high-resolution images of cosmic mass distribution, surpassing current galaxy distortions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 14, 2006

First Laos bacteraemia study highlights need for local knowledge

The study reveals that Salmonella enterica serovar typhi is the most common cause of bacteraemia in children and adults, with almost half of all cases found in children. Local knowledge is crucial for developing effective public health interventions, particularly in a resource-constrained healthcare system.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateDec 14, 2006

Achieving asymmetry in the brain

New research demonstrates that Aurora-A kinase suppresses neuroblast self-renewal and promotes differentiation in fruit fly stem cells. This finding may provide new clues to the molecular basis of Aurora-A involvement in human cancers, including brain tumors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 14, 2006

New system solves the 'who is J. Smith' puzzle

A new system uses machine-learning methods to identify authors based on similar names, affiliations, and publication data, achieving 90.6% accuracy in a large-scale test. The algorithm will be integrated into the next generation of CiteSeer, the largest academic search engine.

Taking nanolithography beyond semiconductors

A new process combines molecular self-assembly with traditional lithography to create multifunctional surfaces in precise patterns. This technique allows for complex patterns of functional monolayers, enabling applications beyond semiconductors.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2006

Capture study shows safety of carotid stenting in 'real-world' setting

The CAPTURE study found that carotid stenting can be performed safely and effectively by community physicians who receive proper education and training. The study involved 3,500 high-surgical risk patients and 353 physicians at 144 hospitals across the US, with similar outcomes among experienced and less-experienced physicians.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateDec 14, 2006

Boost for new cancer therapies

Researchers have identified a new key step in how the Polo kinase enzyme functions, confirming its potential as a target for anti-cancer drug development. The study sheds light on how the enzyme helps cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner to form tumors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2006