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Science News for February 15, 2006


Loud music worsens effects of taking ecstasy

Researchers found that low-dose MDMA had no effect on brain activity when no music was played. However, loud music increased the negative impact of low-dose MDMA and high-dose MDMA on brain activity. Brain activity returned to normal in rats not exposed to music after a day.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateFeb 15, 2006

A surprising pair of proteins help make healthy eggs

Biologists at Brown University and the University of California–Berkeley have discovered a critical role for two proteins – TAF4b and c-Jun – in the growth and nurturing of granulosa cells that surround eggs. The finding provides important new information about fertility and may lead to better in-vitro fertilization therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2006

Merck and AAAS announce 2006 winners for Outstanding Undergraduate Research Programs

The Merck Institute for Science Education has announced the winners of the 2006 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Program, recognizing institutions that foster interactions between biology and chemistry. The program supports research stipends for undergraduate students and aims to enhance education through research experiences in thes...

The cosmos glows unevenly

The H.E.S.S. collaboration has discovered gamma-ray emission from a complex of gas clouds near the Milky Way Galaxy's centre, revealing a prehistoric particle accelerator. The density of cosmic rays exceeds that in the solar neighbourhood, suggesting recent acceleration.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2006

Healthy pre-term infants show reduced lung function

Healthy preterm infants have reduced lung function, according to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The researchers found that male sex and lower gestational age were significantly associated with reduced expiratory flows in this group.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2006

How the brain learns to become addicted

Researchers found that orexin A induces adaptation necessary for drug-craving behaviors in human addicts. The peptide signaling pathways for orexin and CRF may prove fruitful targets in the search for addiction medications.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 15, 2006

Spousal illness can trigger partner death

A landmark study by Harvard Medical School found that spousal illness significantly elevates a partner's mortality risk, particularly within the first two years. The study also revealed specific illnesses have varying effects on partners' health, with dementia and heart disease being most detrimental.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2006

Plant enzyme efficiency may hold key to global warming

Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have engineered a more efficient variant of the RuBisCO enzyme, which could lead to faster plant growth and more effective carbon dioxide conversion. The new enzyme produces up to 500% more enzyme than existing variants, paving the way for potential solutions to global warming.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalProtein Engineering Design and Selection·DateFeb 15, 2006

Global toll of glaucoma set to reach 80 million by 2020

A global study estimates that 60.5 million people will have glaucoma by 2010, with 3 out of 4 cases being open angle glaucoma. By 2020, this number is projected to reach 80 million, mostly affecting women and people from Asia. The disease will also increase rapidly in India, causing significant blindness worldwide.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateFeb 15, 2006

Engineered mouse mimics cognitive aspects of schizophrenia

Researchers created a genetically altered mouse strain with overexpressed dopamine receptors in the striatum, which showed specific cognitive deficits similar to human schizophrenics. The study suggests that cognitive symptoms may arise from subtle genetic differences in the dopamine receptor gene.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 15, 2006

Earth Rx: A microbial biotechnology prescription for global environmental health

Scientists are harnessing microbial biotechnology to address global environmental issues by utilizing diverse microbial communities and their functions. By leveraging cutting-edge DNA-based techniques, researchers can identify and utilize beneficial microorganisms to clean up pollutants, generate renewable energy, and detect pathogens.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 15, 2006