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Science News for January 10, 2006


Brain plays key role in diabetes therapy

Researchers found that therapies targeting brain insulin receptors can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin dose requirements. Gene therapy interventions also increased the animals' response to insulin therapy about 2-fold.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2006

Mapping Orion's winds

Astronomers have mapped the outflow from two regions of star formation in the Orion Nebula, providing new insights into the process of star creation. The study used Hubble Space Telescope data to track shock waves and determine the duration of stellar winds, shedding light on how these winds shape the surrounding clouds.

Mental stress may lead to heart disease

A new study published in Psychophysiology found that mental stress increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. The research used fMRI to correlate changes in brain activity with blood pressure during stress, providing new insights into the physiological effects of mental stress.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJan 10, 2006

El Nino events affect whale breeding

A study by British Antarctic Survey found a six-year time lag between sea temperature changes and whale breeding success. Sea surface temperatures in the Southern Ocean have increased by 1°C over the past 50 years, posing a threat to southern right whales' recovery.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 10, 2006

Region of DNA strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease

A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a genetic region on chromosome 10 strongly associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The researchers scanned over 1,400 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and found six genes within this region that may be involved in the development of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 10, 2006

Yale study explains complex infection fighting mechanism

A Yale study reveals how toll-like receptors recognize viral infections without self-DNA recognition, highlighting potential for treating autoimmune disorders like SLE. The research also shows that TLR localization is crucial in maintaining the balance between viral and self nucleic acid recognition.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 10, 2006