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Science News for March 27, 2006


Coal-based jet fuel poised for next step

Researchers have developed a coal-based jet fuel, provisionally designated JP900, which produces almost the same Btu as conventional fuels. The fuel has improved flash point, lower viscosity, and higher smoke point, making it suitable for existing engines and interest both commercial and military users.

Asleep or awake we retain memory

Research shows brain activity persists and evolves with time after learning new information, integrating recent memories through dynamic processing. The findings challenge the idea that sleep is essential for strengthening memories.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2006

Sumatra megaquake defied theory

A massive earthquake off the coast of Sumatra challenged long-held assumptions about quakes and subduction zones. The Great Sumatra-Andaman earthquake surpassed a magnitude 9 threshold, which contradicts theory that such large quakes occur at subduction zones with young, fast-moving crust.

UC Berkeley study finds in utero arsenic exposure tied to lung disease and cancer in adults

A UC Berkeley study found that children born with high levels of in utero arsenic exposure have a significantly higher risk of developing lung diseases such as bronchiectasis and lung cancer. The study, which analyzed death certificates from Chilean cities, revealed a 46 times higher death rate from bronchiectasis and seven times highe...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 27, 2006

Researchers find better prostate cancer indicators

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers identified 8 genes with significant under-expression and 3 with over-expression, strongly implicating them in prostate cancer development and progression. The findings suggest that these genes may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting prostate cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 27, 2006

Rice bioengineers pioneer techniques for knee repair

Researchers at Rice University have developed a self-assembly method to grow dime-sized disks of cartilage with properties approaching native tissue. The technique uses only donor cells, eliminating rejection risks, and has been refined to produce virtually identical cartilage in terms of mechanical and biochemical makeup.

SourceRice University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMar 27, 2006

Should we ban consumer drug ads? - Press release from PLoS Medicine

Authors debate the benefits and harms of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Some argue it can promote underused, life-saving medications, while others claim it raises patients' expectations, increases the quality of care, but also delivers flawed information that may lead to premature adoption of new drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 27, 2006