Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2006 - Page 5


Page 5 of 18

Junk DNA may not be so junky after all

Scientists have identified human enhancers able to control expression consistent with the zebrafish ret gene, shedding light on Hirschsprung disease and multiple endocrine neoplasia. The new system uses zebrafish to test mammalian DNA and is a significant advance over current methods.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2006

Arctic, antarctic melting may raise sea levels faster than expected

Researchers Bette Otto-Bliesner and Jonathan Overpeck base their findings on data from ancient coral reefs, ice cores, and other natural climate records. The Community Climate System Model (CCSM) suggests that Arctic warming could lead to sea level rise of up to 11 feet, while paleoclimate records indicate a rise of 13-20 feet.

Lefties have the advantage in adversarial situations

Researchers found that left-handed snails are less frequently attacked by right-handed crabs, leading to increased survival rates. This advantage is likely due to the specialized tooth on the crab's right claw, which is designed for opening shells, making it harder for the crab to access the left-handed snail's shell.

SourceYale University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 23, 2006

JCI table of contents, March 23, 2006

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation sheds light on the mechanism underlying microglia's behavior in multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that controlled inflammatory responses can restore damaged myelin and nerve function, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for MS treatment. Additionally, studies o...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2006

Clarifying controversy in multiple sclerosis

Research findings clarify microglia's induction and blockage of oligodendrogenesis in MS, shedding light on disease mechanisms. The study highlights the complex interplay between microglial activation and oligodendrogenesis in MS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2006

Ocean virus identified in human blood samples

A study found that Vesivirus antibodies were present in over 40% of patients with clinical hepatitis, suggesting a potential link between the virus and human disease. The research also highlights the widespread distribution of Vesivirus in various animal species, including fish and primates.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateMar 23, 2006