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Science News for November 2, 2006


How fish mend a broken heart

Researchers found that zebrafish have progenitor cells and an epicardium that can restore wounded heart muscle. The study's findings suggest that these mechanisms could be utilized for therapies, potentially improving the regenerative capacity of mammalian hearts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2006

Intact tonsils triple risk of recurrent strep throat

A Mayo Clinic study reveals that children with recurrent strep throat who retain their tonsils are at triple the risk of developing subsequent episodes. Tonsillectomy is found to be an effective treatment for this condition, decreasing infections and improving quality of life.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateNov 2, 2006

Low folate diets found to increase risk of colorectal cancer

A new study by McGill University researchers has found that a diet low in folate may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study demonstrates a clear link between low dietary folate and the initiation of colorectal cancer in animal models, with 1 in 4 mice on a folate-deficient diet developing at least one tumour.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 2, 2006

Funnel in the eye: Signal focusing increases photosensitivity

Researchers from the University of Bonn have discovered how the eye adapts to darkness by forming a network that combines signals from multiple light-sensitive rods, boosting sensitivity. The study found that dopamine triggers the closure of a channel in amacrine II cells, inhibiting communication and allowing for signal focusing.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2006

Platinum cages

A team of researchers has successfully produced large, porous, hollow platinum spheres by using liposomes as blueprints. The spheres are made of continuous, branched platinum sheets and have potential applications in biomedical, catalytic, and optical fields.

SourceWiley·DateNov 2, 2006

More human-Neandertal mixing evidence uncovered

New analysis of 30,000-year-old Romanian fossils reveals a mix of human and Neandertal features, challenging the hypothesis that Neandertals were simply replaced by modern humans in Europe around 35,000 years ago. The study also shows that these early humans lacked full anatomical adaptations for hunting with spears.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2006

Pulsating gels could power tiny robots

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a general model to study large-scale shape changes in responsive gels. Their gel lattice spring model captures two-dimensional deformations and chemical reactions within swollen networks of polymers, revealing dynamic patterns and oscillations in the gel's shape.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2006

A walk along an interface yields its mobility

Researchers at Colorado School of Mines and Northeastern University report a new computational methodology to quantify interface mobility, overcoming limitations of past studies. The method efficiently addresses the effect of impurities, revealing a more severe impact on interface motion than previously thought.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2006

Predicting survival after liver transplant

Researchers developed a new model to predict survival after liver transplantation, considering specific characteristics of donors and recipients. The model identified key factors impacting graft survival, including donor age and recipient MELD score.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateNov 2, 2006