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Science News Archive 2007


Page 1 of 203

Making sense of antisense microRNAs

Research reveals antisense transcription of the Hox miRNA locus generates a novel miRNA precursor, mir-iab-8, which represses Hox gene targets, resulting in homeotic phenotypes. Additional antisense miRNAs identified in Drosophila and mammals may contribute to diversification of miRNA function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 31, 2007

Lack of deep sleep may increase risk of type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that suppressing slow-wave sleep in healthy young adults significantly decreases their ability to regulate blood-sugar levels. After only three nights of selective slow-wave sleep suppression, subjects became less sensitive to insulin, resulting in reduced tolerance to glucose and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2007

Some antipsychotic drugs may be missing their mark

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that serotonin and synthetic hallucinogens trigger different chemical pathways in brain cells, leading to important implications for drug development. The study's findings suggest that screening agents must also determine if the agent signals through beta-arrestin.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2007

AGU journal highlights -- Dec. 31, 2007

Researchers isolated the signal of ocean global warming by analyzing historical temperature records. Volcanic loading in Hawaii triggered earthquakes with divergent mechanisms. Climate scientists found anticorrelated precipitation patterns between China and Brazil, suggesting oceanic circulation triggers abrupt climate events.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 31, 2007

Cost of glaucoma medications may impact treatment

The management of glaucoma costs the US healthcare system approximately $2.5 billion per year, with glaucoma medications accounting for 38-52% of direct costs. Non-selective ß-blockers remain the most inexpensive class of glaucoma medications, while brand-name ß-blockers are consistently more expensive than their generic counterparts.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateDec 28, 2007

Men need more Botox than women

A review published in Dermatologic Therapy reveals that men need higher doses of Botox due to greater muscle mass, leading to inadequate results from under-dosing. The study suggests that larger, stronger men require more units per treatment area than slender, small-boned men.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Therapy·DateDec 28, 2007

Fortune 1000 IT investments are riskier than capital investments, says management insights

A recent study by Sanjeev Dewan, Charles Shi, and Vijay Gurbaxani found that information technology (IT) investments are substantially riskier than ordinary capital investments. This increased risk is associated with a substantial risk premium, driven in part by the lost option value of making irreversible capital investment decisions.

Subliminal messages can influence us in surprising ways

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that subliminal exposure to a national flag image can moderate political attitudes, voting intentions, and actual voting in general elections. The studies showed that participants exposed to the subliminal message tended to adopt more centrist views and voted for central parties.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2007

Taxol with avastin produces noteworthy results

The study showed significant benefits of Avastin with Taxol in treating metastatic breast cancer, nearly doubling the time between chemotherapy initiation and tumor progression. This achievement demonstrates Avastin's potential as an antiangiogenic agent in breast cancer therapy.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 27, 2007

Study maps life in extreme environments

A team of biologists has developed a model mapping the control circuit governing a whole free-living organism, allowing for accurate prediction of cell dynamics and adaptation to environmental stresses. The study, based on Halobacterium salinarum, provides insights into how cells make stable decisions in response to their environments.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell·DateDec 27, 2007

How do you know whether you are male or female?

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that the number of X chromosomes determines the sex of a fruit fly embryo, contradicting previous findings. The researchers discovered that only two X chromosomes can produce a signal to feminize the embryo during a specific stage of development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 26, 2007

Photo-monitoring whale sharks

A new study suggests whale shark populations are healthy and growing in Ningaloo Reef due to regulated ecotourism. The research used computer-assisted photographic identification to track individual sharks and found two-thirds of the sharks were repeat visitors.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 26, 2007

Brief intervention helps emergency patients reduce drinking

A nationwide collaborative study found that emergency department patients who underwent alcohol screening and brief intervention reported lower rates of risky drinking than those who received only written information. The study enrolled over 7,751 patients and showed that more than one-fourth exceeded low-risk drinking limits.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 26, 2007