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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 29


Page 29 of 203

Sex, sugar and metabolic disease

A study reveals that excess sugar consumption decreases SHGB production in the liver, a protein regulating sex steroid entry into tissues. This reduction is associated with increased fat palmitate levels and inhibited by inhibiting palmitate generation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2007

Smile, protons, you're on camera

A team of scientists, led by Marek Pfutzner, has successfully peered closely at the radioactive decay of a rare iron isotope, shedding light on an exotic form of radioactivity. The technique used a novel combination of advanced physics equipment and digital camera technology to capture ghostly images of trajectories of emitted protons.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2007

A new mathematical formula for cancer progression

Researchers at Harvard and Johns Hopkins Universities developed a new paradigm in calculating tumor development, finding that it's driven by mutations in hundreds of genes. The study suggests that individual tumors can be driven by up to 20 mutated genes, leading to better understanding and potential new treatments for cancer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 8, 2007

Mitochondria send death signal to cardiac cells, study shows

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that the mitochondria send a death signal to cardiac cells when blood flow is restored, leading to cell damage and weakening heart function. The study identifies a specific enzyme, mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase, as a potential therapeutic target to stop this process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateNov 8, 2007

Finding may eventually help tailor treatment for depression

A new genetic study from the University of Iowa found that women are more likely than men to have altered serotonin processes related to depression. The study, which analyzed data from 192 individuals, suggests that genetic variations may play a role in tailoring antidepressant treatment for individual responders.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateNov 7, 2007

Comparative analyses of 12 fly genomes reveals new insights on genome evolution and regulation

The study of 12 Drosophila genomes provides novel insights into microRNA (miRNA) regulation, identifying 59 new miRNAs and revealing greater diversity in their role in gene expression. The analysis also reveals emergent gene function and post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms, with potential applications in human disease research.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 7, 2007

How the brain sends eyeballs bouncing

Researchers Robert Schafer and Tirin Moore studied how the frontal eye field generates saccades, finding that attentional circuitry governs motor circuitry. The study used eyetracking and microstimulation to analyze saccade patterns, revealing a mechanism for attention to modulate saccade motor commands.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 7, 2007

Scientists enhance Mother Nature's carbon handling mechanism

Researchers developed a method to accelerate removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in oceans for centuries, mimicking nature's natural weathering process. This new technology may counteract acidification of oceans threatening coral reefs and provide a feasible solution for reducing global warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 7, 2007

Progress toward new therapies for coronary artery disease

Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research have discovered that stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for coronary vasculature formation. The study provides a new avenue for developing therapies for coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of mortality in Western countries.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2007

Indiana University research at Neuroscience 2007

Researchers at Indiana University found that women's brains respond differently to male faces depending on the menstrual cycle stage. During ovulation, their brains show more activity in areas related to rewards and less activity in areas associated with inhibition. Additionally, training has been shown to improve balance in older adul...

When to have a child? A new approach to the decision

Researchers developed a logical decision model to help women weigh the benefits of motherhood against its effects on career and social interests. The model suggests that having a child at a younger age may be better for women in their early careers, as taking a maternity leave has less impact on future career prospects.

SourceDuke University·JournalDecision Analysis·DateNov 7, 2007

Energy from hot rocks

Researchers from UC Davis and international partners aim to unlock geothermal energy potential in Iceland and the US. By studying high-pressure conditions and heat transfer processes, they hope to develop more efficient methods for extracting heat from rocks.