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Science News for April 11, 2007


Liver regeneration may be simpler than previously thought

Researchers have discovered that liver regeneration is driven by an increase in cell multiplication through regular cell divisions, rather than relying on embryonic-like processes. This finding could lead to more effective ways to stimulate liver growth and potentially improve treatment options for patients with liver diseases.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2007

Space data unveils evidence of ancient mega-lake in northern Darfur

Researchers from Boston University used satellite topographic data to discover an ancient mega-lake in the Darfur province of northwestern Sudan. The lake, which existed for a long period when rainfall was plentiful, holds significant implications for improving knowledge of continental climate change and regional palaeohydrology.

SourceBoston University·JournalInternational Journal of Remote Sensing·DateApr 11, 2007

Researchers create smallest organic light-emitters

Researchers created microscopic 'nanolamps' using electrospinning, a technique that produces extremely small fibers made of ruthenium and polyethylene oxide. The fibers emit orange light when excited by low voltage, making them useful for applications in sensing, microscopy, and flat-panel displays.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 11, 2007

Global momentum for smoke-free indoor environments at tipping point

Over a dozen countries have adopted national indoor smoke-free policies, including Ireland and New Zealand, making progress in protecting people from second-hand smoke. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has helped galvanize global commitment to clean-air policies and tobacco control initiatives.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 11, 2007

Earthshaking images

Engineers at UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering used a virtual building to test the impact of the 1994 Northridge earthquake on a 275-ton structure. The virtual model allowed researchers to visualize data from over 600 sensors, gaining new insights into structure performance and enabling 'what if' simulations.

Spanish doctors more likely to drink and drive

A recent study published in BMC Public Health reveals a disturbingly high prevalence of self-reported drinking and driving among Spanish doctors and nurses. These health professionals are found to be more likely to engage in drink driving, with men being twice as likely to drive while intoxicated compared to women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateApr 11, 2007

MiniBooNE opens the box

The MiniBooNE experiment resolves questions raised by the LSND [3] experiment in the 1990s that appeared to contradict findings of other neutrino experiments worldwide. The results conclusively show that the LSND results could not be due to simple neutrino oscillation, clarifying the overall picture of how neutrinos behave.