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Science News for April 12, 2007


Lip-read me now, hear me better later

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that individuals who lip-read a speaker's face are better at identifying words in noisy sentences when they hear the same speaker again. This suggests that watching a person speak can create a familiar pattern of speech characteristics, making it easier to recognize and hear them later.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 12, 2007

Cluster sees tsunamis in space

The Cluster constellation provides new insights into 'space tsunamis' disrupting aurora displays. Substorms, three-dimensional physical phenomena, affect GPS signals and are studied using data from multiple satellites.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalAnnales Geophysicae·DateApr 12, 2007

Technology reveals 'lock and key' proteins behind diseases

Researchers at University of Toronto developed a device to test for proteins involved in human health and disease, revealing potential targets for pharmaceutical applications. The study identified six new protein interactors that regulate ABC transporter function, providing insights into diseases like cystic fibrosis and drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 12, 2007

Learning visual prosthesis at the Hanover Fair

Researchers at Bonn University have developed a software system called the Retina Encoder, which helps the brain interpret signals from retinal implants. The system learns to translate camera signals into a language that the brain understands, allowing blind subjects to perceive contours and orientation.

U of M study shows physical activity reduces risk of hypertension in young adults

A new University of Minnesota study reveals that young adults who engage in regular physical activity have a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure within 15 years. The research found that participants who exercised five times a week and expended 300 calories per session experienced a significant reduction in hypertension risk.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 12, 2007

JRRD news tips -- Wheelchairs, lower limb prosthesis, TBI and more

Research reveals that athletes with acute lateral ankle sprains have significantly weaker balance ability when their eyes are closed. Wheelchair provision varies by demographic characteristics, with disparities found in the standard of care within the Veterans Health Administration. Near-infrared spectroscopy measures cerebral oxygenat...

SourceJournal of Rehabilitation Research·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateApr 12, 2007

Electrons caught in the act of tunneling

Researchers have successfully observed electrons tunnelling through the binding potential of an atom nucleus under the influence of laser light. This breakthrough allows scientists to study electron movement in real-time and has implications for microelectronics and radiation therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2007

Global burden of childhood deafness overlooked

A recent analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS) and subsequent Global Burden of Disease Initiative (GBDI) reveals that childhood deafness is overlooked in disease control priorities. An estimated 718,000 infants worldwide suffer from permanent bilateral hearing impairment annually.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 12, 2007

JCI table of contents: April 12, 2007

A study found that inhibiting the protein ATM can kill cancer cells with dysfunctional DNA repair pathways, offering hope for a new treatment. Additionally, researchers discovered that inhibiting the protein CaMKII can drive leukemic cells to mature and die, providing an alternative strategy for treating acute promyleocytic leukemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 12, 2007