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Science News for April 20, 2007


The origin of the brain lies in a worm

The study reveals surprising similarities in the developing CNS of Platynereis embryos and vertebrates, suggesting that the vertebrate nervous system is probably much older than expected. This finding provides strong evidence for a theory that vertebrates and annelid CNS are of common descent.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateApr 20, 2007

Dental X-Rays of carotid artery not enough to estimate stroke risk

Researchers found that calcified carotid artery atheroma detection on panoramic radiographs does not correlate with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease. The authors emphasize the need for closer examination of risk factors such as age, smoking history, and hypertension.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateApr 20, 2007

To understand the big picture, give it time -- and sleep

Researchers found that taking breaks from studies, including getting a good night's sleep, enhances relational memory and 'big picture' inferences. This 'off-line' processing period allows the brain to unconsciously mull over information, leading to improved performance on complex tasks.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Chronic family turmoil and other problems cause physical changes

A new study from Cornell University finds that adolescents exposed to chronic risk factors experience stress-induced physiological strain, but with responsive mothers, this toll is significantly reduced. The study also reveals that cardiovascular systems of youths are compromised regardless of their mothers' responsiveness.

SourceCornell University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 20, 2007

Brain networks strengthened by closing ion channels

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a molecular mechanism that dynamically alters brain network connections, influencing working memory and cognitive function. Closing ion channels can strengthen connectivity, improving working memory and reducing distractibility.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateApr 20, 2007

Scientists find one reason why bladder cancer hits more men

Researchers found that the androgen receptor plays a key role in bladder cancer development, which explains why it affects men more than women. The discovery opens doors to new treatment options and may help doctors predict tumor recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 20, 2007

Gene study shows three distinct groups of chimpanzees

A recent study on chimpanzee genetics reveals three distinct groups with considerable genetic variation, which has important implications for conservation efforts. The research team found that the traditional geography-based sorting of chimps into western, central, and eastern populations is supported by significant genetic differences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 20, 2007

Brain networks strengthened by closing ion channels

Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that strengthens brain networks by closing ion channels, which may improve working memory and reduce distractibility in conditions like ADHD. This discovery has implications for developing drug therapies for normal aging and treating cognitive changes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourcePorter Novelli·JournalCell·DateApr 20, 2007
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

UD scientist wins NSF career award for tissue engineering research

Xinqiao Jia is awarded a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award for her work on developing strong, yet soft and flexible biomaterials for engineering damaged tissues. Her goal is to create hybrid materials that can respond rapidly and reversibly to mechanical forces.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateApr 20, 2007

Knocking out survival protein could aid leukemia treatment

A new study suggests that targeting the survival protein Mcl1 may be an effective way to treat leukemia, particularly when combined with existing drugs like rituximab. The research found that knocking out Mcl1 can cause cancer cells to die, and combining it with rituximab killed significantly more leukemia cells than the drug alone.

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 20, 2007

Susceptibility to Crohn's disease -- an important new clue

Researchers have discovered a new genetic locus associated with an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, found that a specific region on chromosome 5 is linked to the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 20, 2007

Trips to the NanoFrontier

The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies launches a series of NanoFrontiers podcasts and newsletters to discuss promising nanotechnology applications. First episodes focus on tissue engineering and biomedicine advancements. Future discussions will cover energy, clean water, and developing nations' challenges.

SourceWoodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars/Science and Technology Innovation Program·DateApr 20, 2007

News tips from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Researchers identified a new protein involved in egg activation and its role in fertilization. A chemical has been found effective against anthrax by blocking spore germination. A new protein also controls the growth of the hepatitis C virus, which could lead to new drug development.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 20, 2007
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

UD chemical engineer receives NSF career award

Thomas H. Epps III, a recipient of the prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation, is advancing the development of high-performance materials through his research on block copolymers. His five-year grant will support the creation of nanoscale materials with unique properties, potentially lea...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateApr 20, 2007