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Science News for April 5, 2007


Networking around the clock

A Brandeis University study shows that the circadian neuronal network in fruit flies functions as a dynamic system that enables insects to adjust their behavior according to seasonal changes. The researchers discovered that two groups of neurons, morning cells and evening cells, alternate as master clocks depending on day length and se...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalCell·DateApr 5, 2007

Statins linked to lower risk of infection

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that statins significantly reduce the risk of sepsis in patients undergoing kidney dialysis. The study, published in JAMA, followed 1041 patients for 10 years and found a 41-case risk in the statin group compared to 110 cases in the non-statin group.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 2007

Scientists decode genome of oral pathogen

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have decoded the genome of Streptococcus sanguinis, a bacteria normally present in healthy human mouths that can cause deadly heart infections. The findings provide unique insight into its complex life cycle, metabolism, and ability to invade host tissues.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateApr 5, 2007

More flight than fancy?

Females may be more astute at choosing a mate, favoring mates with longer tails that signal aerodynamic abilities rather than attractive ornaments. Tail length is linked to natural selection, not sexual selection.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2007

Jefferson immunology researchers show blood-brain barrier damage could affect MS severity

Immunology researchers at Jefferson University have found that blood-brain barrier damage correlates with multiple sclerosis (MS) severity. The study used mice models and found that permeability changes are critical in disease development, with even mice lacking immune system components able to develop disease.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2007

Tumors stopped from spreading to new sites

Researchers found that TGF-beta inhibitors can block lung metastases in breast cancer mice treated with radiation or doxorubicin. Monitoring TGF-beta levels could identify at-risk patients for metastatic cancer progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 5, 2007

Females do best if they wait a while

A study by researchers at the University of Bristol found that female woodhoopoes that started breeding later in life produced more offspring than those that started earlier. The researchers attributed this to a high mortality rate among young females, suggesting they were not yet in optimal condition to breed.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 5, 2007

Fascinating spider silk

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have successfully produced genetically engineered spider silk protein using genetic engineering, revealing crucial insights into the spinning process. The study found that the interaction between hydrophilic and lipophilic properties of the proteins plays a key role in thread formation.

SourceWiley·DateApr 5, 2007

Why small dogs are small

Researchers have identified a piece of doggy DNA that reduces growth in small breeds, ensuring they stay small. The study found a haplotype in all breeds of small dogs, suggesting it is a major contributor to body size.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2007

JCI table of contents -- April 5, 2007

Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that treatment with TGF-beta inhibitors may help prevent cancer metastasis in patients. Additionally, a study from the University of Michigan discovered that a negative feedback pathway involving leptin receptor signaling may contribute to leptin resistance in obese individuals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 5, 2007

Biofuels: More than just ethanol

The study found that certain biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and hybrid poplar, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to gasoline and diesel. These crops also offset the largest amounts of fossil fuels reduced emissions when used for electricity generation via biomass gasification.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 5, 2007

New research in Psychological Science

Researchers found that adults exhibit a 'curse-of-knowledge bias' when reasoning about false beliefs, with their own knowledge influencing their ability to reason. Additionally, age affects false memory development, with children showing improved performance at older ages. The study also discovered a circadian rhythm in central process...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2007

The plague as a weapon?

Bubonic plague has a mortality rate of 50-90 ty, while pneumonic plague can be fatal in most cases. A Yersinia Pestis strain in Madagascar shows multiple antimicrobial resistance, making treatment challenging.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 5, 2007