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Science News Archive April 2007 - Page 11


Page 11 of 17

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.

Milk beats soy for post-weighlifting muscle gain

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that milk protein significantly outperforms soy protein in building muscle mass after weightlifting. Young men who consumed skim milk post-workout gained almost twice as much muscle mass in 10 weeks compared to those who drank a soy drink.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 10, 2007

The dGEMRIC index as a predictor of cartilage mechanical stiffness

Researchers used dGEMRIC MRI to measure GAG distribution and correlate it with indentation stiffness. The study found a significant relationship between the dGEMRIC index and mechanical stiffness, suggesting its potential as a predictive measure of cartilage stiffness in osteoarthritis patients.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateApr 10, 2007

Structural basis for photoswitching in fluorescent proteins brought into focus

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered the structural basis for photoswitching in fluorescent proteins, allowing for control over light emission. The study revealed that inserting a single oxygen atom can delay the switch-on time from five minutes to 65 hours, enabling more precise studies within cells.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2007

News tips from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Researchers provide new insights into how a key protein used to fight viruses works, raising hopes for improved treatments against viral infection. Additionally, heart stem cells are shown to be unaffected by acute heart failure, making them available for cardiac recovery. A chemical called thioredoxin also helps prevent loss of neuron...

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 10, 2007