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Science News Archive August 2007 - Page 12


Page 12 of 17

MRI finds breast cancer before it becomes dangerous

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that MRI is substantially more accurate than mammography in detecting very early stages of breast cancer, including preinvasive DCIS. The study detected 167 cases of early breast cancer, with MRI identifying 152 cases and mammography detecting only 93 cases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 10, 2007

JCI table of contents: Aug. 9, 2007

A study published in JCI reveals that Gq/G11-mediated signaling plays a crucial role in transmitting TSH-induced signals, regulating thyroid gland function. Mice lacking the alpha-subunits of both Gq and G11 exhibited reduced thyroid gland function and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2007

Bioengineering to prevent iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired school performance, and decreased productivity. Genetic engineering can increase iron content in staple crops like rice and improve bioavailability by introducing genes that break down phytate.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2007

Climate change and permafrost thaw alter greenhouse gas emissions in northern wetlands

Permafrost thaw accelerates rates of melting in northern ecosystems, leading to complex impacts on greenhouse gas fluxes from peatlands. While initial degradation may result in increased carbon sequestration, high methane emissions will eventually outweigh this reduction, posing a significant challenge for climate change mitigation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 9, 2007

New molecular regulators of hyperthyroidism and goiter

A study published in JCI Journals reveals that Gq/G11-mediated signaling plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid gland function. Mice lacking these proteins had impaired thyroid function and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for hyperthyroidism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2007

A woman who heard voices with her own speech impairments

A woman who suffered a brain bleed and aphasia due to a bicycle accident began hearing her own thoughts aloud and hallucinating hospital staff's voices. Her symptoms improved with treatment, but her experiences suggest that auditory hallucinations can arise from neurological conditions affecting speech processing.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 9, 2007

Evolution is driven by gene regulation

Yale researchers found that gene regulation plays a crucial role in shaping differences between species. By mapping DNA binding sites and analyzing regulatory regions, they discovered functional differences in yeast species, shedding light on the balance between gene content and regulation.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007

Computers expose the physics of NASCAR

Researchers at the University of Washington developed software that allows for real-time visualization of air flow around speeding cars, creating a new effect for racing coverage. The technology uses Navier-Stokes equations to simulate complex systems quickly, enabling interactive simulations in video games and other applications.

Hormone regulates fondness for food

Scientists have discovered that leptin controls our fondness for food by activating brain regions responsible for rewarding emotions and desires. The study found that individuals deficient in leptin show strong responses to food pictures, even after eating, whereas treatment with leptin normalizes these responses.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateAug 9, 2007

Emory physicist opens new window on glass puzzle

Researchers led by Eric Weeks found that glasses are solid-like because they can't move when the sample chamber is thinner than typical group size. The study uses particles rather than atoms to directly observe how confinement influences glass transition, providing a simple framework for understanding other questions about glass.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 9, 2007

Scuppering pirates improves Internet audio

A new digital watermarking system protects music and media files from online pirates while ensuring high-quality playback for legitimate users. The system, developed by researchers at the University of Ottawa, embeds an image within the audio file to prevent piracy without compromising sound quality.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Media and Communication·DateAug 9, 2007

New technology reveals seal behavior

Researchers used sensors attached to 85 seals to track their movements and collect data about the marine environment. The results show that elephant seals adopted different strategies to find food, visiting colder waters nearer the continental shelf.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2007

Diet foods for children may lead to obesity

A new report from the University of Alberta finds that diet foods for children can lead to overeating and obesity. Children who consume low-calorie versions of high-calorie foods may develop a distorted connection between taste and calorie content, leading them to overeat as they grow up.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalObesity·DateAug 8, 2007

Long heat waves boost hospital admissions

Heat wave duration significantly impacts hospital admissions for fluid and electrolyte balance disorders, acute renal failure, and breathing issues. While individual hot days may have minor effects, prolonged heat waves can lead to increased health risks, particularly among the elderly.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 8, 2007