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Science News Archive August 2007 - Page 3


Page 3 of 17

A gene for metastasis

Researchers discover that the L1-CAM gene is highly expressed in colorectal cancer cells that have spread to the liver, while normal colon tissue lacks this gene. This finding highlights the importance of L1-CAM in metastasis and opens new avenues for cancer research.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 28, 2007

Novel method enables genomic screening of blood vessels from patient tissue

Scientists have developed a novel method for capturing and genome-wide screening of blood vessel cells in their actual disease state, advancing potential for genetic research. The technique allows for precise cell-specific information and has implications for diseases such as cancer and chronic wounds.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2007

Switching goals

Researchers found that evolving to complex goals accelerates speedup in simulations, suggesting a possible shortcut to optimization. The study's findings have practical implications for engineering fields and computer science.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2007

Not all risk is created equal

Researchers identified different areas of risk-taking based on ancestral challenges, finding that fertility risks are the least taken and social status-related risks are the most. Men were consistently more risk-takers than women across various domains.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateAug 28, 2007

Novel MS drug shows promise in 2 lethal leukemias

Researchers discovered that an experimental multiple sclerosis drug, fingolimod, may also help patients with certain lethal forms of leukemia. The study found that the drug prevents cancer cell development and kills leukemia cells in mouse models, suggesting a promising new approach for treating resistant cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 28, 2007

'Mighty mice' made mightier

A recent study discovered that mice lacking the protein myostatin and overproducing follistatin have four times more muscle mass than normal mice. This finding offers new avenues for enhancing muscle growth in patients with muscular dystrophy and other wasting diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2007

Hypnosis reduces pain and costs in breast cancer surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that hypnosis prior to breast cancer surgery reduced the amount of anesthesia used during the operation, as well as levels of pain and other side effects reported afterwards. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions, and lower surgical costs.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 28, 2007

Sex is thirst-quenching for female beetles

A study by Dr. Martin Edvardsson found that dehydrated female beetles mate more frequently with males to obtain water from their seminal fluid, a strategy that benefits the male by extending the time before fertilization competition resumes. The research sheds new light on the role of 'nuptial gifts' in insect courtship and mating.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateAug 28, 2007

Molecules line up to make the tiniest of wires

A team of researchers has created an innovative method for producing tiny conductive nano-wires on silicon chips using self-assembling molecules. The process can produce nano-wires that are 5,000 times longer than they are wide, meeting the need for connecting smaller transistors and electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 28, 2007

Virginia Tech faculty members earn IBM awards

Faculty members Kirk Cameron, Wu-Chun Feng, and Dimitrios Nikolopoulos have received IBM Faculty Awards for their exceptional work in plant phylogeny, software productivity, and computing environments. The awards aim to promote collaboration between researchers and foster growth in strategic disciplines.

Controlling bandwidth in the clouds

Researchers at UCSD have designed a new algorithm that enables distributed rate limiting to enforce global bandwidth rate limits and dynamically shift allocations based on current network demand. The flow proportional share algorithm uses TCP to estimate bandwidth demand, providing fairness and practicality for deployment nationwide.

Other highlights in the Aug. 28 JNCI

Researchers identify specific H. pylori strains associated with precancerous gastric lesions, potentially underestimating the risk of gastric cancer. Meanwhile, a gene called OGR1 is found to suppress prostate cancer metastasis in mice, suggesting its potential as a novel metastasis suppressor gene.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 28, 2007

Men choose romance over success

A new study by Catherine Mosher and Sharon Danoff-Burg found that college men are more likely than women to prioritize a romantic relationship over achieving their career and education goals. The researchers also discovered that men derive more emotional support from opposite-sex relationships than same-sex friendships.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateAug 28, 2007

New study may explain Vioxx side effects

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx trigger life-threatening side effects by stimulating blood clotting. The researchers propose a solution by administering TF-reducing drugs alongside Cox-2 inhibitors to treat people safely

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 27, 2007

NASA: Astronomers pioneer new method for probing exotic matter

Astronomers have pioneered a new technique to measure the properties of neutron stars, allowing them to study the extreme conditions under which matter is packed. Using XMM-Newton and Suzaku satellites, scientists observed distorted space-time around three neutron stars, confirming predictions by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 27, 2007

Conaway Lab demonstrates mechanism by which transcription factor controls gene expression

The Conaway Lab has discovered a critical role for the chromatin remodeling complex INO80 in activating transcription mediated by the transcription factor YY1. This finding provides new insights into how YY1 regulates gene expression, which is crucial for cell cycle control and may have implications for cancer therapy.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 27, 2007

Nanowire coating for bone implants, stents

Researchers have developed a nanowire coating on titanium that enhances muscle tissue adhesion for hip replacements and dental reconstructions. The material can also be easily sterilized using UV light or ethanol, making it suitable for hospital settings and food processing plants.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateAug 27, 2007