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Science News Archive August 2007 - Page 4


Page 4 of 17

Cells united against cancer

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that tightly organized epithelial cells can suppress malignant cell proliferation, with a focus on the LKB1 tumor suppressor gene. The study found that epithelial cells lacking LKB1 protein form disorganized structures enabling cancer genes to drive proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2007

The world's oldest bacteria

A research team has found ancient bacteria with active and living DNA, marking the oldest finding of organisms containing life on Earth. The discovery sheds light on cell aging and regeneration processes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2007

American Chemical Society's Weekly Press Pac

The American Chemical Society presents groundbreaking research on the biotechnology of health and wellness, including a study that reveals 'good' cholesterol can be bad for the heart. Additionally, scientists uncover new information about HDL cholesterol's protein composition, which could lead to more accurate lab tests and life-saving...

Bioengineers at University of Pennsylvania devise nanoscale system to measure cellular forces

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania devise nanoscale system to observe how individual cells react to external forces. The study shows that cells respond to outside forces and demonstrate a remote response from the cell’s internal forces., The findings prove useful for understanding tissue growth, function, and disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2007

UCLA study shows adverse effects of air pollution on births in Los Angeles County

A new UCLA study found that women exposed to high levels of air pollution in Los Angeles County were more likely to have preterm babies. The research, which analyzed data from over 2,500 births in 2003, controlled for other risk factors and found a significant link between air pollution exposure and increased preterm birth rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 26, 2007

Giant panda can survive

A study by Cardiff University scientists suggests that human activities such as deforestation and poaching are driving the decline of the giant panda population. The research finds that conservation efforts should focus on habitat restoration and protection to ensure the species' survival.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 24, 2007

Einstein researchers use novel approach to uncover genetic components of aging

Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine have discovered the secret behind people living to 100 or more: favorable “longevity” genes that protect against disease-causing genes. The novel method used by researchers could lead to new drugs to protect against age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 24, 2007

OSU 3-for-3 in NSF competition

Oklahoma State University has received $1.5M in NSF grants to acquire two new instruments: a field emission environmental scanning electron microscope and an LTQ mass spectrometer. These instruments will enhance research capabilities in areas of interest to industry, government, and other universities.

New cancer weapon: nuclear nanocapsules

Researchers at Rice University have developed a way to package radioactive particles inside DNA-sized carbon tubes to target tiny tumors. The alpha-emitting nanocapsules are designed to deliver a single, direct hit to cancer cells, making them potentially more effective than traditional beta-particle radiation.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateAug 23, 2007

Separating the brain's 'bad' from 'good' iron

Researchers have created 'pro-chelators' that can selectively bind to potentially destructive forms of iron in the brain, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage associated with these diseases. The iron-binding agents are designed to target only harmful iron species, allowing benign forms to carry out vital functions.

Toxic shock: immune system's anthrax link

Researchers at Monash University uncover a molecular arms race between bacteria and the human immune system, revealing perforins as key players in defense against bacterial toxins. The discovery could lead to new ways to fight disease, including infectious diseases and transplantation rejection.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2007

Surgery for severe obesity saves lives

A long-term study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reveals that bariatric surgery reduces mortality in severely obese patients by 29%. The researchers found that the actual weight loss is less important than the surgery itself in reducing risk, opening up new possibilities for treatment development.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 23, 2007

Are civil unions a 600-year-old tradition?

A new study suggests that homosexual civil unions may have existed in France six centuries ago, challenging common assumptions about the history of same-sex relationships. The affrèrement, a medieval legal contract, provided a framework for non-nuclear households and shared characteristics with marriage contracts.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Modern History·DateAug 23, 2007

Mouse vision has a rhythm all its own

Researchers found that mice lacking a critical component of the retinal clock exhibit abnormal gene activity and defective electrical responses, but their eyes appear normal. The study suggests that the retina's autonomous circadian clock plays a crucial role in visual processing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 23, 2007

Inhaling helps heal liver transplant recipients

A new study suggests that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation can decrease hospital stay time and improve liver function. The authors found increased levels of nitrite in circulation, which may mediate the beneficial effects of NO inhalation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 23, 2007

Money illusion and the market

Money illusion refers to the phenomenon where people base their decisions on nominal values rather than real value, leading to irrational behavior in markets. Experimental evidence shows that firms are reluctant to cut prices during deflation due to money illusion, but more willing to increase prices during inflation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2007

JCI table of contents: Aug. 23, 2007

Researchers found that FTY720 prevents disease in mouse models of leukemia caused by the cancer protein BCR-ABL. Nitric oxide inhalation also accelerates restoration of liver function after transplantation, reducing hospital stay times.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 23, 2007