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Science News for December 13, 2007


Fish farms drive wild salmon populations toward extinction

A study reveals that fish farms are causing a severe decline in wild salmon populations by infecting them with sea lice, which can lead to a 99% collapse of the population within four years. This has serious implications for the entire ecosystem, as salmon play a crucial role in supporting various industries and wildlife.

SourceSeaWeb·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2007

Evolution with a restricted number of genes

Researchers have shed new light on the role of RNA polymerase II in gene expression, revealing a complex mechanism that allows for efficient use of existing genes. The study found that phosphorylation of serine 7 at the carboxyterminal domain is essential for processing and maturation of specific gene products.

Reversible data transfers from light to sound

A team of researchers at Duke University has successfully transferred encoded information from a laser beam to sound waves and back again, opening the door for ultra-fast optical communications networks. The new method uses stimulated Brillouin scattering to create acoustic vibrations that can retain data for brief intervals.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2007

MicroRNA regulates cancer stem cells

Researchers discovered a genetic switch that regulates critical properties of cancer stem cells using microRNAs. Activating this switch, let-7, can push cancer stem cells to differentiate and lose their tumorigenic abilities, offering a novel approach to targeting these cells with therapeutic RNAs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 2007

Penn researchers shine the light of venus to learn how the herpes virus invades cells

University of Pennsylvania researchers have uncovered the key step in how herpes simplex virus, HSV-1, invades healthy cells using cooperating proteins on its outer coat. The study used biomolecular complementation with a fluorescent protein called Venus to demonstrate the effectiveness of monitoring protein interactions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2007

Early treatment stops epilepsy in its tracks

Researchers at Yale University have shown that early treatment of epilepsy-prone rats with ethosuximide can suppress seizures and reduce their frequency even after treatment is stopped. This breakthrough could lead to preventing epilepsy in genetically susceptible people.

SourceYale University·JournalEpilepsia·DateDec 13, 2007

Green tea may protect brain cells against Parkinson's disease

Researchers found that green tea polyphenols protect dopamine neurons and inhibit the ROS-NO pathway, which contributes to cell death in Parkinson's disease. The study suggests green tea polyphenols may be developed into a safe and easily administrable drug for Parkinson's disease treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2007

Molecular 'trip switch' shuts down inflammatory response

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a molecular pathway that regulates immune inflammation, known as the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase. The study found that activating this pathway can help control chronic autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting an out-of-control inflammatory response.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 2007

Biocapture surfaces produced for study of brain chemistry

The team created a method for attaching small molecules to surfaces, capturing large biomolecules and identifying specific interactions. The technique is suitable for studying neurotransmission in the living brain and has potential applications in understanding neurological diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 13, 2007

Putting risk in perspective: Do people make better decisions when they understand average risk?

A new survey from Michigan Medicine suggests that when women are told their risk of breast cancer is above average, they're more likely to take a hypothetical pill and overestimate its benefits. The study highlights the importance of considering individual risk information when making medical decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateDec 13, 2007

Effective new treatment for schizophrenia

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that paliperidone extended-release tablets were effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms, with improvements seen in social functioning. The treatment's long half life and extended release formulation offer practical advantages over existing treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2007

JCI table of contents: Dec. 13, 2007

A new study reveals secretoneurin's neuroprotective role in a rat model of stroke. SN treatment improved survival of primary brain cell cultures and reduced cerebral tissue death in rats with ischemia-induced stroke.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 13, 2007

Immediate action needed to save corals from climate change

Coral reefs are facing extinction due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification, threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. Scientists call for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions and local pressures such as overfishing and pollution to save these vital ecosystems.

SourceSeaWeb·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2007