Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 31, 2007


Making sense of antisense microRNAs

Research reveals antisense transcription of the Hox miRNA locus generates a novel miRNA precursor, mir-iab-8, which represses Hox gene targets, resulting in homeotic phenotypes. Additional antisense miRNAs identified in Drosophila and mammals may contribute to diversification of miRNA function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 31, 2007
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Lung cancer cells' survival gene seen as drug target

Researchers have identified a key gene, 14-3-3zeta, that enables lung cancer cells to survive on their own. Silencing this gene has been shown to inhibit the growth and survival of lung cancer cells, making it a potential target for selective anti-cancer drugs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2007

Lack of deep sleep may increase risk of type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that suppressing slow-wave sleep in healthy young adults significantly decreases their ability to regulate blood-sugar levels. After only three nights of selective slow-wave sleep suppression, subjects became less sensitive to insulin, resulting in reduced tolerance to glucose and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2007

Breast cancer cells have to learn to walk before they can run

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that early-stage breast cancer cells with high motility pose an increased risk of metastasis. These cells can wander along milk ducts and seed new tumors within the same breast, suggesting a need for earlier intervention.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 31, 2007

Oliguridylation-mediated histone mRNA decay

Researchers discovered that uridine residues are added to the 3' end of histone mRNAs, decapping and degrading them via the general mRNA decay machinery. This work represents a new mechanism regulating the half-life of specific mammalian mRNA transcripts.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 31, 2007

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Jan. 1, 2008, issue

A study found that targeted digital mammography screening can be cost-effective for younger women with dense breasts, while conventional film mammography may be more effective for older women. Additionally, labeling epinephrine as a dose or ratio affected dosing errors among doctors.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 31, 2007
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Restless legs syndrome doubles risk of stroke and heart disease

People with restless legs syndrome are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease, according to a study published in Neurology. The risk is highest in those with RLS symptoms at least 16 times per month, where they are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 31, 2007

Some antipsychotic drugs may be missing their mark

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that serotonin and synthetic hallucinogens trigger different chemical pathways in brain cells, leading to important implications for drug development. The study's findings suggest that screening agents must also determine if the agent signals through beta-arrestin.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2007

AGU journal highlights -- Dec. 31, 2007

Researchers isolated the signal of ocean global warming by analyzing historical temperature records. Volcanic loading in Hawaii triggered earthquakes with divergent mechanisms. Climate scientists found anticorrelated precipitation patterns between China and Brazil, suggesting oceanic circulation triggers abrupt climate events.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 31, 2007
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.