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Science News Archive December 2007 - Page 6


Page 6 of 16

New property found in ancient mineral lodestone

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a surprising new electronic property in magnetite, a well-studied magnetic mineral, by using nanofabrication methods. They were able to get the material to revert from an insulator to a conductor at temperatures colder than minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 17, 2007

Massage may help ease pain and anxiety after surgery

A 20-minute evening back massage was found to decrease pain intensity and unpleasantness, as well as anxiety, in patients undergoing major surgery. The study suggests that massage may act through multiple mechanisms, including relieving anxiety and generating mood-boosting endorphins.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Surgery·DateDec 17, 2007

New approach for attacking lupus identified

Researchers have discovered two new targets for drugs aimed at controlling lupus by regulating the balance between inflammatory and antiviral effects of interferons. By blocking specific kinases in the calcium-signaling pathway, they were able to suppress STAT1 activation and preserve antiviral effects.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalNature Immunology·DateDec 16, 2007

Aging gracefully requires taking out the trash

Researchers found that boosting autophagy in fruit flies prevented the age-dependent accumulation of cellular damage in neurons and promoted longevity. Boosting autophagy facilitated the removal of damaged molecules that accumulate during cellular aging, which is critical for neurons to stay healthy and functioning.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalAutophagy·DateDec 14, 2007

Cholesterol fine tunes hearing

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that cholesterol levels in outer hair cell membranes impact hearing. Depleting cholesterol resulted in hearing loss, while adding it initially increased hearing but later led to a decline.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2007

Lymphoma drug used to treat skin disorders

A study published in Dermatologic Therapy reveals that rituximab effectively treats blistering skin diseases, including paraneoplastic pemphigus, by targeting abnormal immune responses. The drug's efficacy is being explored for other serious dermatological disorders, but its indications are still being defined.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Therapy·DateDec 14, 2007

Health needs higher for kids of abused moms

A study by Group Health Research Institute found that children of mothers with a history of abuse have higher health care needs, including increased costs for mental health services. The research highlights the importance of screening women for intimate partner violence and providing interventions to minimize its effects on families.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 14, 2007

How molecular muscles help cells divide

Researchers at Yale University discovered how molecular muscles assemble a 'contractile ring' to divide cells, using a 'search, capture, pull and release' mechanism. The mechanism involves protein clusters on the inside of the cell membrane that grow and connect, forming a condensed ring.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 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