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Science News Archive February 2007


Page 1 of 16

New insight into brain disorders

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered how controlling glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) activity can improve neuronal connections and prevent memory erasure in brain disorders. This breakthrough sheds light on the role of GSK3 in normal neuronal function and may lead to the development of drugs to inhibit its activity.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 28, 2007

Yellowstone's quiet power

A new study reveals that Yellowstone's volcanic hotspot is much more active than previously believed, exerting powerful forces on the surrounding terrain even between eruptions. The hotspot's effects are evident in the deformation of Earth's crust, with the Yellowstone caldera rising at an unprecedented rate.

Deconstructing brain wiring, one neuron at a time

Scientists at Salk Institute develop tool to identify all neurons connected to a single neuron, shedding light on brain wiring and neural circuits. The modified rabies virus is used to create a wiring diagram of the brain, revealing connections between neurons and correlating them with brain functions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 28, 2007

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

The American Chemical Society journal ACS Chemical Biology explores the latest research in cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives. Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for cancer by linking proteins to activate the immune system. Additionally, scientists have found that certain bacteria can in...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateFeb 28, 2007

University of Nevada scientists gauge earthquake hazards through study of precariously balance rocks

Researchers at the University of Nevada used precariously balanced rocks to test seismic hazard predictions, measuring forces and angles to determine when an earthquake has not occurred for a long time. The study provides important information on seismic hazards in areas throughout the West, including data on ground-motion probability ...

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalAmerican Scientist·DateFeb 28, 2007

First direct electric link between neurons and light-sensitive nanoparticle films created

Scientists at UTMB and University of Michigan develop direct electrical link between nerve cells and photovoltaic nanoparticle films, enabling light-stimulated nerve-signaling devices. This breakthrough could lead to creation of a nanoparticle-based artificial retina with unprecedented flexibility, compactness, and reliability.

RAND study finds walking more likely in neighborhoods with more 4-way intersections

A RAND Corporation study found that neighborhoods with more four-way intersections and diverse businesses encourage walking. However, the impact of these factors on walking is not particularly strong, especially when housing density is low. The study suggests that urban design recommendations can help create walkable communities.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2007

City ants take the heat

Researchers discovered that ants in São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, have adapted to higher temperatures. The findings suggest a link between urban heat islands and the physiological adjustments of species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2007

UT-Houston scientists develop new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells

Researchers at UT-Houston's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine have developed a new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells, also known as the 'stem cells of the lungs'. These cells can potentially be used to treat pulmonary genetic diseases and lung trauma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

New insights into autoimmunity and depression

A study found that anti-ribosomal P antibodies, associated with SLE, induce depressive behavior in mice by interacting with the limbic system. Fluoxetine treatment reversed this effect, but haloperidol had no significant impact.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 27, 2007

The link between rheumatoid arthritis and cancer

Patients with RA have double the risk of death from cancer compared to the general population. However, RA patients do not have an increased risk of developing cancer. A long-term study found a 40% increase in mortality among those who suffered both RA and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 27, 2007