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Science News Archive July 2007 - Page 14


Page 14 of 16

Birds take cues from their competitors

A new study reveals that female birds of two migrant flycatcher species can acquire a novel preference for nesting sites based on the apparent attraction of competing resident tits. This finding suggests that individual animals use information and make decisions, even from other species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 5, 2007

Prion propagates in foreign host

Researchers have successfully propagated a prion from one organism into another, expanding our understanding of these infectious proteins and their role in fatal neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery opens up new avenues for studying prion propagation and highlights the need to search for additional prions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 5, 2007

Fossil DNA illuminates life

Researchers found genetic material from plants and insects in ancient ice cores, contradicting previous theories about southern Greenland's climate. The discovery provides evidence of forest cover and mild winters, dating back around 450,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2007

Study advances vCJD prion detection

Scientists have developed a method to amplify vCJD prions from human brain tissue extracts, enabling recognition by existing detection methods. This breakthrough could aid in confirming whether someone is infected with variant CJD, crucial for preventing further disease spread through infected blood donations.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJul 5, 2007

Fame sells

A study by Erik Hunter and Per Davidsson found that celebrity involvement is key to a product's success compared to traditional endorsement marketing. Celebrity entrepreneurs add value to products, making them more appealing to consumers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business·DateJul 5, 2007

Pre-implantation genetic screening reduces both ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates in over 35s

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) does not increase ongoing pregnancy or live birth rates in women over 35 undergoing IVF. The technique's effectiveness has been called into question due to various limitations, including the potential for biopsy errors and chromosomal analysis biases.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 4, 2007

Stem cell procedure successfully treats amyloidosis patients

Researchers from Boston University Medical Center successfully treat patients with immunoglobulin-light chain amyloidosis who did not respond to initial treatment. A tandem approach of high-dose chemotherapy and blood stem cell transplantation shows improved overall survival and quality of life for these patients.

SourceBoston University·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2007

Getting old is a costly business

A study of over 3 million Italians found that men over 65 pay more for prescriptions than women, with costs escalating sharply after age 65. The research model developed in the study can help policymakers better allocate resources for prescription costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2007

Today's waste, tomorrow's fuel

Researchers at Cardiff University are developing cost-effective methods to recycle platinum and other precious metals from road dust and vehicle exhausts. This innovative approach aims to produce clean fuel cells, minimizing waste and creating reliable, greener energy.

Blood clotting protein may inhibit spinal cord regeneration

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discovered that fibrinogen inhibits neural cell growth in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. The study found that fibrinogen's binding to beta 3 integrin receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor prevents axonal growth, which is necessary for regeneration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2007

Alzheimer's prevention role discovered for prions

Researchers have identified a protective role for normal prion proteins in preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. High levels of PrPc reduced beta amyloid formation, while low or absent levels allowed it to return.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2007

Color is in the eye of the beholder

A recent study examines the remarkable two-tone color of pumpkin seed oil using imaging and CIE chromaticity coordinates. The observed color shift from red to green is attributed to changes in oil layer thickness and unique human retina cell characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJul 3, 2007

Reducing the cost of sleep disorders

The project aims to develop a cost-effective solution to reduce the financial burden of sleep disorders on the Australian healthcare system. The new web-based intelligent decision support system will enable more accurate diagnoses and help determine if a night at the sleep centre is necessary.

Cardiac surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis

Researchers found that hospital mortality increased significantly according to the Child-Pugh classification, with a mortality rate of 10 percent for those with class A, 18 percent for those with class B, and 67 percent for those with class C. Postoperative complications were also higher in class B and C than in class A.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 3, 2007

Reap what your ancestors sowed

A new model developed by Dr. Sam Brown recognizes the impact of durable goods on cooperation, showing that cheaters can increase without immediate consequences but ultimately face costs when others follow suit. This research has far-reaching implications for fields like ecology, economics, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2007

Fat kills cancer

Researchers have successfully engineered mesenchymal stem cells from human fat tissue into 'suicide genes' that seek out and destroy tumors. This gene therapy approach inhibits tumor growth by up to 68.5% in nude mice, showing promise as a novel cancer treatment strategy.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 3, 2007