Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 5, 2007


The bee that would be queen

A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered evidence that honeybees use a phylogenetically old molecular cascade to develop queens and workers. The findings, published in PLoS ONE, show that the TOR pathway is directly linked to nutrient-induced development, enabling two distinct phenotypes to evolve.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2007

Breakthrough for treatment of fatal heart condition

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a mechanism to prevent cardiac hypertrophy by increasing the levels of REST protein, halting the progression of the fatal heart condition. This finding offers a new approach to treating the cause of heart hypertrophy rather than its symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateJun 5, 2007

CIRM awards $3.79 million to Burnham Institute

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded $3.79 million to the Burnham Institute for the development of a shared laboratory and expansion of its training courses in human embryonic stem cell research. This funding will support the Institute's partner institutes and researchers, including those at the San Diego Consorti...

Other highlights from the June 6 JNCI

A prospective study found that aspirin use was associated with lower risk of cancer incidence and mortality, particularly among former and non-smokers. In contrast, integrin α7 gene mutations were identified in various cancers, including prostate and liver cancer, suggesting a potential role in cancer development.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 5, 2007

Origins of nervous system found in genes of sea sponge

Researchers discovered genes in a sea sponge that resemble those found in human synapses, suggesting the nervous system evolved earlier than previously thought. The study reveals that sponges have genetic components of synapses, indicating they may have interacted with each other similarly to humans and mice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2007

Bigger horns equal better genes

Researchers found a correlation between horn growth and genetic diversity in alpine ibex, with greater diversity associated with longer horn lengths. The study suggests that genetic quality becomes more apparent as the animal ages, supporting the mutation accumulation theory of ageing.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 5, 2007

Borderline personality disorder shows improvements with intensive psychotherapy

A new study reveals that intensive forms of talk therapy, particularly transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), can reduce symptoms and improve social functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP was found to show improvement in ten out of twelve domains studied, including reduced suicidal behaviors and i...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2007

Evolutionary relevance of retinoic acid-induced craniofacial malformations

Researchers study retinoic acid-induced craniofacial malformations in mouse embryos to uncover the underlying mechanisms. They observe that these defects can transform into jaw apparatus structures resembling those found in other species, suggesting a common regulatory signaling mechanism governing jaw development across evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2007

New algorithms classify outcomes of nonsmall cell lung cancer patients

Two research teams developed models to predict NSCLC patient outcomes based on protein patterns. The new models, validated in independent groups, could help physicians decide treatment options for patients with NSCLC. Researchers identified a 25-signature proteomic signature associated with increased survival among NSCLC patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 5, 2007