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Science News for June 7, 2007


Have I been here before?

Researchers at the University of Bristol and MIT have discovered a key role for the dentate gyrus in rapid place recognition, which may help alleviate confusion among elderly individuals. The study's findings could also inform therapies for learning and behavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2007

Turning the tables in chemistry

A new approach to teaching chemistry at Brandeis University seeks to capture the imaginations of potential scientists through interactive and technology-driven learning. The program aims to build a 'science posse' of disadvantaged students, providing them with academic support, paid lab jobs, and a two-week boot camp.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 7, 2007

'Cultured' chimpanzees pass on novel traditions

A study reported in Current Biology shows that captive chimpanzees can acquire new traditions and spread them to other troops. This suggests a considerable capacity for cultural spread of innovations among chimpanzees, similar to what is seen in the wild.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 7, 2007

Who needs environmental monitoring?

Long-term monitoring programs help society understand environmental issues like acid rain, clean air, and global warming. The absence of monitoring hinders evaluation of environmental policies and contributes to the development of appropriate experimental design.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 7, 2007

Malaria and Epstein-Barr virus linked to pediatric cancer in Africa

A new study has identified a direct link between Plasmodium falciparum antigens and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, increasing the risk of Burkitt lymphoma in children living in malaria-endemic areas. The researchers found that certain proteins from P. falciparum can spur latent EBV-infected cells into active production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 7, 2007

New study finds genetically engineered crops could play a role in sustainable agriculture

A new study published in Science analyzed the environmental impact of genetically modified (GM) crops and found that they can have benefits for sustainable agriculture. The research used data from field experiments worldwide and found that Bt-crops, which produce an insecticide internally, can reduce the need for chemical spraying.

Nanotube flickering reveals single-molecule rendezvous

Researchers used nanotechnology to study exciton mobility on carbon nanotubes, revealing that each excition travels about 90 nanometers and visits some 10,000 carbon atoms during its lifespan. The unique properties of carbon nanotubes made them an ideal system for observing single-molecule reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2007

JCI table of contents: June 7, 2007

Researchers at Institut Gustave Roussy found that a combination of radiation and angiogenesis inhibitors can overcome HIF-1–dependent tumor radioresistance in mice. This breakthrough suggests a new approach to treating cancer by shifting tumor resistance towards apoptosis, according to the study published online on June 7.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 7, 2007

Newer contrast agents safe for children

A recent study found that acute allergic-like reactions to newer nonionic contrast agents are rare in children, occurring in only 20 out of 11,306 pediatric IV administrations. The study confirms the safety and better understands the risks of these agents in children.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJun 7, 2007

Combination therapy reduces tumor resistance to radiation

Researchers have found that a combination of radiation treatment and angiogenesis inhibitors can overcome tumor radioresistance by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. This dual therapy approach shows promise in treating tumors resistant to radiation, offering a new potential treatment strategy.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 7, 2007

Alzheimer's enzyme acts as a tumor suppressor

Researchers at Burnham Institute have discovered that gamma-secretase acts as a tumor suppressor by altering the EGFR pathway, which may limit treatment options for Alzheimer's and other diseases. The study also found that APP metabolite AICD negatively regulates transcription of the EGFR gene.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2007

Brightening prospects of using fluorescent nanotubes in medical applications

Scientists at Vanderbilt University have overcome a major obstacle in producing fluorescent nanotubes, which can be used as contrast agents in cells and tissues. The breakthrough allows for the creation of trillions of nanotubes with high quantum efficiency, making them suitable for medical applications such as anti-cancer treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 7, 2007

Dark green blood in the operating theatre

A 42-year-old Canadian patient developed compartment syndrome and underwent emergency fasciotomies, resulting in dark greenish-black blood analysis. Sulfhaemoglobinemia was diagnosed as the cause, linked to excessive sumatriptan intake, a medication containing a sulfonamide group.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 7, 2007

Understanding and treating congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Researchers review developmental and genetic basis of CDH, exploring potential treatments using animal models and examining connections to lung and cardiovascular development. Studies find that TO surgery can stimulate fetal lung growth, while genetic mutations in key pathways contribute to the condition.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJun 7, 2007

Newly found sensing system enables certain bacteria to resist human immune defenses

Researchers at NIAID discovered a survival mechanism in gram-positive bacteria that protects it from antimicrobial peptides, which are defense molecules sent by the body to kill bacteria. The discovery may help chart a path to designing new drugs to bolster our antimicrobial treatment options.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2007