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Science News Archive May 2007 - Page 9


Page 9 of 20

Making strides in quantum dot infrared photodetectors

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a quantum dot infrared photodetector that operates at room temperature with improved performance. The device enables thermal imaging at higher temperatures than previous records, opening up new possibilities for applications in medical and biological imaging, environmental monitorin...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 17, 2007

Latent memory of cells comes to life

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that environmental changes can trigger dormant capacities in cells, allowing them to suddenly change their behavior. This phenomenon is made possible by the dynamic nature of nucleosomes and their ability to carry chemical modifications that control DNA expression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell·DateMay 17, 2007

Role of TRPM8 in the development of prostate cancer

Research suggests that TRPM8 is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. The study also found that endoplasmic reticulum TRPM8 retains functional activity regardless of cell differentiation status, which may contribute to cancer cell growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2007

JCI table of contents -- May 17, 2007

Researchers found that TRPM8 is expressed in mature, differentiated human prostate primary epithelial luminal cells, but also in prostate cancer cells. The study suggests that inhibiting ER-TRPM8 or PM-TRPM8 may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating prostate cancer. Additionally, the authors propose that blocking aggrecanase...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2007

Young people's development of attitudes about gender reflect family characteristics

A longitudinal study found that young people's gender attitudes develop in response to various factors, such as family composition, parental values, and sibling relationships. Most youth become less traditional over time, but certain groups, like first-born boys with brothers and traditional parents, exhibit more conservative attitudes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2007

Soft contacts designed for cone-shaped cornea

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed custom-designed soft contact lenses to correct visual acuity in individuals with keratoconic eyes. The lenses feature irregular front surface profiles that address specific aberrations of the cornea and crystalline lens, resulting in improved vision for subjects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 17, 2007

Why Lincoln fell gravely ill after delivering his Gettysburg Address

A recent study suggests that President Abraham Lincoln was suffering from a life-threatening form of smallpox when he delivered his Gettysburg Address. Researchers compared clinical features of Lincoln's illness to those of smallpox and found a close match, suggesting he had contracted variola major, the more severe form of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Medical Biography·DateMay 17, 2007

Nutrition and heredity are genetically linked

Scientists discovered a genetic link between glycolysis and DNA replication in Bacillus subtilis, indicating that metabolic signals influence DNA synthesis and stability. This finding suggests a global regulatory function of central carbon metabolism in adjusting cellular functions to nutritional conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 16, 2007

There's much more to a walk in the park

Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that parks with high biodiversity levels have a greater impact on people's general well-being. The study suggests that successful urban green space management should prioritize biological complexity to enhance human wellbeing beyond just conservation.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 16, 2007

New study: Pycnogenol reduces heart failure

A new study shows Pycnogenol supplementation can prevent damage to the heart caused by high blood pressure and hypertension. The natural pine bark extract enhanced collagen connective tissues in cardiac tissue, resulting in stronger cardiac chambers.

SourceMWW Group·JournalCardiovascular Toxicology·DateMay 16, 2007

AGU Journal Highlights -- May 16, 2007

The Three Gorges Dam in China is shrinking the Yangtze delta due to sediment retention. Meanwhile, a new model suggests that massive methane releases from Arctic permafrost are unlikely in this century. Satellite data also reveals complex flood wave patterns in the Amazon River, which can improve hazard identification. Additionally, hi...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 16, 2007

Permanent ice fields are resisting global warming

Researchers found that high-altitude ice fields, like Mont Blanc and Dôme du Goûter, have remained stable in mass balance over the last 100 years. The accumulation of snow and ice has varied little since the beginning of the 20th century, indicating a lack of significant melting due to climate change.

SourceCNRS·DateMay 16, 2007