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Science News for November 14, 2007


Researchers push transmission rate of copper cables

Researchers at Penn State successfully transmitted data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second over 100 meters using Category-7 copper cables. This breakthrough offers a less expensive and easier-to-build solution for high-speed data transfer, paving the way for future advancements in chip circuitry.

Scientists zero in on the cellular machinery that enables neurons to fire

Researchers discover paddle, a modular unit in ion channels, enabling nerve cells to fire. The findings hold promise for developing new therapeutic drugs targeting ion channel function., Ion channel proteins control electrical activity in nerve cells, and the study's results may lead to new approaches for treating neurological disorder...

Brain implant turn thoughts to words

Neuroscientists are developing software that may turn thoughts into speech for patients like Eric Ramsey, who was left 'locked-in' after a car accident. By analyzing signals from his brain activity, the team has identified distinct patterns associated with vowel sounds, allowing them to correctly identify around 80% of the time.

Predicting the future in ovarian cancer

Researchers identified kisspeptin and GPR54 as independent prognostic biomarkers specific for ovarian clear cell carcinoma. These molecular markers are associated with a favourable prognosis and could potentially be used to monitor disease activity or as therapeutic agents in women with this subtype of ovarian cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 14, 2007

Left brain helps hear through the noise

Researchers used neuroimaging to study how the brain processes sounds in noisy environments, finding that the left hemisphere plays a key role. The study revealed that the brain's left hemisphere is responsible for distinguishing between signals and noise, enabling us to focus on specific sounds amidst competing noises.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateNov 14, 2007

Fire, ice, and invasion

Researchers in paleoecology study fossilized remains and soil cores to reconstruct past ecosystems. The Amazon's pre-Columbian history reveals both human impact and resilience, while Arctic lake sediments indicate recent climate change.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 14, 2007

Menstruation proves more than a curse

Researchers discovered a novel type of stem cell in menstrual blood that can rapidly replicate and develop into various cell types, including heart, liver, and lung cells. This breakthrough could lead to innovative treatments for damaged tissues and diseases such as diabetes and liver failure.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateNov 14, 2007

Lessons from Turkey's bird flu outbreak

A recent study on Turkey's 2006 bird flu outbreak emphasizes the need for well-coordinated emergency response plans and clear responsibilities among healthcare workers. The research found that poor access to healthcare and poverty contributed significantly to the spread of the virus.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateNov 14, 2007

A dose of God may help medicine

A new study by Brandeis University researchers finds that many pediatric oncologists lack the necessary training to build bridges with families of critically ill children through religion and spirituality. The study suggests that providing this type of training could improve patient outcomes.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology·DateNov 14, 2007

Simple reason helps males evolve more quickly

Researchers found that males' simpler genetic architecture enables them to evolve faster and more efficiently in response to sexual selection. This is because males have only one X chromosome, making their inheritance pathway less complicated compared to females, who have two X chromosomes with interacting genes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2007

Dramatic hike forecast for ADHD drugs spend

A new study predicts a 10-fold increase in ADHD prescription costs for the NHS, rising from £7m to £49-101m by 2012. The research modelled various scenarios and considered factors such as drug availability, diagnosis rates, and treatment levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateNov 14, 2007