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Science News for November 15, 2007


Young's experiment in a hydrogen molecule

Researchers reproduced Thomas Young's experiment in a hydrogen molecule using electrons and X-rays, revealing wave-like behavior that suggests a quantum nature. The findings provide insight into the transition between classical and quantum physics, with potential implications for quantum cryptography and computation.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2007

CT colonography detects wide-range of extracolonic abnormalities in elderly patients

A recent study found that CT colonography is effective in detecting new and significant abnormalities outside the colon, including cirrhosis and tumors, in elderly patients. The study also showed that a high percentage of patients had at least one malignancy, with extracolonic malignancies being more common than previously thought.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 15, 2007

CD200 stifles anti-tumor immunity

High levels of CD200 expression in melanomas represses activation of antitumor T cell immune responses by dendritic cells. Targeting the interaction between CD200 and its receptor may provide a new treatment approach for metastatic melanoma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

Dinosaur from Sahara ate like a 'mesozoic cow'

Nigersaurus taqueti is a 110-million-year-old plant-eating dinosaur with a unique skull structure, featuring hundreds of needle-shaped teeth and a broad, straight-edged muzzle. Its distinctive anatomy allowed it to efficiently crop plants near the ground, making it an unusual example among sauropods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 15, 2007

JCI table of contents: Nov. 15, 2007

Researchers identified a mechanism that represses dendritic cell function in melanoma, which could be targeted for treatment. A new approach to treating myotonia in individuals with DM1 was also discovered using morpholino antisense oligonucleotide.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

Optic flow: A step in the right direction

Brown University researchers found that subjects who had access to optic flow adapted faster and made it to virtual targets more easily than those without. The study suggests that optic flow plays a crucial role in navigating through environments.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 2007

Living arrangements of low-income children may not play a key role in their well-being

A new study published in Child Development found that the living arrangements of low-income children do not significantly predict their well-being. The research suggests that policies and programs targeting changes to family structure may not be effective in improving the lives of these children. Instead, income support and other forms...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2007

Purdue research finds similarities in dog, human breast cancer pre-malignant lesions

A study published in the Journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention found that pre-malignant mammary lesions in dogs and humans display similar characteristics. The research, conducted by Purdue University scientists, could lead to better understanding of breast cancer progression and prevention for both people and pets.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Cancer Epidemiology·DateNov 15, 2007

New European loess map

The new European loess map provides a comprehensive overview of fertile soils in Europe, covering around one-fifth of the continent. The map, created using modern digital information systems, links coordinates and factual information, offering valuable insights for agriculture, soil erosion, and climate history.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateNov 15, 2007

ClC-1 helps mice get a move on

Researchers developed a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide to correct the abnormal inclusion of exon 7a in ClC-1 mRNA, restoring chloride channel function and eliminating myotonia in mice with DM1. This approach may potentially treat myotonia in individuals with DM1.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 2007

How 'IAP antagonist' chemicals kill tumors

New compounds that target Inhibitor-of-Apoptosis (IAP) proteins have been shown to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The IAP antagonists block the anti-death proteins and engage other players that lead to cell death, with little effect on healthy cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 15, 2007

Pilot program helps boost seniors' activity levels, quality of life

Researchers tested a pilot program to change older adults' beliefs about aging, resulting in increased physical activity and improved mental health-related quality of life. The program, which combined attribution retraining with weekly exercise classes, showed significant increases in walking levels and age-expectation survey scores.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 15, 2007

Two-faced miniatures

Researchers at MIT develop a new method to produce tiny particles with defined size and shape featuring regular patterns in two or three dimensions. The team creates Janus particles, microparticles with two chemically different hemispheres, using stop-flow interference lithography.

SourceWiley·DateNov 15, 2007