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Science News Archive November 2007 - Page 9


Page 9 of 19

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

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