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Science News for September 13, 2007


Leaderless movement proves illusive

A new study by University of Alberta researcher Paul Joosse cautions against the ideological motivations behind 'ecoterrorism' in North America. The study suggests that individuals committing arson attacks may be acting for personal reasons, rather than environmental concerns, due to the lack of leaders in the Earth Liberation Front.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalTerrorism and Political Violence·DateSep 13, 2007

Zebrafish to shed light on human mitochondrial diseases

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered zebrafish as an ideal model for studying COX deficiencies, which can lead to fatal metabolic disorders. The use of zebrafish allows scientists to visualize early stages of mitochondrial impairments and identify specific targets for potential drug therapies.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 13, 2007

MIT IDs binocular vision gene

Researchers from the Picower Institute at MIT have identified the gene Ten_m3 as crucial for creating matched projections from both eyes in the brain. In mice with this gene knocked out, visual deficits persisted even when one eye was covered, but blocking the output of one eye restored vision.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 13, 2007

Federal research plan to determine nanotech risks fails to deliver

The federal government's new report on prioritizing environmental, health, and safety (EHS) research needs for engineered nanoscale materials lacks important details like budget allocations and implementation timelines. The lack of a coordinated risk research strategy threatens the safe development and use of nanotechnology products.

JCI table of contents: September 13, 2007

Researchers have identified potential targets for ALS treatment by studying SOD1 gene mutations. Additionally, a new study on Candida parapsilosis has revealed that lipase is an essential virulence factor. Further research suggests that the timing of treatment with immune-modifying drugs can significantly impact viral infection outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 13, 2007

Metabolic syndrome heightens risk for development of uric-acid kidney stones

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with metabolic syndrome have highly acidic urine, which increases the risk of developing uric-acid kidney stones. This association was independent of age and renal function, suggesting a link between metabolic syndrome components and increased acidity in urine.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 13, 2007

Good fences make good neighbors

Researchers develop mathematical model to predict ethnic conflict based on global pattern formation, finding poorly defined boundaries and heterogeneous areas prone to violence. The study suggests that clear borders can prevent ethnic tension, echoing Robert Frost's poem 'good fences make good neighbors',

SourceBrandeis University·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2007

The dating game

The discovery of geologic time revolutionized our understanding of the world, allowing scientists to date rocks and calculate the age of the Earth. This breakthrough, achieved by Arthur Holmes in the early 20th century, had a profound impact on fields like plate tectonics and evolution.

How dirty is your money?

Researchers from the University of Bristol and Mass Spec Analytical Ltd found that geographical location has no influence on the distribution of drug contamination on bank notes. The study analyzed £10 and £20 notes from areas across the UK, including urban and rural regions, and found that contamination levels were unrelated to location.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalForensic Science International·DateSep 13, 2007

Ancient whale fall from California's Año Nuevo Island one of youngest, most complete known

A fossilized whale skeleton found on California's Año Nuevo Island is the youngest and most complete known example of a whale fall in North America. The 11- to 15-million-year-old skeleton was home to multiple mollusks, challenging previous theories that large whales were necessary for these deep-sea communities to thrive.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 13, 2007

Climate -- no smoking gun for Neanderthals

A new study by an international team of researchers provides a breakthrough approach to understanding the role of climate in the Neanderthal extinction. The findings suggest that there was no single climatic event that caused the extinction, but rather indirect effects on competition with other human groups.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2007

Progress in understanding the malarial parasite

Researchers constructed a chaperone interaction network for the malarial parasite, highlighting new proteins that can potentially be used in the fight against malaria. The study provides insights into the functions of molecular chaperones and their role in chromatin remodeling, protein trafficking, and cytoadherence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 13, 2007

Less than 3 percent of UK 11-year-olds take enough exercise

Research reveals that UK 11-year-olds are not physically active enough, with less than 3% meeting recommended daily exercise levels. The study, which monitored over 5,500 children in the South West of England, found that boys were more active than girls and that sustained activity was crucial for promoting cardiorespiratory fitness.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateSep 13, 2007

Nuclear physicists examine oxygen's limits

Researchers at Michigan State University have made a unique measurement of an exotic oxygen nucleus, confirming a theoretical model predicting dramatic changes in structure as oxygen nuclei approach their limits. The experiment used new detection tools, making it possible to explore isotopes near the extreme edges of existence.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 13, 2007