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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 77


Page 77 of 240

Newer antipsychotics no better than older drug in treating child and adolescent schizophrenia

A new study found that newer atypical antipsychotic medications were not more effective than an older conventional antipsychotic in treating child and adolescent schizophrenia. The study also revealed potential metabolic side effects, particularly with olanzapine, which may lead to serious health issues.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 15, 2008

'Biological clock' genes control plant growth

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the biological clock genes responsible for plant growth spurts, which occur at night. The study uses DNA microarrays and bioinformatics to analyze thousands of genes in a short period, revealing that most plant genes are expressed only at a particular time of day.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateSep 15, 2008

Fantastic photographs of fluorescent fish

Research published in BMC Ecology reveals at least 32 reef fish species exhibiting red fluorescence, a previously unknown signaling mechanism. The authors speculate that this phenomenon may serve as a private communication system among fish, allowing for attraction and presence detection.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateSep 15, 2008

New ant species discovered in the Amazon likely represents oldest living lineage of ants

A new species of blind, subterranean ant, Martialis heureka, has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest and is believed to be a descendant of the first ants to evolve. The ant's unique characteristics, including lack of eyes and pale body color, suggest that it may have evolved adaptations over time to its subterranean habitat.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2008

Water purification down the nanotubes

Researchers propose using carbon nanotubes to replace conventional materials in water-purification systems due to their unique chemical properties. The technology could efficiently remove arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals from contaminated water.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nuclear Desalination·DateSep 15, 2008

No helicopter moms among Rutgers mutant mice

Rutgers geneticist Gleb Shumyatsky discovered a link between the stathmin gene and helicopter mom behavior in mice. Mice lacking this gene took longer to retrieve pups and showed less cautious behavior towards peers, revealing the importance of innate fear in species survival.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2008

Photosynthesizing bacteria with a day-night cycle contain rare chromosome

Scientists have found a novel linear chromosome in cyanobacterium Cyanothece 51142, containing genes important for producing biofuels. The discovery was made possible by simultaneous DNA sequencing and protein analysis, which revealed more genes on the linear and circular chromosomes than previously thought.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2008

Laminin builds the neuromuscular synapse

A new study reveals that laminin influences post-synaptic patterning by corraling cell surface receptors on the muscle side of the synapse. Maturation of the muscle side was slowed in mice lacking specific laminin chains, highlighting the protein's role in coordinating nerve and muscle fiber development.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 15, 2008

Unusual case of a woman who suffered stroke during sex

A 35-year-old woman suffered a stroke due to a blood clot caused by a heart defect and birth control pills. She received an interventional neuroradiologist-guided catheter delivery of tPA, resulting in immediate and dramatic improvement. Her stroke score improved from 13 to 1 after treatment.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateSep 15, 2008

FEMA awards grant to study New Madrid seismic zone

Researchers Theresa Jefferson and John Harrald will study social vulnerability in response to an earthquake involving the New Madrid fault. The grant from FEMA enables them to focus on displaced persons, shelter needs, commodity requirements, and special needs in Phase III of the Mid America Earthquake Center research agenda.