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Science News Archive 2008 - Page 83


Page 83 of 240

Molecular evolution is echoed in bat ears

Research by Queen Mary University of London scientists found that some bat species' echolocation genes are similar to those of fruit bats, indicating possible independent evolution of the trait. This suggests that echolocation may not be a single evolutionary event but rather an example of convergent evolution.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2008

Older Vietnamese report more mental health problems

A recent study by UC Irvine reveals that older Vietnamese Americans are more likely to experience mental health issues, including depression and PTSD, stemming from their experiences as political refugees. The findings highlight the need for improved community mental health services to address these long-standing problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 4, 2008

Molecular evolution is echoed in bat ears

Researchers studied the Prestin gene in echolocating bats and fruit bats, finding similarities in distantly related species. This suggests that echolocation has evolved more than once in bats, defying conventional wisdom on evolutionary relationships.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2008

Yale researchers find 'junk DNA' may have triggered

Researchers identified a genetic contributor to fundamental morphological differences between humans and apes, finding that changes in 'junk DNA' activated genes in primordial thumb and big toe in developing mouse embryos. This study suggests non-coding regions of the genome play a crucial role in human development.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2008

CEOs hired from outside a firm are more likely to be dismissed

A new study in Strategic Management Journal reveals that Boards of Directors commonly make faulty hires when they hire CEOs from outside the firm. Creating nominating committees with leadership by outside directors can help avoid this problem and increase the chances of a newly appointed CEO succeeding.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateSep 4, 2008

A light bulb and a few chemicals

Researchers have developed a method of catalysis that uses a weak light source, like a household light bulb, to propel chemical reactions, enabling the creation of new compounds. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize fields such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2008

Ancient DNA evidence points to woolly mammoths' dynamic past

A new study analyzing ancient DNA from 160 mammoth samples across Holarctica suggests that North American mammoths replaced dwindling Siberian populations around 50,000 to 5,000 years ago. The findings refute the notion of climate change as a direct cause of extinction, instead pointing to a complex pattern of migration and evolution.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 4, 2008

Gait may be associated with orgasmic ability

A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that trained sexologists could correctly infer vaginal orgasm through watching the way women walked over 80% of the time. The sum of stride length and vertebral rotation was greater for vaginally orgasmic women, suggesting a link between gait and sexual function.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateSep 4, 2008

Hallucinations in the flash of an eye

Hallucinations are associated with changes in brain connections and localized activity, highlighting the need for a broader perspective on the condition. The study reveals increased activity in visual brain regions and alterations in connection strength, shedding light on the neural basis of hallucinations.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateSep 4, 2008

Normal ALT levels may mask advanced fibrosis in liver disease patients

A study found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have advanced fibrosis, indicating the need for liver biopsy. The researchers discovered that patients with normal ALT had milder inflammation and steatosis, but still at risk of severe hepatic disease.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateSep 4, 2008

Digitized student

A researcher used digital photography to digitize 2,500 documents, saving $15,000 on photocopying costs. He catalogued and studied the collection using Google's Picasa software, eliminating the need for frequent return trips to a foreign country.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Digital Culture and Electronic Tourism·DateSep 4, 2008

Discovery challenges fundamental tenet of cancer biology

Yale researchers identified a molecular process in normal tissues that causes RNA molecules to be clipped and stitched together, potentially complicating cancer diagnosis and predicting anti-cancer drug side effects. The discovery suggests that cancers may mimic normal cellular processes, leading to unpredictable toxicities.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2008

Potential remedy for the 'mental fog' in cancer patients

Researchers discovered that injections of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can prevent memory loss induced by breast cancer chemotherapy drugs. The study, published in the Springer journal Metabolic Brain Disease, suggests a potential remedy for chemobrain symptoms, which affect up to 40% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

SourceSpringer·JournalMetabolic Brain Disease·DateSep 4, 2008

New evidence on the robustness of metabolic networks

A Northwestern University research team found that cell metabolisms have evolved to be exceptionally robust, adopting organizational structures that minimize the impact of gene deletions and mutations. This could lead to improved understanding of how to design synthetic networks with similar robustness.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2008

Stress urinary incontinence paper retracted

A paper on stress urinary incontinence treatment has been retracted from publication after an investigation found critical deficiencies in patient consent and document authenticity. Senior author Georg Bartsch denied involvement, but the study's flaws have raised concerns about research integrity.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 4, 2008

Study firmly shows no connection between measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism

A study published in Public Library of Science found no association between the MMR vaccine and the onset of autism or gastrointestinal symptoms in children. The study analyzed bowel tissues from 25 children with autism and GI disturbances, as well as 13 controls, and found no presence of measles virus RNA in either group.

Keeping an eye on intruders

Researchers have developed a novel biometric authentication method based on human reflexes, which cannot be replicated or spoofed by malicious individuals. By tracking blind spot position and saccade responses, this approach provides unique identification for each user.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biometrics·DateSep 4, 2008