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Science News Archive April 2008 - Page 2


Page 2 of 22

Scientists discover new ocean current

Researchers at Georgia Tech have discovered a new climate pattern called the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, which explains changes in water temperature, salinity, and nutrients. This finding may help scientists predict how the oceans will respond to warming temperatures and ecosystem shifts.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 30, 2008

Anti-HAV antibodies in beta-thalassemia

Research found that thalassemic patients had a higher prevalence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies than healthy controls. This is unexpected, as previous studies showed lower rates in thalassemics. The study recommends active immunization for transfused thalassemia patients to reduce liver infections.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

Restaurant inspections -- public perceptions vs. reality

A study found that consumers have misconceptions about restaurant inspection frequency and scores. While most respondents believed restaurants were inspected regularly, many overestimated the frequency and importance of inspections. The industry must work with public health departments to improve understanding of inspection scores and ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 29, 2008

Getting to the roots of breast cancer

A study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that conventional chemotherapy often fails to eliminate breast cancer stem cells, leading to potential relapse. Treatment with lapatinib and other drugs appears to kill both tumor cells and stem cells, reducing the risk of recurrence in patients with HER2-positive tumors.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 29, 2008

Roaring bats

Researchers found that bats emit exceptionally loud sounds of up to 140 dB SPL to detect small insects in air using echolocation. The study's results showed that the high frequencies emitted by the bats serve as a countermeasure to attenuation, allowing them to effectively hunt despite the limitations of ultrasonic frequencies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2008

New species discovered in Brazil

Researchers from Conservation International discovered 14 new species in the Cerrado, a biodiversity hotspot threatened by deforestation and urbanization. The finds include a legless lizard and a tiny woodpecker, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in this region.

Other highlights in the April 29 JNCI

A mathematical model suggests that women with wild-type CYP2D6 genotype may derive as much benefit from tamoxifen as from aromatase inhibitors, potentially leading to personalized therapy approaches. Additionally, a study finds that cancer stem cells resistant to standard chemotherapy are responsive to targeted therapy.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 29, 2008

You just move like a mouse, or do so abnormally like a mutant mouse

A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that mice and humans exhibit similar behavioral patterns, with no differences in statistics between resting periods and activity durations. This discovery has implications for the development of new treatments for depression and challenges current models of human-specific disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2008

Bison can thrive again, study says

A recent assessment by the Wildlife Conservation Society and other groups suggests that bison can thrive again in large areas from Alaska to Mexico within the next 100 years. The study identified prime locations across Canada and the US, as well as parts of Mexico, where ecological restoration could take place.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 29, 2008

A life 'lens' ordinary

Research from Cardiff University finds that a third of Down's syndrome children who wear bifocals can switch to ordinary glasses within two years. The study, led by Dr Maggie Woodhouse, reveals that bifocals may be 'teaching' children with the condition to use their own focusing ability.

Stem cells at root of antlers' branching

Researchers have found evidence of mesenchymal stem cells in the periosteum of deer pedicles, which are responsible for antler regeneration. The study suggests that understanding this unique process could have significant implications for regenerative medicine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2008

Ultra-dense galaxies found in early universe

Astronomers find nine young, compact galaxies with masses of 200 billion times the Sun's, each only 5,000 light-years across. These ultra-dense galaxies formed 11 billion years ago and are thought to be building blocks for today's largest galaxies.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 29, 2008

'Emotional inflation' leads to stock market meltdown

A recent study from University College London suggests that investors' emotional states play a significant role in the stock market's behavior. The researchers argue that 'emotional inflation' - the unchecked enthusiasm and wishful thinking that can lead to excessive risk-taking - is a major contributor to market crashes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe International Journal of Psychoanalysis·DateApr 29, 2008