Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2008 - Page 7


Page 7 of 17

Researchers discover scent of skin cancer

Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center have discovered a unique scent associated with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. By analyzing volatile organic compounds in the air above skin lesions, they found distinct profiles that could potentially be used to screen for and diagnose skin cancers at early stages.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateAug 20, 2008

Tracking a crop disease could save millions of lives

Researchers have identified how maize streak virus (MSV) became a serious pest in Africa's most important food crop, potentially saving millions of lives. By comparing MSV genomes to its less harmful relatives, scientists discovered that recombination led to the emergence of a more severe disease strain.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateAug 19, 2008

Bacterial pneumonia caused most deaths in 1918 influenza pandemic

The majority of deaths during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic were not caused by the flu virus alone, but rather bacterial pneumonia that developed after the virus destroyed the cells lining the bronchial tubes. Comprehensive pandemic preparations should include provisions to stockpile antibiotics and bacterial vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 19, 2008

Chronic lead poisoning from urban soils

A study by Indiana University researchers suggests treating contaminated urban soils with water can prevent chronic lead poisoning in children. The study reveals that older cities like Indianapolis have a high lead burden resulting in a lead poisoning epidemic among their youngest citizens.

SourceIndiana University·JournalApplied Geochemistry·DateAug 19, 2008

Can biofuels be sustainable?

Researchers found that a portion of corn stover can be harvested for biofuel production without reducing soil organic carbon levels in high-yielding systems. This study suggests that corn stover could supply up to 25% of the biofuel crop needed by 2030.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateAug 19, 2008

Bowel cancer indicator should lead to better treatment

A UK-led team of scientists has developed a more accurate way of identifying aggressive forms of bowel cancer, which should lead to better treatment and survival rates. The study found that patients with a stem cell marker protein called Lamin A present in their tissue are more likely to have an aggressive form of the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 2008

The price of power at work?

New research from the University of Toronto finds that workers with higher job authority report significantly higher levels of interpersonal conflict. Younger workers with power face the highest level of conflict in the workplace, while men with authority report more conflict than similarly-positioned women.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalWork and Occupations·DateAug 19, 2008

Key advance toward 'micro-spacecraft'

Researchers have developed a new temperature-regulating film that can be applied to micro-spacecraft, allowing them to withstand extreme heat and cold in space. This breakthrough technology has the potential to enable cheaper and more efficient satellite launches, opening up new applications for communications and defense.

Rice lab finds molecular clues to Wilson disease

Researchers found that a small genetic mutation alters the structure of ATP7B, a large complex protein regulating copper movement in human cells. The study sheds light on how this mutation leads to Wilson disease, which affects as many as 150,000 people worldwide.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateAug 19, 2008

NYU scientists identify critical protein complex in formation of cell cilia

A protein complex regulating primary cilia formation has been identified by NYU researchers. The complex involves three proteins: CEP290, CP110, and Rab8a, which work together to promote cilia formation on mature cells. This discovery may lead to new drug targets for diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, and...

Face recognition: nurture not nature

Researchers at the University of Glasgow found that cultural differences influence how people look at faces, with Westerners focusing on specific features like eyes and mouths, while Easterners focus on the nose or centre of the face. This study provides insight into why non-verbal communication between people from different cultures c...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 19, 2008