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Science News for December 15, 2008


Turning over a new leaf for future energy supplies

German scientists suggest biomass as a major source of energy, meeting global demand sustainably and economically. Afforestation on degraded land can produce enough biomass to replace fossil fuels, reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateDec 15, 2008

Newly discovered esophagus stem cells grow into transplantable tissue, Penn study finds

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified stem cells in the esophagus that can grow into functional tissue. The researchers found that these stem cells can repair damaged tissue and potentially treat conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2008

Data mining of inpatient records reveals the disease pattern of obstructive sleep apnea

A study found that OSA peaks between 0-4 years, then rises from 25-29 years to a peak at 55-59 years. Comorbid conditions most frequently appearing with OSA in adults are essential hypertension, obesity, and respiratory diseases. The data mining technique revealed the full clinical picture of comorbid conditions associated with OSA.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 15, 2008

Building better bones and tissue in the lab

The University of Western Ontario has received $45.5 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to develop new methods for growing stronger lab-grown bones and tissue. This will help address conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and traumatic injuries, where current lab-grown materials lack sufficient strength.

New tool could unpick complex cancer causes and help sociologists mine Facebook

Researchers have developed a new tool using graphical models to analyze complex systems, which can help uncover the underlying causes of cancer and enable sociologists to extract valuable insights from social media data. The 'Informative Priors' method incorporates current knowledge into mathematical analysis, providing more accurate r...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008

Black college students get better grades with white roommate

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that African American students who live with white roommates experience a 0.30-point increase in their GPA, compared to those living with same-race roommates. This suggests that interracial roommate relationships can have a positive impact on minority students' academic success.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateDec 15, 2008

Researchers map new path to colon cancer therapy

University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a promising new target for colon cancer therapy by mapping the biochemical pathway critical to the spread of tumors. High levels of the enzyme Akt2 are found in association with other cancers, and its inhibition shows promise in stopping colon cancer's spread.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008

New method of scoring IQ tests benefits children with intellectual disabilities

Researchers have developed a new system of scoring IQ tests for children with fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder causing intellectual disabilities. The new method provides a more accurate assessment of the long-term learning potential of these children, helping parents and physicians diagnose and treat them more effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateDec 15, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 15, 2008

Researchers have identified a new genetic cause of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene has been found to be associated with T-B SCID, where patients lack both T and B cells. Further analysis revealed that the mutant protein retained kinase activity but was...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2008

Solar flare surprise

Researchers detected a stream of perfectly intact hydrogen atoms shooting out of an X-class solar flare, surprising scientists. The discovery suggests that all strong flares might emit hydrogen bursts, which could be detected using the NASA's STEREO spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 15, 2008

Breathing problems during sleep associated with calories burned at rest

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders tend to burn more calories when resting. The research, which assessed 212 adults, showed a significant association between the severity of breathing disorders and increased energy expenditure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 15, 2008

Single virus used to convert adult cells to embryonic stem cell-like cells

Scientists have developed a new method for converting adult cells into embryonic stem cell-like cells using a single virus, cutting the number of viruses used from four to one. This approach eliminates the risks associated with multiple viruses and could potentially be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008

New genetic cause of boy in the bubble syndrome

Researchers at Erasmus Medical Center have identified a new genetic cause of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene is found to be responsible for the disease, leading to impaired T cell and B cell development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2008

Joslin research finds nearly three-quarters of youths with diabetes insufficient in vitamin D

A study by researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that nearly three-quarters of youths with type 1 diabetes have insufficient levels of vitamin D, which may lead to bone fragility and increased fracture risk. The study recommends vitamin D supplementation to children with diabetes, especially those with inadequate sun exposure and...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 15, 2008