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Science News Archive December 2008 - Page 15


Page 15 of 21

Rice University study finds possible clues to epilepsy, autism

Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential connection between glutamate and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the development of neurological disorders. A mutation in a glutamate receptor gene found in both fruit flies and humans can disrupt regulatory mechanisms, leading to increased neuronal excitability.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 8, 2008

New results on world's most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate to be reported in NEJM

The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative has reported promising results from two studies on the efficacy of RTS,S/AS malaria vaccine candidate. The first study showed the vaccine's efficacy when co-administered with other childhood vaccines, while the second study demonstrated its effectiveness in children aged 5 to 17 months.

SourcePATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 8, 2008

Educational Researcher devoted to report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel

The National Mathematics Advisory Panel's final report was subject to scrutiny in a special issue of Educational Researcher, with experts discussing the report's limitations and potential solutions. Researchers highlighted concerns over quantitative focus, lack of clear framing, and failure to address achievement disparities.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateDec 8, 2008

Modeling neonatal diabetes

Scientists at Oxford University created a mouse model of neonatal diabetes that mimics the human condition, showing the V59M mutant Kir6.2 protein disrupts insulin production and leads to increased blood glucose levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2008

Black and white is not always a clear distinction

A new study by University of Oregon sociologists found that Americans who are unemployed, incarcerated, or impoverished are more likely to be classified as black, regardless of their past self-identification. The research suggests that race is closely tied to social status and can be altered by changes in economic position.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2008

Are men hardwired to overspend?

A University of Michigan researcher found that men who overspend on consumer goods have higher mating intentions and past success in attracting mates. The study suggests an evolutionary link between financial consumption and mating behavior, with men competing for status and resources to attract partners.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateDec 8, 2008

Viewing US politics through the lens of race

A recent mini-symposium in Political Research Quarterly explores the critical role of race in shaping US political history. The studies reveal how and why racial factors have influenced major developments, including debates over slavery and internal improvements.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateDec 8, 2008

Search engine marketing for non-profits

A study published in the International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising suggests that non-profits can exploit online marketing strategies to gain traffic and raise awareness. By focusing on relevant keywords and optimizing their websites, non-profits can improve their search engine rankings and increase donations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising·DateDec 8, 2008

Southern Ocean resistant to changing winds

New study reveals that despite increased wind speeds, Southern Ocean currents and upwelling patterns remain unchanged, contradicting previous concerns about the ocean's capacity to combat climate change. The research suggests that small-scale ocean eddies balance stronger winds, preventing a significant impact on carbon dioxide storage.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 7, 2008

Nanotechnology 'culture war' possible, says Yale study

A Yale study reveals that the public's perception of nanotechnology is highly polarized based on cultural values, with some groups viewing it as safe and others as risky. The study suggests that public education strategies should consider citizens' predispositions to effectively communicate about nanotechnology.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 7, 2008

'Strained' quantum dots show new optical properties

Scientists at Emory University have developed strain-tuned quantum dots with new optical properties, reducing toxicity and size limitations. These particles can be made mostly of zinc and selenium, emitting light at near-infrared wavelengths, which could improve biomedical imaging and optoelectronics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 7, 2008

Alzheimer's disease breakthrough

A team of CSIRO scientists has developed a rapid screening system to identify inhibitors of toxic multimers formed during Alzheimer's disease progression. Folate is shown to be beneficial in the screening system, and could lead to the discovery of new agents that may prevent or delay the onset of the disease.