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Science News for February 28, 2008


New genetic association with schizophrenia found by researchers

Researchers discovered a new genetic link between the MEGF10 gene and schizophrenia, finding that a variant of the gene is associated with increased heritability risk. The study also found that the MEGF10 gene is expressed more extensively in post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2008

New study examines the price of democracy when foreign investors 'vote' with their dollars

A new study by University of Minnesota professor Paul Vaaler reveals that foreign investors respond to shifting partisan political tides during election years in emerging-market countries. When the likely swing is to the right-wing, foreign investment projects increase, while left-wing swings lead to a decrease in new investments.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateFeb 28, 2008

Is your drinking water safe?

A study of Lake Bloomington, a major source of drinking water for central Illinois residents, reveals high nitrate concentrations exceeding safe levels. The research aims to inform producers on nitrogen fertilizer management in sensitive watershed areas.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 28, 2008

Improving the quality of laboratory data with computer modeling

Researchers have developed a new statistical model to clean up low-quality HLA data, enabling easier and more cost-effective individual immune system analysis. This advancement has significant implications for transplant medicine, disease diagnosis, and understanding viral evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 28, 2008

Weill Cornell team identifies potential new drug targets against hormone-dependent breast cancer

A Weill Cornell team discovered that EP2 and EP4 receptors play a key role in boosting estrogen production in fat and breast cancer cells. This pathway increases the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The study's findings suggest new targets for pharmaceutical research, including drugs that target these receptors.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 28, 2008

Hormone replacement therapy appears to have no effect on risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers have found that hormone replacement therapy does not significantly affect the risk of developing or exacerbating rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed data from over 27,000 postmenopausal women taking part in a clinical trial, revealing no notable differences between those on hormone replacement therapy and placebo groups.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 28, 2008

How roots find a route

Scientists at the John Innes Centre have discovered how roots use a growth control mechanism to find their way through soil and overcome obstacles. By exploring the soil in a similar way to humans navigating in the dark, root hairs can sense and adapt to changes in their environment.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2008

Chimp and human communication trace to same brain region

Researchers found that chimpanzees activate the same brain region as humans when producing communicative signals, suggesting a shared neural basis for language. The study suggests that this common ancestor may have possessed a 'language-ready brain,' with tremendous plasticity allowing for development of complex communicative signals.

Antioxidant benefits of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice top red wine, grape and acai juices

A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice has superior antioxidant power compared to other beverages. The juice ranked higher than red wine, Concord grape, blueberry, and orange juices in terms of phenolic content and antioxidant activity.

SourcePOM Wonderful·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 28, 2008

Brown mathematicians prove new way to build a better estimate

Researchers have created a new class of statistical estimators called 'centroid' estimators, which allow for more accurate predictions from massive datasets. These estimators identify the most representative solution from the data, overcoming limitations of traditional methods like maximum likelihood estimation.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2008

Heightened weighing discomfort among women may increase their health risks, Penn study indicates

A new Penn study reveals that college-age females experience high levels of discomfort about being weighed in public, potentially leading to missed health tests and treatments. The study's findings suggest that women may avoid doctor visits due to embarrassment, highlighting the importance of private weighing for improved health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAppetite·DateFeb 28, 2008

Capturing sunlight

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that uses indoline dye and ionic liquid to improve efficiency. The cells achieve an energy conversion yield of 7.2%, a record for this type of cell, and could potentially lead to more affordable renewable energy.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 28, 2008

Electronic structure of DNA revealed for 1st time by Hebrew University and collaborating researchers

Researchers have revealed the electronic structure of single DNA molecules, shedding light on their electronic properties and potential use in nanotechnology. The discovery has significant implications for understanding DNA damage and repair mechanisms, as well as the development of new DNA decoding technologies.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2008

Dirty space and supernovae

Researchers at Carnegie Institution find unusual new form of carbon in meteorites, which could affect measurements of the universe's expansion and dark energy models. The discovery may have implications for understanding Type1a supernovae and the accelerating expansion of the universe.

Autoantibodies and neuropsychiatric events in lupus

A global research alliance found associations between anti-ribosomal P antibodies and psychosis, as well as lupus anticoagulant and cerebrovascular disease in SLE patients. The study identified potential biomarkers for neuropsychiatric events, but future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 28, 2008