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Science News for February 8, 2008


Discovery of good -- and bad -- liver stem cells raises possibility of new treatment

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered both normal and abnormal liver stem cells, which may provide a new target for experimental treatment. The study found that blocking the stat3 gene was effective in preventing liver cancer in mice, opening up new possibilities for treating this devastating disease.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2008

New finding may help explain development of preeclampsia

A study of pregnant women with preeclampsia found elevated levels of a peptide that raises blood pressure, potentially explaining its development. The researchers hope the findings may lead to treatment for preeclampsia by targeting specific tissues.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalHYPERTENSION·DateFeb 8, 2008
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Case links death to environmental tobacco smoke

A Michigan State University physician reports the first nationally documented death from acute asthma caused by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in a bar employee. The case highlights the need for legal protections against ETS in workplaces, particularly for vulnerable employees with pre-existing conditions like asthma.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2008

ECNP launches research grant for young scientists

The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) offers a unique opportunity for young scientists to expand their knowledge and skills by working on scientific projects. The ECNP Research Grant for Young Scientists provides up to €50,000 funding for projects in neuropsychopharmacology or closely related disciplines.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·DateFeb 8, 2008

Studying rivers for clues to global carbon cycle

A Northwestern University professor is studying rivers to understand how organic carbon is processed and consumed by microorganisms, revealing that it's a bigger component of global carbon cycling than thought. The study provides a framework for assessing these processes and sheds light on the internal cycling of carbon in rivers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 2008

A dangerous transition: High school to the first year of college

A study found that young women who increased their drinking during the high school-to-college transition were more likely to experience physical and sexual victimization. The majority of freshmen women did not experience any victimization, but those who drank alcohol had substantially higher rates of physical and sexual assault.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateFeb 8, 2008
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Workplace autopilot threatens security risk perception

A study by University of Leeds researchers found that human psychology and automatic pilot can compromise data security. Employees tend to oversimplify risks and fail to consider consequences, leading to errors. To improve security, organisations should design systems with user involvement and implement triggers for critical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 8, 2008

Moss protein plays role in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have discovered a moss protein that may play a crucial role in preventing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that the moss protein has an evolutionary conserved function with human presenilin, suggesting that it may provide clues to its primary role in mammalian systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2008

Computer simulations strongly support new theory of Earth's core

Researchers from Uppsala University found that the body-centered cubic crystal structure of iron in the inner core explains seismic wave patterns. This discovery may impact our understanding of the earth's heat balance and magnetic field stability, opening new perspectives for studying the earth's past, present, and future.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2008
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Stanford researchers hear the sound of quantum drums

Researchers at Stanford University have created nanoscale drums that can resonate in the same way, despite having different shapes. This discovery has implications for spectroscopy and may lead to new designs for computer chip circuits.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2008

Exploring homicide in an international context

This special issue examines homicide rates across various countries and cultures, highlighting factors such as alcohol consumption, economic inequality, and neighborhood-level factors. The study provides insights into the complex relationships between homicide rates and these variables.

SourceSAGE·JournalHomicide Studies·DateFeb 8, 2008

Allergic-like reactions occur in premedicated patients

A recent study found that gadolinium-containing contrast agents can cause allergic-like reactions in premedicated patients, including children and adults. Pre-medication with corticosteroids and antihistamines may not completely eliminate the risk of breakthrough reactions.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateFeb 8, 2008