Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 13, 2008


Scientists associate 6 new genetic variants with heart disease risk factor

A genome-wide study has identified 18 DNA variants associated with blood lipid levels, including six new regions never before linked to cholesterol and triglycerides. These findings hold promise for predicting genetic risk of heart disease and identifying novel targets for cholesterol-lowering therapies.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 2008

Study suggests genetic connection between short stature and arthritis

A new study confirms a connection between decreased height and increased risk of osteoarthritis, suggesting that genetic variants may play a role in both conditions. The research analyzed the genomes of over 35,000 people and identified a variant associated with an average difference in height of about 0.4 centimeters.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 2008

Unusual fish-eating dinosaur had crocodile-like skull

Researchers used computer modeling to show Baryonyx's skull bent and stretched like a crocodile's while eating, revealing it was a fish-eater despite its dinosaur appearance. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of this unusual creature.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJan 13, 2008
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study locates cholesterol genes; finds surprises about good, bad cholesterol

A international study of 20,000 people identified seven new genes associated with good cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides, while confirming the role of bad cholesterol (LDL) in heart disease. The findings suggest that genetic variants influencing HDL levels are not directly linked to lower risk of coronary artery disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 2008

Antarctic ice loss

Research from the University of Bristol finds Antarctic ice loss is concentrated at narrow glacier outlets, driven by accelerating ice flow, and may dominate the ice sheet mass budget. The study estimates a total loss of 192 billion tonnes of ice over the past decade.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 13, 2008

Researchers uncover new piece to the puzzle of human height

A new study found evidence that common genetic variants linked to osteoarthritis may also play a minor role in human height. The variants, associated with an average difference of about 0.4 cm, lie in the region of the GDF5 gene, which influences cartilage development and bone growth.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 2008

U of M researchers create beating heart in laboratory

Scientists at the University of Minnesota Center for Cardiovascular Repair successfully grew a functioning beating heart by reseeding dead rat and pig hearts with live cells. The decellularization process shows promise for creating transplantable blood vessels or whole organs made from a patient's own cells.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 13, 2008
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.