Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 20, 2008


Scientists identify genes linked to lupus in women

Researchers have identified multiple genes associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, a devastating autoimmune disease that affects 1-2 million Americans. The study found associations with ITGAM, KIAA1542, and PXK genes, as well as SNP rs10798269.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 20, 2008

Steps toward stopping autoimmune disease

A landmark genetic study identified multiple genes linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain and blood. The findings will ultimately lead to new therapies and earlier diagnosis, with 13 strong candidates supported by data that are 99% accurate.

SourceAlliance for Lupus Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 20, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study: Brain connections strengthen during waking hours, weaken during sleep

New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that synapses, nerve cell connections central to brain plasticity, are strong when awake and weak when asleep. This challenges the widely-held idea that sleep is essential for consolidating information through synaptic strengthening.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 20, 2008

First evidence of under-ice volcanic eruption in Antarctica

Scientists have discovered evidence of a subglacial volcano beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which erupted around 2000 years ago. The discovery provides vital insights into the ice sheet's dynamics and its potential impact on sea-level rise.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 20, 2008

DNA variations signal lupus risk

Scientists have identified nine DNA variants that increase lupus risk in women, providing a potential diagnostic tool for early detection. The study, published in Nature Genetics, highlights the importance of genetic factors in lupus susceptibility and may lead to new treatments and a cure.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 20, 2008

Captive carnivores not up to wild living

A study by the University of Exeter found that only 30% of captive-born carnivores survive in the wild, with most deaths caused by humans. The research highlights the need for conservation projects to better prepare animals for living in their natural environment.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 20, 2008
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Ultrasound operator expertise crucial to decreasing the number of major ovarian cancer operations

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that high-quality pre-operative ultrasound examinations can significantly decrease the number of unnecessary major surgical operations on women with suspected ovarian cancer. Experts' accuracy rates were 95%, while routine operators' accuracy was lower. Increasing ultrasound expertise is k...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 20, 2008

New technology sharpens X-ray vision

Researchers developed a novel method to produce dark-field x-ray images using nanostructured gratings, enabling diagnosis of osteoporosis, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. This technology can be adapted to existing medical equipment, improving image clarity and sensitivity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 20, 2008

Genes linked with lupus are revealed, giving hope for new treatments

Scientists have identified a number of genes involved in Lupus, a complex condition that frequently causes skin rash, joint pains and malaise. The study found associations with ITGAM, PXK, KIAA1542, LYN, and BLK genes, which may lead to new therapies for the disease.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 20, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Lupus in women: New genetic risk factors identified

Researchers have uncovered multiple new genetic risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood. The study found associations with three genes: ITGAM, KIAA1542, and PXK.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 20, 2008