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Science News Archive July 2008 - Page 8


Page 8 of 20

Closing the hydrogen economic loop

Ovshinsky explains that we have the means to produce hydrogen from renewable resources in a sustainable way and store it effectively. This technology enables the entire loop of hydrogen generation, storage, and use to be carried out now.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nuclear Hydrogen Production and Applications·DateJul 21, 2008

WikiPathways gives the people the power to curate

The new resource allows users to view, store, and edit biological pathway information, leveraging collective expertise to facilitate content collection and curation. WikiPathways provides a wealth of annotated information, maximizing the value of biological data and supporting future hypotheses and discoveries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 21, 2008

Researchers find key to saving the world's lakes

A 37-year experiment on Lake 227 found that controlling nitrogen levels does not correct polluted lakes and may exacerbate the issue. The study's results contradict EU practices and previous research, highlighting the severity of cultural eutrophication globally.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Ultrasonic frogs can tune their ears to different frequencies

Researchers discovered an unusual frog species that can actively select sound frequencies, tuning in to specific sounds like a radio. The 'Odorrana tormota' frog's eardrums respond differently depending on the Eustachian tubes' opening state, allowing it to filter out background noise and focus on ultrasonic calls.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Microbes beneath sea floor genetically distinct

Researchers discovered that microbes beneath the sea floor are genetically distinct and dominate life's biomass, with a unique metabolism and slow growth rate. The study found that these microbes could survive major Earth impacts and potentially be a reservoir of novel genetic material.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2008

Montreal researchers prove that insulin-producing cells can give rise to stem-like cells in-vitro

Montreal researchers have shown that insulin-producing β-cells can dedifferentiate into stem-like cells, a key finding with implications for regenerative therapies and the development of innovative treatments. The study's results validate the potential of a peptide called INGAP to induce new islet formation in the pancreas.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalLaboratory Investigation·DateJul 21, 2008

The genetics of the white horse unraveled

A study by Uppsala University has identified the genetic mutation responsible for white horses' coats and found a link to an increased risk of melanoma. The dominant Greying with age mutation is shared among Grey horses, suggesting a common ancestor lived thousands of years ago.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 20, 2008

Averting postsurgical infections in kids: Give antibiotics within hour before first incision

A Johns Hopkins study found that giving children preventive antibiotics within one hour of spinal surgery significantly reduces the risk of serious infections. The study, published in Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, suggests that timely prophylaxis is crucial in preventing complications and reducing hospital stays.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateJul 18, 2008

CSHL scientists correlate enzyme expression levels with chemotherapy drug response

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified Top2A and Top1 enzymes as significant contributors to chemotherapy drug resistance. The team developed a novel screening technique to investigate the genetic basis of cancer therapy response, which could be applied widely to explore genetic mechanisms underlying drug resistance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2008

Molecular hula hoop

Japanese researchers successfully observed individual molecular rotors caught in motion using a novel microscopy technique. The study focused on rotaxanes, two-part molecular systems that rotate around an axis, revealing rapid rotational and vibrational motion when wet.

SourceWiley·DateJul 18, 2008

Standards in stem cell research

New research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council explores standards in stem cell research, balancing scientist autonomy with data comparability. The study suggests that standardizing practices could lead to automation technologies, but also raises concerns about exclusivity and robustness.

Iceberg scour affects biodiversity

A new study suggests that iceberg scouring in Antarctic waters is increasing, posing a significant threat to marine life. The duration of winter sea ice has dramatically declined over the past few decades, leading to more frequent iceberg disturbances on the seabed.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2008

Heart attack not a death sentence

A study published in Critical Care journal found that patients who survive cardiac arrest without severe neurological disabilities can expect fair long-term survival and good quality of life. The allocation of resources to treat heart attack patients is equally justified as other intensive care patient groups, according to the research.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJul 17, 2008