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Science News Archive May 2008


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Genetics of ALS progression

ALS researchers have identified a molecular pathway where mutated SOD1 leads to accumulation of malformed proteins in motor neurons, causing ER stress and cell death. Inactivating key factors in this pathway may mitigate neurodegeneration and prolong survival in mouse models.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 31, 2008

Researchers pinpoint gene mutations responsible for 10 percent of schizophrenia

A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center researchers has identified rare spontaneous copy number mutations in the genomes of individuals with schizophrenia, accounting for at least 10% of non-familial cases. These genetic mutations were found to be present in affected individuals but not in their biological parents.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 30, 2008

Research measures movement of nanomaterials in simple model food chain

A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigated the dietary accumulation, elimination, and toxicity of fluorescent quantum dots in a simplified food chain. The researchers found that while the nanomaterials were transferred across the food chain, they did not accumulate in higher organisms.

How about dessert?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers with highly developed emotional sensibilities are better at making product choices. The authors developed a scale to assess consumer emotional ability, which predicts overeating and other unhealthy behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 30, 2008

Stretchy spider silks can be springs or rubber

Spider silk exhibits different mechanical properties based on its amino acid composition, with proline-rich silks behaving like rubber bands and low-proline silks acting as rigid springs. The presence of proline affects the silk's hydration level, causing some silks to shrink and swell more than others.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 30, 2008

Yale researchers clear up Alzheimer's plaques in mice

Researchers at Yale University have successfully cleared up Alzheimer's plaques in mice by blocking a common immune system response, enabling treated mice to recover lost memory. The breakthrough could one day lead to the development of new dementia medications that can safely cross the blood-brain barrier.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 30, 2008

Self-assembled viruses

Researchers have developed artificial viruses that can transport genes and drugs into cancer cells, eliminating immune responses and potential side effects. The viruses are self-assembled using a ribbon-like protein structure, allowing for precise control over their size and shape.

SourceWiley·DateMay 30, 2008

Golf prolongs life

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that golfers have a lower death rate than non-golfers, with a 5-year increase in life expectancy. Golfing, especially with a low handicap, has beneficial health effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMay 30, 2008

Smoking during pregnancy increases risk of SIDS

A new study links smoking during pregnancy to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) with the strongest causal link yet. The research found that prenatal cigarette smoke exposure can increase the likelihood of gasp-like respiration and prolong breathing time after hypoxia, placing infants at higher risk for SIDS.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 30, 2008

Did walking on 2 feet begin with a shuffle?

Researchers at University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University propose that shuffling emerged as a precursor to bipedal behavior to conserve metabolic energy. For distances less than 30 feet, shuffling would be efficient, while longer distances would favor all fours.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateMay 29, 2008

Rewriting Greenland's immigration history

New DNA analysis reveals that the original immigrants to Greenland came from a Siberian population, contradicting previous assumptions about their origins. The study found mitochondrial DNA similarities between ancient Greenlandic hair and eastern Siberia, suggesting a migration route via Alaska and Canada.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateMay 29, 2008