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Science News Archive November 2008 - Page 3


Page 3 of 20

Tiny protein provokes healthy bonding between cells

A team of researchers found that a tiny protein called alpha-catenin is essential for forming strong bonds between cells. Cancer cells with dysfunctional alpha-catenin can break free and spread the disease, but scientists may be able to develop therapies to repair or replace this protein and prevent cancer's progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Researchers recreate SARS virus, open door for potential defenses against future strains

Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University Medical Center successfully recreated the bat variant of the SARS coronavirus, a major step forward in developing effective vaccines and treatments. The research could help prevent future outbreaks by identifying key pathways in virus emergence.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Drink brewed tea to avoid tooth erosion

A study published in the Academy of General Dentistry journal found that brewed tea has a lower erosive effect on teeth compared to soft drinks and acidic juices. The study suggests that drinking brewed tea can help prevent tooth erosion, which can wear away the enamel and lead to irreversible damage.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateNov 25, 2008

NIST 'stress tests' probe nanoscale strains in materials

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a way to measure low levels of stress in semiconductor devices as small as 10 nanometers across. By combining two techniques - electron back scattered diffraction and confocal Raman microscopy - they resolved the long-standing disagreement between two widely used methods of stress measurement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 25, 2008

Synthetic virus supports a bat origin for SARS

Researchers have generated a synthetic SARS-like bat coronavirus that is infectious in cultured cells and mice, identifying pathways by which a bat coronavirus may have adapted to infect humans. The findings provide a model approach for rapid identification, analysis, and public health responses to future natural or intentional virus e...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Do you know you're having a stroke?

A Mayo Clinic study found that most stroke patients do not identify their symptoms correctly, leading to delayed medical attention. The delay can result in further damage and reduced recovery outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateNov 25, 2008

Annual report to the nation finds declines in cancer incidence and death rates

The report reveals declines in cancer incidence and death rates across the US, with some states experiencing significant variations in lung cancer trends. These findings underscore the need to strengthen tobacco control programs and accelerate efforts to prevent or reduce the occurrence of kidney and liver cancers.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 2008

Solar-powered sea-slugs live like plants, prof says

Researchers have discovered that sea slugs can survive and thrive using a process similar to photosynthesis, harnessing solar power from tiny organelles called plastids. The slug's ability to retain these plastids allows it to convert sunlight into food, enabling it to make its own sustenance like plants.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Pelvic lymphadenectomy does not improve survival in early stage endometrial cancer

A randomized trial found that systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy did not improve disease-free or overall survival in women with stage I endometrial cancer. Lymphadenectomy was associated with improved surgical staging and detection of disease spread to pelvic lymph nodes, but no therapeutic benefit.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 25, 2008

Health care reform: No revolution in sight

A new study of 21 countries reveals that public attitudes toward government involvement in health care vary widely, but ultimately support a role for the state in ensuring access. The findings suggest that any major overhaul of health care systems is unlikely due to cultural and historical factors.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 24, 2008

Putting a green cap on garbage dumps

Growing plants and trees on landfills can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by four to five times. Phytocapping also cuts the cost of landfill remediation in half and provides biodiversity corridors. The technique uses a layer of top soil and dense vegetation to trap methane and water.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Technology and Management·DateNov 24, 2008

Phycology in China

Phycologists and algal biotechnologists in China are addressing pressing issues in algae research, including resource exhaustion and environmental impact. The country's largest seaweed cultivation industry has become a crucial driver of innovation and growth in the field.

Mineral oil contamination in humans: A health problem?

The presence of mineral oil in edible oils and foods exceeds recommended safety limits, raising concerns about human health. Analytical campaigns are underway to address this issue and provide toxicological data for improved safety evaluation.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Lipid Science and Technology·DateNov 24, 2008

Mothers' mental games increase depressive symptoms in daughters

A new study found that African American adolescent girls whose mothers used psychological control, such as guilt trips and withdrawn affection, reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. In contrast, boys showed no such effect. The researchers suggest a need for parents to strike a balance between giving children autonomy and guidi...

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateNov 24, 2008

Milagro detects cosmic ray hot spots

The Milagro collaboration has discovered two nearby regions with an unexpected excess of cosmic rays, suggesting the presence of high-energy particle acceleration near Earth. This finding is the second recent study indicating a source of galactic cosmic rays relatively close to our planet.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 24, 2008

Superglue from the sea

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a synthetic version of sandcastle worm glue, which has shown promise in repairing shattered bone fragments. The glue performs 37% as well as commercial superglue in lab tests and may be used to align small bone fragments in joints and the face before they heal.

Ameobas: Keeping it in the family

In a breakthrough study, researchers discovered that social amoebas form multi-cellular organisms with genetically similar 'kin' to ensure survival. By aggregating based on genetic similarity rather than true kinship, cells can increase their chances of reproducing and passing on their genes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 24, 2008

Prion switching in response to environmental stress

In response to environmental stress, yeast cells trigger a protein-misfolding mechanism that reveals hidden genetic variation, allowing them to adapt and evolve rapidly. This 'prion switching' enables cells to digest previously inaccessible materials, such as certain nutrients and antibiotics, without prior genetic mutation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 24, 2008