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Science News for October 22, 2008


Earlier global warming produced a whole new form of life

Researchers have discovered a new species of microorganism that thrived 55 million years ago during a period of abrupt global warming. The 'giant' magnetofossils, which are up to eight times larger than previously known ones, provide valuable insights into the potential effects of significant climate changes on life.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2008

The great crash of 2008

The UK economy is expected to contract in the second half of 2008, with a forecasted GDP decline of 0.9% in 2009 and consumer spending declining by 3.4%. The financial sector crisis will spread to the wider economy through credit rationing, caution among firms and consumers, and reduced equity prices.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalNational Institute Economic Review·DateOct 22, 2008

Caltech geobiologists discover unique 'magnetic death star' fossil

Researchers found giant magnetic crystals, unlike anything previously seen, in fossil layers deposited during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, an ancient global-warming event. The unique 'Magnetic Death Star' fossils provide insights into radical environmental transformation and may hold clues for understanding future climate change.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2008

New research could save lives and millions of dollars

A new protocol, PAST, reduces pre-hospital delays for stroke patients, increasing those treated with thrombolytic therapy from 4.7% to 21.4%. The protocol could save an estimated $31.2 million annually by enabling more patients to receive brain-saving treatment within the three-hour window.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateOct 22, 2008

Childhood environmental health

The World Health Organization and Boston University team highlights the urgent need to assess environmental burdens on children's health. Childhood exposure to pollution, toxins, and poor sanitation leads to diseases like diarrheal illnesses, lower respiratory infections, and malaria.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Health·DateOct 22, 2008

New hope for multiple sclerosis sufferers

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that alemtuzumab may not only stop MS from advancing but also restore lost functions in patients. The study found that alemtuzumab reduces attacks by 74% and disability accumulation by 71% compared to a current treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2008

Mapping a clan of mobile selfish genes

A study mapped the clan of mobile selfish genes Alu retrotransposons in the human genome, revealing that around 10,000 elements are still capable of jumping around and posing a major threat to human genetics. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of these elements and their potential impact on personalized genomics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 22, 2008

Effective anti-tobacco ads should either scare or disgust viewers, MU study reveals

A new study from the University of Missouri found that anti-tobacco ads focusing on either fear or disgust increase attention and memory in viewers. However, ads combining both elements decrease viewers' attention and memory. The researchers suggest that the combination of fear and disgust can make an ad 'too noxious' for the viewer.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Communication·DateOct 22, 2008

Seeing red -- in the number 7

A new study by UCL researchers suggests that hypnosis can induce synaesthetic experiences in people without extra brain connections. They used posthypnotic suggestion to show that non-synesthetes could experience digit-colour synaesthesia, reporting similar experiences as real synaesthetes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 22, 2008

Researchers show how to 'stamp' nanodevices with rubber molds

Cornell researchers develop a cost-effective method to create nanoscale devices by manipulating fluid droplets and using silicone rubber molds. The technique allows for the production of various architectures, including wires, disks, squares, triangles, and superlattices, with potential applications in computer memory and photonics.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 22, 2008

JDRF to provide $1M in funding to SmartCells, Inc.

SmartCells' SmartInsulin is a once-a-day, glucose-regulated insulin that maintains continuous blood glucose control while reducing hypoglycemia risk. JDRF's $1M funding supports preclinical safety and efficacy testing for this treatment, aiming to improve patient safety and quality of life.

SourceJDRF·DateOct 22, 2008

Scientists unwrap the elements of life

Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered a mechanism that ensures the correct metal binds to proteins, which has potential applications in synthetic biology and treating diseases such as Alzheimer's. The research found that protein folding location determines metal binding, revealing new insights into protein-metal interactions.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2008

Seeing a brain as it learns to see

A Duke University research team observed a naïve brain organizing itself to interpret images of motion for the first time. The study revealed that individual neurons develop specific responses and become organized into functional assemblies called cortical columns.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateOct 22, 2008

Streamlining brain signals for speed and efficacy

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that the signal transmission between neurons in the brain stem, which controls balance and breathing, is linear, unlike most other signals. The study sheds light on the mechanisms controlling these vital functions and may lead to new biotherapeutic agents.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateOct 22, 2008

UK teen suicide rates on the decline

Suicide rates among UK teens aged 10-19 decreased by 28%, particularly among males, who experienced a 35% drop. Young males are more likely to commit suicide than females, with three times the rate of female adolescents.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateOct 22, 2008

Gene mutation in worms key to alcohol tolerance

Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring gene mutation in worms leads to reduced sensitivity to alcohol's effects, enabling the body to consume more without adverse reactions. The study suggests potential applications in identifying individuals with a predisposition to alcoholism.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateOct 22, 2008

How eating fruit and vegetables can improve cancer patients' response to chemotherapy

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that apigenin, a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables, improves cancer cells' response to chemotherapy. By localizing tumor suppressor p53 in the cell nucleus, apigenin facilitates cell death and stops tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2008

NC State study shows limits of using 'war on terror' to promote government policies

A new NC State University study reveals that ordinary people can work together to oppose the government's definition of a crisis and show how its actions undermine their American way of life. The study shows that defined as patriotic, common-sense citizens, opponents built a more credible connection to a patriotic American ethos.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSouthern Communication Journal·DateOct 22, 2008