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Science News for October 29, 2008


Candidate markers for gastric cancer

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology has identified twenty-three differentially expressed proteins between gastric cancer and normal tissues, serving as potential candidate markers. These biomarkers may aid in early diagnosis, treatment targets, and patient prognosis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 29, 2008

A glacier's life

Researchers have developed a numerical model to recreate the Rhône Glacier's state in 1874 and predict its future evolution. The model predicts a significant increase in equilibrium line altitude due to climate change, leading to a 50% loss of volume by 2060 and complete disappearance by 2100.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateOct 29, 2008

Gender affects perceptions of infidelity

A new study explores how men and women perceive online and offline sexual and emotional infidelity, finding that men felt sexual infidelity was more upsetting and women felt emotional infidelity was more upsetting. The results also reveal differences in beliefs about sex and love between men and women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateOct 29, 2008

Researchers find new chemical key that could unlock hundreds of new antibiotics

Scientists at the University of Warwick have found a novel signalling molecule that could stimulate hundreds of new antibiotic pathways in up to 50% of Streptomyces bacteria. The discovery was made using NMR technology and genome mining, and has potential to unlock new antibiotics to combat growing bacterial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2008

Predicting boom and bust ecologies

A University of Calgary researcher has uncovered fundamental rules governing population cycles in natural systems, shedding light on the balancing act between stability and dramatic swings. The study reveals how food availability affects juvenile growth in populations, explaining different types of cycles in predator-prey systems.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2008

Global methane levels on the rise again

After eight years of near-zero growth, global methane concentrations have resumed their increase, potentially offsetting the slowing growth rate of carbon dioxide. Methane is a key greenhouse gas, accounting for nearly 20% of global warming since the industrial revolution.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2008

Researchers find aggressive phototherapy can improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in some preemies

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that aggressive phototherapy reduced the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants. The treatment, which involves starting phototherapy early and maintaining it until bilirubin levels are low, showed a 14% reduction in impaired outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 29, 2008

Genetic link to gender identity

Researchers discovered a significant genetic link between male to female transsexuals and a longer version of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, which modifies testosterone action. This study provides evidence for a biological basis of how gender identity develops.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2008

Well-known drug (AAT) could overcome obstacles to islet transplantation, BGU professor reports

Researchers have discovered that alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) can eliminate inflammation in diabetic animals after islet transplantation, allowing the transplanted cells to survive and function for over 120 days. This breakthrough could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for type-1 diabetes patients.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2008

Vaginal/Caesarean combo delivery of twins safe, UT Southwestern-led research finds

A two-year study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining a vaginal delivery with a Caesarean section for the second twin is generally safe. The researchers compared over 1,000 women who underwent this procedure and found that it was associated with a slightly higher risk of infection, but this risk was easily treated.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 29, 2008

Households significantly reduce electricity use when prices rise

A study found that households in California reduced their electricity use by 13% when prices rose, but returned to previous levels once prices fell. Public informational campaigns also played a significant role in conserving energy, with households reducing their use by an additional 7%.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateOct 29, 2008

Play at your own risk

A new study by Dr. Navah Ratzon found that amateur athletes are at risk of musculoskeletal problems due to the intensity and repetitive movements involved in their sport. To prevent such damage, experts advise incorporating stretching, balancing exercises, and proper rest into daily routines.

Metal hazard from table wines

A meta-analysis found that many wines contain high levels of metal ions, exceeding the safe threshold and posing potential health risks. The study suggests that these metals may contribute to neurological problems, oxidative damage, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateOct 29, 2008

Caltech-led researchers find negative cues from appearance alone matter for real elections

A Caltech-led study found that voters' brain responses to politicians' appearances, particularly negative aspects, play a significant role in determining election outcomes. The research suggests that negative evaluations based on appearance may influence which candidate will lose an election, more so than positive evaluations.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 29, 2008

A card-swipe for medical tests

Researchers have developed a prototype card-swipe device that can test for dozens of diseases simultaneously, detecting as few as 800 microscopic particles. The device uses giant magnetoresistance technology, similar to hard drive reads, and could lead to fast and affordable diagnosis in medical settings.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2008