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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 10


Page 10 of 277

A new kind of micro-mobility

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method for moving tiny objects using magnetic fields, mimicking the motion of cilia in cells. The system could provide precise control over liquids and particles, enabling virtual microfluidics and potentially advancing biomedical screening and medical diagnostics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2009

DNA needs a good editor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new mechanism for DNA packaging that affects RNA splicing, leading to differences in protein production. This finding has significant implications for disease diagnosis and treatment, including the development of innovative drug therapies.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 14, 2009

Hypoxia increases as climate warms

A new study finds that offshore waters off the Chilean coast experienced systematic oxygen depletion during the rapid warming of the Antarctic following the last glacial maximum. The research suggests that climate change may be contributing to outbreaks of hypoxia along the near-shore regions of South America and the Pacific Northwest.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 14, 2009

Influenza in Africa should not be ignored

Influenza is circulating in Africa, causing sporadic outbreaks and potentially severe epidemics due to inadequate surveillance. The authors argue that improved monitoring is needed to accurately assess the burden of influenza in tropical countries like Africa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 14, 2009

Study finds significantly worse outcomes in cancer patients with cognitive impairment

A new study found that cancer patients with dementia have a lower survival rate than those without dementia, even after controlling for age, tumor type, and stage. Patients with mild cognitive impairment can still live independently for nearly four and a half years, while those with moderate to severe dementia have an average survival ...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCritical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology·DateDec 14, 2009

Myopia appears to have become more common

Researchers found a statistically significant increase in myopia prevalence among US participants from 1971 to 2004, with higher rates observed in younger individuals. The study suggests that modifiable risk factors for myopia development could lead to the creation of cost-effective intervention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 14, 2009

Characteristics of ultrafine particles from an engine fueled

This study investigates the effects of low sulfur diesel fuel on ultrafine particle emissions from a compression-ignition engine. The results show that the fuel reduces both mass concentration and number concentration of particles, which can help mitigate respiratory problems. The composition of nanoparticles emitted from ordinary dies...

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateDec 14, 2009

Genetic link to heart failure

A team of researchers has identified 12 genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene associated with heart failure. The study found a block of 12 genetic variants linked to heart failure in a large group of individuals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2009

NIH-funded study unveils potential genetic links to lung disease risk

A new NIH-funded study has uncovered several DNA sequences linked to impaired pulmonary function, providing insight into mechanisms of lung capacity and potentially leading to better understanding of diseases like asthma and COPD. The findings may help develop new interventions to manage lung diseases and improve mortality rates.

New genes for lung disease discovered

Scientists have identified five genetic variants associated with lung health, providing new insights into the molecular basis of lung diseases. These findings hold promise for developing targeted treatments for conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 13, 2009

Newly identified enzymes help plants sense elevated CO2 and could lead to water-wise crops

Biologists have discovered plant enzymes that enable plants to respond more efficiently to elevated carbon dioxide levels. This discovery could lead to the development of drought-resistant crops with improved water efficiency. The research found that specific proteins called carbonic anhydrases play a crucial role in this process.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 13, 2009

Yellowstone's plumbing exposed

Researchers have imaged Yellowstone's plumbing using seismic waves, revealing a plume of hot rock rising from the northwest at a depth of at least 410 miles. The new findings suggest a larger magma chamber than previously thought, potentially leading to an even more catastrophic eruption.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateDec 13, 2009

The Queen and I

Scientists found that autistic brains show less activity when processing self-relevant information, unlike typical brains. This atypical response may contribute to social difficulties in individuals with autism, impacting their ability to navigate relationships and develop social skills.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateDec 13, 2009