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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 44


Page 44 of 277

New genetic cause of a fatal immune disorder

Researchers have discovered a new genetic cause of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 5, a fatal immune disorder. The condition is caused by mutations in the Munc18-2 gene, leading to impaired release of death-inducing molecules from immune cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

The terrible teens of T. rex

Researchers discovered that adolescent tyrannosaurs, including the late juvenile T. rex Jane, engaged in intense combat, as evidenced by puncture wounds on her face. The injuries suggest that Jane was attacked by a fellow young dinosaur, possibly over dominance or territorial disputes.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalPalaios·DateNov 2, 2009

Green is cool, but US land changes generally are not

A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Purdue University found that most land-use changes contribute to warming, except for conversion to agricultural use, which results in relative cooling. The study used a novel analytical approach called OMR and confirmed its robustness.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateNov 2, 2009

Obesity significantly increases side effects of stereotactic body radiation therapy in lung cancer patients

A new study finds that obesity and diabetes increase the risk of chest pain and skin reactions after stereotactic body radiation therapy. Patients who receive a high dose of radiation to cancer close to the chest wall are more likely to experience these side effects, highlighting the need for further research into reducing radiation-re...

Glaciers subject of 3 Penn State grants

Researchers aim to correlate seismic activity with glacier slip using pump tests and measurements of natural seismicity. The projects focus on stability of ice stream grounding zones and role of active subglacial lakes in ice sheet loss.

Disrupting male fertility

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying the harmful effects of DES on male testis development and function. Neonatal exposure to DES leads to reduced fertility in mice, with NR0B2 deficiency protecting against these effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

Navy researchers apply science to fire fighting

Navy scientists have successfully tested high expansion foam as a fire suppression system, finding it effective in fighting fires in obstructed spaces. The Navy is also developing alternative firefighting agents, including propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT), to replace halon systems and provide weight-saving options for fu...

New insights into Australia's unique platypus

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have published unique research data on the world's only monotremes, providing new light on the platypus sex chromosome system. The team discovered a complex mechanism where sex chromosomes pair during sperm development in platypus.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian Journal of Zoology·DateNov 2, 2009

Modified Bluetooth speeds up telemedicine

A modified version of the Bluetooth wireless protocol enables faster patient data transfer, reducing connectivity problems in telemedicine. This allows for quicker medical image transfers, such as CT scans, to healthcare providers' personal digital assistants.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateNov 2, 2009

Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery

Meniscal tears in children can often be repaired successfully with appropriate treatment, with a high success rate of 75-90%. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications and promote long-term health. Diagnosing meniscal tears requires simple physical exams and imaging tests, such as MRI, to accurately assess the injury.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateNov 2, 2009

Sleep apnea therapy improves golf game

A new study found that golfers with obstructive sleep apnea who received nasal positive airway pressure (NPAP) treatment improved their daytime sleepiness scores and lowered their golf handicap by as much as three strokes. The study suggests that the possibility of improving one's golf game may be a significant motivator to improve NPA...

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 2, 2009

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying DES-induced male infertility in mice, which may be linked to increased incidence of human reproductive disorders. The study found that neonatal exposure to DES disrupts the protein NR0B2, leading to reduced fertility and protected males against negative effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

Pitt, US Army team designs new strategy to find drugs to treat neglected infection

A team of researchers from Pitt and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have identified compounds that hold promise for treating leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection affecting millions worldwide. The newly developed strategy, called HILCES, uses high-throughput screening to identify effective drug candidates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 2, 2009