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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 58


Page 58 of 277

Scientists demonstrate link between genetic defect and brain changes in schizophrenia

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered a genetic lesion associated with schizophrenia disrupts brain development, altering neuron numbers and GABAergic cell placement. This finding supports the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, offering new avenues for understanding the disease's molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2009

New concept may enhance Earth-Mars communication

Researchers propose a solution to the crucial problem of ensuring reliable radio communication between Mars and Earth during solar alignments. A pair of communication relay satellites in B-orbits equipped with electric ion propulsion can 'hover' over points leading and trailing Mars' orbit, providing full-time communications.

TraDIS technique tackles typhoid

Researchers used a novel high-throughput analysis technique to study every gene in Salmonella Typhi, revealing that only 356 genes are necessary for its survival. The TraDIS method has the potential to accelerate the discovery of new targets for treatment and improve our understanding of bacterial disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateOct 16, 2009

Cassini helps redraw shape of solar system

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University present a new view of the region of the sun's influence, suggesting that the heliosphere may not have a comet-like shape. The Cassini spacecraft's images reveal that particle pressure and magnetic field energy density control the shape of the heliosphere.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2009

Blue highways

Researchers led by Williams College Professor Anne Skinner investigate the lifestyle of humans living near the Nile tributaries during the Middle Stone Age. The study focuses on water resources concentrated near riverbanks during seasonal dry periods, and the site may have been a refuge during climate stress.

NIH launches second phase of patient reported outcomes initiative

The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to further develop and test the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), a tool that assesses pain, fatigue, and other aspects of quality of life in a standardized manner. The second phase of PROMIS aims to strengthen assessment of patient-reported outcomes ...

How the Moon produces its own water

The Moon absorbs electrically charged particles to produce water, confirming a key process on the lunar surface. The discovery enables scientists to create images of the Moon and other airless bodies using hydrogen atoms as tracers.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateOct 15, 2009

Quantum computer chips now 1 step closer to reality

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a method to fabricate quantum devices using conventional chip-making techniques, enabling the creation of ultra-low-power computer chips and high-resolution cameras. The development could lead to significant advancements in fields such as medical imaging, security, and public safety.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateOct 15, 2009

Gene linked with human kidney aging

Researchers from Stanford University and colleagues have discovered a gene associated with human kidney aging, revealing new insights into the aging process. The study used sequential transcriptional profiling and eQTL mapping to identify genetic variants linked to kidney aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 15, 2009